O J Watson Park
O J Watson Park is 119 acres full of fun activities and natural beauty. Kids will love O J Watson Park — there are three playgrounds, a miniature golf course, and fun rides like a train ride and a pony ride. O J Watson Park also features a 40 acre lake, with paddle boats for rental. The lake is also fishable, if you have a Kansas fishing license.
O J Watson Park, 3022 S McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67217 (316) 529-9940
Sedgwick County Park
Sedgwick County Park is for the outdoor lovers in Wichita. The park boasts four lakes, all fishable, and the fishing is reportedly quite good. The park also has a number of hiking and walking paths, and you’re likely to spot ducks, rabbits, and other wildlife in the park. For the kids, there’s a small playground.
Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67205 (316) 943-0192
Meridian Dog Park
The Meridian Dog Park is the perfect place to spend the day with your pooch. The dog park is divided into three sections, though only two are open at a time so that the park can be maintained. The parks are divided by dog size, so your Yorkie won’t be chased around by bigger dogs. The amenities in the park are well maintained and were built recently, so don’t expect to find any dingy water fountains, and note that the doggy bags stations are well stocked.
Meridian Dog Park, 2127 N Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67203
Linwood Park
Linwood Park is the best place to find a sense of community — the park joins athletic fields to barbecue pits to the public library. Here you’ll find football, basketball, tetherball, and volleyball games alongside birthday parties and family get togethers. The park also includes a children’s playground, horseshoe courts, and a swimming pool.
Linwood Park, 1901 S Kansas St, Wichita, KS 67211 (316) 268-4361
Chisholm Creek Park
There aren’t too many amenities or special features of Chisholm Creek Park, but that is actually a welcome change, because the real draw of Chisholm Creek is the spectacular natural beauty. We recommend riding a bike to and in Chisholm Creek Park, as it is huge (282 acres), and if you’re moving a bit faster, you’ll be able to get to all of the amazing photo opportunities in Chisholm Creek.
Chisholm Creek Park, K-96 Bicycle Path, Wichita, KS 67220 (316) 942-4482
By Ross Walker