Are You a Bored Teenager in Wichita This Summer? Here's What You Can Do

Wichita, Kansas | June 18, 2026

By Esther Showstack | Planeta Venus

Image generated with AI | Planeta Venus

To many teenagers such as myself, Wichita might seem like a dry desert, devoid of the water that is fun and entertainment, the water that fuels our lives. To some extent, this may be true, but it only depends on where you look: there are many oases in Wichita, and many fun activities to do; and in this article, I intend to show this to you, from one teenager to another.

Here I have compiled a list of activities in and around the Wichita area that are tried-and-true sources of fun. Many—if not all—of these can be very rewarding, and can be done very easily by teenagers: for example, picking peaches and other fruit is not only satisfying in that you yourself get to pick them (and for a money-smart price), but you also get to eat them when you’re done; and going skating not only is electrifyingly fun, but it also is a great way to easily get your exercise in.

Whenever I’m feeling beat down by Kansas’ relentless summer heat, the only thing I have on my mind is to go cool off. The best place to keep cool is, of course, the pool; and throughout Wichita, you can find plenty of these. One of the most thrilling of these pools is Rock River Rapids, which hosts everything from a lazy river to slides to even a lap pool. If you don’t want to be out in the sun but still want to go to the pool for some fun, Blast Off Bay, Wichita’s biggest indoor waterpark, is sure to quench your thirst. Its attractions include large slides, a surf machine, and a hot tub—which are sure to keep you busy and refreshed.

Second on the list is roller skating, which is really great at Carousel Skate. Surprisingly—and even though it doesn’t feel like it—roller skating is good exercise, despite being a lot of fun. Doing this, you’ll be killing two birds with one stone: working out while skating about at an exhilarating, rapidfire speed. Carousel accommodates for all levels, though—whether you’re a complete beginner or find skates to be just as easy to get around in as tennis shoes—so there’s no reason to feel any pressure while you’re there. At Carousel, you’re also likely to make some friends along the way.

If you’re like me, then you haven’t been to the zoo in a while: it just seems like something for kids to do, right? This summer, then, will be our summer to take a trip down memory lane—revisiting the giraffes, the sloths, and the hippos of our youth; and heading back to the Sedgwick County Zoo or Tanganyika Wildlife Park that we remember so fondly. I, for one, would love to see a giraffe this summer—I’m sure that this time, I’ll be way taller than it, and not the other way around! Additionally, the Sedgwick County Zoo has a new animal joining its ranks—or should I say, four: which is the number of baby African elephants that you are now able to see, named Bomani, Kijani, Asali, and Dakari; and who are incredibly, unbelievably, and heartwarmingly cute. Leaving in October of this year is the zoo’s Stingray Cove exhibit, where visitors can feed and pet the rays—so it’s wise to go soon, before it’s too late!

Next on the list is possibly my favorite of these activities, which is going fruit- and flower-picking at local farms. I enjoy visiting Meadowlark Farm, located in Rose Hill, KS, a scenic 30-minute drive away from town. Year-round, this farm hosts pick-your-own produce, including strawberries, peaches, pumpkins, and apples. If you happen to miss the early-summer strawberry season of May, it just so happens that in July through August—right when you’re likely to be the most bored when stuck at home—peaches are most abundant and ready for the picking. If you plan on being out of town until late in the summer, you might feel as if you are missing out, but don’t worry: Meadowlark’s apple-harvesting time of August through October is perfect for you. If Meadowlark seems a bit too far from home, then Elderslie Farm in Kechi, KS might suit you better. This farm offers blackberry picking from mid-June to mid-July, and starting May 30th, for the first time, Elderslie Farm is hosting a flower picking experience.

Not in the mood for just some fruit? Channel your inner foodie and go try some new restaurants—and even write a detailed, snooty review. Look for small local spots, places where not many people have gone, and see if they’re the hidden gem you’ve always dreamed of finding. Wichita has many good independently owned Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin restaurants, many of which have yet to receive the recognition they deserve.

This summer, let’s make the best of our time before school starts again. With these activities, I’m sure we’ll end up feeling satisfied and spent, and have many good times and memories to look back on fondly.