Friday, July 24, 2009

Wichita Staycation

Webster dictionary has just added the new term staycation to the English language. It is defined as a vacation in which the vacationer stays at home or makes day trips to area attractions. A staycation is the perfect economical alternative to the conventional vacation that may take more cash flow than you are willing to spend with the status of our current economy.

The Wichita area is very family friendly and has a wide variety of activities to choose from and experience. If your family enjoys the outdoors there are several area lakes where you could go fishing or camping. You could ride your bikes to a local park and picnic or attend a free activity at your local library. There are several swimming pools throughout the city and area YMCA’s for all types of sports or relaxation. That evening try playing a baseball game or plan a barbeque with friends.

For other entertainment ideas you could visit the wide spectrum of museums that Wichita has to offer. Go to the Wichita Chamber of Commerce website for all the local choices. Depending on your family interests there is the Historic Old Cowtown Museum, Mid-American All-Indian Center, Exploration Place, Botanica Gardens and the Museum of World Treasures all located within a few minutes of each other. For animal lovers the Sedgwick County Zoo has several new exhibits to explore or try walking through the Great Plains Nature Center. When the stars come out head to the Lake Afton Public Observatory to learn more about the constellations or experience the Starlite Drive-In for a movie marathon.

For the shopaholic Wichita has a nice variety of shopping malls and stores throughout the city. There is Towne East and Towne West Square Malls that have a wide variety of stores if you want to add a few things to your wardrobe or redecorate a room. If you’re looking for those unique items you might try Clifton Square, Bradley Fair or the Waterfront for ideas. Don’t forget the Delano District downtown which offers a unique variety of shopping, dining, music and theatre entertainment.

Dining in Wichita has become a wonderful experience with every cuisine available from the major restaurant chains to the small business owner sharing their own special cultural dishes with us. After dinner the Warren Theatre offers movie choices throughout the city in luxury surroundings.

Becoming a tourist in your own community keeps your money at home and allows you the opportunity to try new activities that you may never have made time for before. So plan that staycation and start relaxing today. You’ll find that Wichita has a lot to offer for every age group in your family.