I learned my lesson early one July morning when I took my toddler to the zoo. All she did was pick up pretty rocks on the ground! I realized she didn’t care (yet) that there was a giraffe standing a few feet away.After that experience, I began thinking about her perspective rather than my own (or worse, others) and found that her favorite things to do were easy, and readily available here in Wichita. A walk down the sidewalk was as much an adventure as any trip to Kansas City as far as my toddler was concerned.As she grew, visiting neat places like the zoo, a dairy farm, a pumpkin patch, a mini-golf course, and a museum were more appreciated. But she still loved the simple joy of playing on a playground – even one that wasn’t fancy.So I learned to appreciate them too. Wichita has some beautiful parks and playgrounds. Some have train rides, mini golf, kayaks, free zoo, zip lines, and more. The best part is ALL of these parks are FREE to visit (some of the rides might cost extra). You might also want to check out the Splash Pads in and around Wichita. Here are our top Playgrounds and Parks: O.J. Watson Park Location: 3022 S. Mclean Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67217WebsiteO.J. Watson Park is one of the largest parks in Wichita. The beautiful 119 acre site offers a rustic setting which includes a 40-acre lake for fishing, kayaking, and pedal boats. The park also offers a variety of recreational and educational programming for all ages. Check out the Parks and Recreation Website for dates, times and fees.Additional attractions: Miniature train – $4 per person Pony rides – $4 per person Kayaking and pedal boats – $4 per person Miniature golf – $4 per person 2 playgrounds – FREE 20 sand volleyball courts – $5 per hour per court (minimum 3 hours) Campfire circle, charcoal grills, 100 picnic tables (first come, first serve basis) Open shelters, restrooms, drinking fountains Community facility Concessions and bait are available at the concession facility during spring, summer, and fall. For extra savings, purchase the ride ticket book!Ride Tickets: Purchase a ride ticket for $4 for the train, pedal boats, pony rides and mini golf. Park guests can purchase a ticket book to take advantage of a discount. 6 tickets $20 20 tickets $60 40 tickets $90 100 tickets $200 200 tickets $350 OJ Watson Park. Photo: OJ Watson Park Facebook Sedgwick County Park Location: 6501 W. 21st St., North Wichita, KS 67212WebpageThis park is the largest in Wichita, with several playgrounds, 4 ponds, and several recreation buildings. Their playground, Boundless, is the best in Wichita, with swings of all kinds (including several ADA swings), 4 different play zones, and even a small slide area for toddlers covered in fake turf. The playground also has a maze that is great for small children and children with disabilities. One of my favorite features is the music zone with many unique instruments. On top of the great playground options, this park has the best-paved bikings/walking trail in Wichita, spanning a loop over 4 miles with large trees providing heavy shade and forest hiking vibes.Amenities at Sedgwick County Park: BBQ Grills Basketball Courts Paved Bike and Walking Trail Enclosed Shelters for rent Open Shelters Fishing Softball Fields Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Bocce Court Several small playgrounds Boundless Playground Photo By: Sedgwick County Riverside Park Location: 720 Nims N, Wichita, KS 67203WebsiteThis park lies in the middle of the city with a lots of shade, a slash pad, and even a wildlife exhibit! One of the most impressive attractions at this location is the splash park which is one of the most impressive in the city.Amenities at Riverside Park: Playground Splash Pad The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit Assembly Area Picnic tables Restrooms Riverside Park. Photo By: 360 Wichita LW Clapp Park Location: 4611 E Harry St., Wichita, KS LW Clapp was previously a golf course and is now an adaptive playground with a Dog Park. You can also find a large public art sculpture, walking trails, and more. Dog lovers take note: the dog park is located on the opposite end of the park at 1950 S. Bluff St. College Hill Park Location: 304 Circle Drive, Wichita KS 67218WebsiteThis park is somewhat of a hidden gem with some incredible shade trees and relaxing walking trails. There are also tennis, shuffle board, and basketball courts. Also at this park location is a City public swimming pool.Amenities at College Hill Park: Walking trails Playground with ADA swings Multi-purpose courts Shuffle Board Swimming Pools