Outdoor Classroom Rental

Space for Adventure

Get out of the house on 4.5 acres to become a bike racer, pond biologist, mountain climber, or pirate of the high seas.

Thorough Cleaning

Thorough sanitizing before and after your visit using our aqueous ozone device or appropriate medical-grade cleansers.

Support What Matters

Your $250 rental supports your community, nonprofit children's museum as we work to reopen to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent the Outdoor Classroom?
Rentals are $250 for two hours and 15 guests. All proceeds from rentals support your community, nonprofit children's museum as we work to reopen our facility to the community. Current Discovery Center members receive 10% off rentals.

How will the area be cleaned before and after my visit?
Before your visit, all high-touch areas will be thoroughly sanitized by a staff member using an aqueous ozone device or appropriate medical-grade cleansers. The staff member will wash hands frequently and wear a cloth face mask while cleaning to ensure your health and safety. Bikes, wagons, helmets and toys will be exchanged for additional sets of new, disinfected items.

How long does our rental last?
Rentals last for two hours.

Will all of the outdoor exhibits be open?
Yes! All outdoor exhibits will be open and available to interact with, including a selection of bikes and wagons. While we do have helmets available that will be disinfected prior to every rental, we do recommend bringing your own helmets if you plan to ride the bikes. Read more about what's in the Outdoor Classroom!

How many people am I allowed to bring to my rental? Can I bring friends?
The $250 rental includes 15 people, other guests may be added for the cost of regular admission. Maximum group size is dependent on current public health mandates.

How do I book a rental?
To book your rental session, please click here. You may choose your date, time, and submit payment. If you would like to book a different time than those listed, please email us at info@kansasdiscovery.org. You are responsible for ensuring any additional households attending with you complete the required waiver prior to arrival at the Discovery Center.

What is the cancellation policy?
If the Discovery Center can’t honor your rental for any reason, you will be given the opportunity to move your rental date and time or request a full refund. If you are unable to honor your rental time, you will forfeit your $50 deposit. If you or any one in your rental group has been exposed to the Covid-19 virus or are experiencing symptoms, we ask that you cancel your reservation and we will work with you to reschedule or refund your deposit. Safety is our top priority.

What happens with my rental during inclement weather?
If there is a threat of inclement weather, you will be given the opportunity to reschedule your rental for another day.

Will there be staff present during my rental?
Yes. Staff in masks will monitor the rental and providing cleaning.

What if one of our guests needs to use the restroom during our visit?
Clean, indoor restrooms are available through the North doors of the facility.

Will we be able to play inside as well?
The Discovery Center building is closed to the public. Only the Outdoor Classroom will be available during your rental.

May we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes, you may bring your own food and drinks. We ask that you throw away trash in the cans provided. There are two picnic tables available that will seat approximately six people at each. Picnic tables will be appropriately sanitized prior to your rental. There is also plenty of space for a picnic!

What else can we bring in?
You are welcome to bring items you would usually enjoy at a public park: lawn chairs, picnic blankets, toys, etc. We cannot be held responsible for items left in the Outdoor Classroom after your rental time. The Discovery Center is a weapon, smoke and alcohol free facility.

What do we do when we arrive for our rental?

  1. Please plan to arrive at the Discovery Center a few minutes before your rental time. You may park in the angled parking spots on the north side of the building, near the storage shed.
  2. Call the main number at 785-783-8300 and let us know you are there for your rental.
  3. A staff member will exit the building to unlock the gate. Please do not exit your vehicle(s) until you see the staff person re-enter the building.
  4. Once the staff member has returned to the building, your household may enter the gate.
  5. Please have everyone in your group wash their hands at the hand washing station inside the gate prior to playing.
  6. Staff will make an announcement 15 minutes prior to the end of your rental as well as at the end of your rental.
  7. Please exit promptly at the end of your rental to allow time for our staff to disinfect surfaces prior to the next rental.

Why is the full Discovery Center not open to the public for regular admission?
We will not reopen the museum until we believe we can do so in a way that is safe for our staff, visitors and community. The purpose of a children's museum is to allow children to move freely between exhibits and engineer their own experiences. As a high touch, hands-on facility, we are evaluating each exhibit and experience within the museum with the help of public health experts. At this time, allowing private rentals of our outdoor area is the safest option for our community. We miss our visitors, and hope to open as soon as possible!