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As a playground company based in Wichita, KS, we decided to take a poll in the office to find out what everyone thought was the best park in Wichita. To my surprise, the answer wasn’t even contentious. There would likely be much more debate over a question like "best tacos in Wichita." But for the best park? There was a clear winner. In our opinion, it's Pawnee Prairie Park.
So what makes Pawnee Prairie so special? The answer is simple: the playground and the trails.
The playground may not be the biggest in town, but it's very well-designed. It feels nestled into a cozy pocket of trees, blending natural-themed and modern playground features. What I love most is that it’s engaging for a wide range of ages. Every time I’m there, I see kids interacting with every part of the playground—whether it’s the stump climbers, the turf mound, the net climbers, and of course, the zipline. If there’s a hot spot on the playground, it’s definitely the zipline. Kids absolutely love it!
The trail system is what truly sets this park apart. The trails wind through large wooded sections and meander alongside Cowskin Creek, which runs through the park. There are several miles of sidewalks, hiking trails, and biking paths. There are even some trails designated for horseback riding. The trail system connects to Air Capital Memorial Park, a well-known mountain bike trail in Wichita, and to the Prairie Sunset Trail—a 15-mile path stretching from Garden Plain to Goddard.
You could easily spend hours exploring the trails at Pawnee Prairie Park. Wildlife is abundant, and the thick woods surrounding you add to the sense of adventure. There's also the bonus of jumping over to Air Capital or Prairie Sunset for an even more diverse experience. The trails are very kid-friendly but still offer a challenge if you're looking for one—especially if you venture into Air Capital with a mountain bike.
Pawnee Prairie Park feels like a part of Kansas that remains undisturbed, yet it's right within the city limits of Wichita. It’s a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit.
But what do you think? Do you agree that Pawnee Prairie is the best park in Wichita, or do you have another favorite spot? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Whether it's a different park or your top pick for tacos, drop us a message and let us know. And if you haven't visited Pawnee Prairie yet, we highly recommend checking it out—you might just find your new favorite park.