Restrooms Photo By: Wichita Parks and Rec Eastborough Park Location: 33 Willowbrook Rd, Eastborough, KSFacebook PageOne of the best features at this park is their giant blue playground made with modern equipment with varying age range activities. There is also a large walking path that is great for bikes, strollers and more. Beat the heat and hit the shade in their covered gazebo area with picnic tables.Amenities at Eastborough Park: Playground Walking/Bike path Gazebo Picnic tables Restrooms Pond Photo By: Simpson Construction Edgemore Park Location: 5815 E. 9th, 67208WebpageIf you’re a pickleball plater, this park is for you with 12 pickleball courts being one of the largest of this in the city. Also included in this location is a children’s playground, tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, and a recreation center. Another unique feature here is that they have a small skate park which is a great beginner course for any children getting into the sport.Amenities at Edgemore Park: Basketball/Multi-use Court Children’s Playground Pickleball Courts Recreation Center Ryan Woodward Memorial Skate Park Soccer Field Softball Diamond Splash Pad Tennis Courts Photo By: Visit Wichita Oak Park Location: 1100 W 11th St N, Wichita KS 67203WebpageCalling all disc-golf lovers! Oak Park has the largest disc-golf course in the area. With 37 acres of wooded path, this park is a fantastic place to take a stroll and throw a disc around. Besides the wooded areas, it also contains large open stretches of lawn, lily pond, and artificial springs and brooks. This park has proudly been designated a Wichita Wild habitat area so you are bound to catch a glimpse of some critters, too!Amenities at Oak Park: Large acreage Disc Golf Course Wooded Walking path Lily pond Wildlife habitat Photo By: Visit Wichita Pawnee Prairie Park Location: 2625 S. Tyler Wichita, KS 7209WebsiteThis playground is a nature hikers dream! Pawnee Prairie has over 400 acres of natural park land with trails that serve hikers, bicyclists and even special paths for equestrians. Families will enjoy the new playground complete with a berm slide with a covered shelter next to it. As an added bonus, the Caretakers of Pawnee Prairie Park have created a butterfly garden south of the old stables off Tyler that will be teeming with pollinators all spring and summer!Amenities at Pawnee Prairie Park: Horse Trails Horse and Pet Watering Stations Open Shelter Picnic Tables Playground Restroom Facilities Bicycle Paths Butterfly Garden Nature Trails Pawnee Prairie Park. Photo By: Pawnee Prairie Facebook Dr. Glen Dey Park (Grove Park) Location: 2801 N. Grove, Wichita KS 67219WebpageThis massive 126 acre park consists of walking and biking path and newly renovated playgrounds and basketball courts. The open shelters are recently renovated, as well, and are perfect for group gatherings. The new playground has many fun new modern equipment pieces that the children love to explore! If you haven’t seen this park in it’s new condition, its definitely one to add to your list!Amenities at Grove Park: Playground Picnic area Open shelters Restrooms Basketball courts Walking and biking path Photo By: bestquestict.com Parks Outside of Wichita: Castle Park – Augusta Location: 113 E. 6th St. Augusta, KS Read our full article about the NEW Castle Park in Augusta, KS Dalton Palmer Park – Augusta Location: Frisco Plaza, Augusta, KSWebpageThe tallest play park in the state of Kansas, this park is best for older kiddos. With zip lines, tube slides, and plenty of climbing, this is a fabulous park to work off some energy. Perfect for thrillseeking kiddos with a one-of-a-kind gravity rail that swings riders around a rollercoaster-like circular track!Amenities at Dalton Palmer Park: 30-foot tower with a 16-foot deck and 30-foot slide; two towers reaching more than 26- and 24-feet high 12-foot decks and tunnel slides; three 20-foot, fully enclosed skyways connecting at 12-feet high; each featuring a challenging climbing activity gravity rail with rollercoaster-like circular track. ADA Pour-in-Place Soft Rubber Surfacing Unique Picnic Seating Areas and Parklets Click HERE to see more about Dalton Palmer Playground Island Park Playground – Winfield Location: 200 North Main Winfield, KS 67156WebpageThis 20-acre park includes a unique spectacle of a playground featuring a customized castle entry, fire truck, barn play house, corn crib, windmill, and boat.There are also walking trails, picnic areas, and accessible restrooms. There is also a new performance stage that hosts many community events. In addition, this park has a beaut