Alan S Russell, OD

The Old Cowtown Museum makes it possible to really travel back in time without the aid of a time machine! Return to the Old West as Wichita and Sedgwick County are recreated between 1865 and 1880. Take a ride in a covered wagon, dress up in the costumes of the day to take an old-style photograph, and see genuine artifacts from the era in the museum. And don't forget to see the historic buildings on your way to the gift shop to take home a memento of your time in Old Cowtown.

While exploring the city, be sure to take time out to visit a true symbol of Wichita. You'll find the Keeper of the Plains monument in the heart of the city, where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet. The statue was erected in 1974 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial.

All Star Wichita proves to be the perfect destination when you have a carload of kids who can't agree on what they want to do. All Star saves the day by offering a great selection of recreation activities like go-karts, bumper cars, bumper boats, miniature golf and a whole lot more.

How about taking a really close look at the planets and the stars? The kids will love seeing Saturn's rings through the 16-inch telescope at the Lake Afton Public Observatory. Once you go through the whole Solar System, enjoy some great interactive exhibits and attractions in the observatory's museum area. The exhibits will describe what you just saw through that ultra-powerful telescope in greater detail.