Become a bike racer, pond biologist, mountain climber, or pirate of the high seas as you adventure on 4.5 outdoor acres at The Kansas Children's Discovery Center! The outdoor adventure area at the premier children’s museum of Kansas features a pirate ship, treehouse, music garden, stream, bikes, trikes, wagons, challenge courses, a child-friendly zipline, giant sandbox, and more.
The space has earned national recognition as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom from the Nature Explore program. Nature Explore Outdoor Classrooms offer interactive elements such as musical instruments made of natural materials, garden and pathway areas, and natural materials for building and creating art. Open green space allows families to try a disc golf game, enjoy a picnic or relax by a steam. Paved and natural paths wind through shaded woods, revealing hidden tunnels and exciting discoveries, perfect for fueling the imaginations of little explorers.
TREEHOUSE
Explore the forest from 6-foot and 12-foot levels accessible via a climbing wall, cargo net or stairs in the uniquely-designed treehouse. more
BIKES AND TRIKES
A paved yellow trail winds through 4.5 acres for fun on wheels, with bikes, trikes and wagons for all ages. more
POND AND STREAM
A gentle, shallow, waterfall-fed stream winds nearly 100 feet down to a series of fountains, with countless opportunities for exploration. more
MUSIC GARDEN
Metal drums, swirl chimes, a mahogany xylophone, and a giant gong create this nine-piece garden of bright, charming sounds. more
PIRATE SHIP
Set sail on Seas the Day, a 25-foot wooden ship featuring portholes, a captain's wheel, a 20-foot mast and ramp entry. more
ZIPLINE
Feel the breeze on our child-friendly, 34-foot zipline! Kids ride safely from a comfortable seat using a rubber-wrapped chain. more
ROCK CLIMB
More than fifty giant limestone boulders create this 7-foot-tall natural climbing wall packed with fun finds for budding geologists. more
DINO DIG
It’s more than a day at the beach in this 840 square foot sand box filled with 45 tons of sand and hidden fossils. more
GLOBAL MOTION
Kids can climb, rotate the globe, and explore two levels in this fun-filled structure with 14 nets that can be climbed on the inside or outside. more
CHALLENGE COURSE
Four play elements provide a test of endurance and strategic planning! Can you make it through without touching the ground? more
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
A bubbling fountain waters a pollinator garden full of flowers to explore, vegetables to harvest and very hungry caterpillars to enjoy. more
ROPE COURSE
Use a series of suspended ropes to swing and climb over a topsy-turvy bridge and through the woods. more
TEXTURE KITCHEN
Become a chef and create the perfect recipe while learning math and science. more
DISCOVERY THEATRE
A stage with seating for audience members provides the perfect backdrop for Discovery Center programs and impromptu, kid-led productions. more
PATIO
Umbrellas and tables create a perfect, shaded spot to enjoy a picnic, have a conversation, or play a game. more
FUN + GAMES
There are more ways to play spread throughout the 4.5 acres! Catch a round of disc golf, play a giant game of chess, or create a chalk masterpiece. more
GO INSIDE
The Discovery Center has over 15,000 square feet indoor of serious fun. Check out our indoor exhibits.