The YMCA Farha Sport Centers consists of two complexes, one located in Wichita, the other in Andover. Sport Center – South, in Wichita, consists of 32 hardwood courts for basketball and volleyball and six turfed soccer and football fields. The newer facility in Andover provides teams with eight full-sized hardwood courts. Both complexes have spectator seating, so parents can watch their kids compete. Because the Sport Center – South in Wichita is the larger of the two, this guide will focus strictly on attractions and restaurants near that facility.

Things to Do

Sedgwick County Zoo

One of Kansas’ largest zoos and an awesome way to spend an afternoon, Sedgwick County Zoo is a must-visit attraction whenever you’re at YMCA Farha Sport Centers – South. The zoo divides its exhibits up into continents and regions. For instance, if you want to view grizzly bears, river otters, or bald eagles, all you have to do is pop on over to the North America exhibit. To see gorillas, elephants, and meerkats, the African habitat is the place to be. Other notable exhibits include the Asia, tropical, penguin cove, and South American habitats. Some rare animals can be found in the Children’s Farms section. Split up between three farm areas, your team can observe over 40 rare domestic animals.

Sedgwick County Zoo provides visitors with more to do than check out the animals. Keeper chats and animal feedings occur daily. Have a discussion with zoo keepers about some of your favorite animals, or watch them feed the animals throughout the day. The zoo does offer group rates for any parties of 20 or larger. 5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212

Museum of World Treasures

Essentially a natural history museum, the Museum of World Treasures engages people with its awe-inspiring displays and artifacts. A genuine T-Rex with almost the entire set of fossils, Ivan is a highlight of the museum for sure. This 38 foot tall dinosaur will make you feel tinier than you ever have felt before. Moving a bit forward in time and you can examine Egyptian mummies, along with other Egyptian artifacts.

A heavily interactive display about pre-Hispanic peoples like the Aztecs and Mayans allows you and your team to actually touch the exhibit pieces. There’s also a magnetic map that quizzes you on where each of the items showcased is from. By the time you leave this section, you will be an expert on counting the Mayan way as well. An extensive history on European royal families is another featured exhibit of the museum. Detailed accounts of the history of royal families from the Dark Ages up to the modern era are outlined. 835 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202

Warren West 17 & IMAX

Wichita has a surprising number of movie theaters, but the best theater to take your team is Warren West 17 & IMAX. On average, the cinema plays 16 movies daily. Depending on what movie your team decides to see, you may have the option to watch it in IMAX. If your team can’t decide on a single movie to watch, you can use Warren West’s selection and frequent show times to your advantage. The team can divide up and see a couple different movies during the same visit. 9150 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205

Exploration Place

Uncover the secrets to a host of fascinating scientific and historical topics at Exploration Place. Get a behind the scenes look at the aircraft industry and explore the sights of an aircraft factory. Design your own airplane, test landing gear, and watch short, informative films about how aircrafts are made. Become an architect and build towering structures out of miniature wooden planks. Shrink down and examine nanotechnology. Find out how this kind of tech works, current real world applications of it, and future goals scientists hope to accomplish using it.

Wichita is proud of their cowboy heritage. This is evident in the gallery full of pictures of modern day cowboys. Observe how cowboys live and get an idea what a day in the life is like for these frontier living people. Many more exhibits await you at Exploration Place. Any groups with 10 or more people qualify for discounts on admission. 300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203

The Alley Wichita

You won’t find an attraction quite like this anywhere else near the YMCA Farha Sport Centers -South. The Alley Wichita is packed with exciting activities that you and your team will love. The main event of The Alley is kind of obvious from its name. A bowling alley first and foremost, The Alley has a lot of lanes. However, it still might be a good idea to call ahead and reserve some space since it’s such a popular attraction. For those with a need for speed, you’re in luck. The Alley’s fast-paced go-kart track gets the adrenaline pumping and tests even the most skilled racer.

The arcade and laser maze are two other components that kids get really excited over. You’ll even find an escape room housed inside The Alley. Escapology is a thrilling, puzzling experience that offers five one of a kind escape themed rooms. Each room has a limit of six people at once, but that’s not a problem. Your team can spread out across multiple rooms and try many of The Alley’s rooms. The Alley Wichita does run specials for groups starting at discounts for crowds of 20 or more. 11413 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206

Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

Take a stroll through the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and discover the rich history of the Sunflower State’s athletes. This free, self-guided tour is filled with memorabilia from hall of fame inductees. From legends like Barry Sanders and Wilt Chamberlain, to Olympic competitors, the hall of fame has autographed jerseys, balls, and other relics of Kansas’ greats. The Koch brothers’ yacht that they sailed during the victory in the America’s Cup Challenge is also on display. Videos and hands-on activities are included in the hall of fame experience and add even more information about the artifacts. New athletes are inducted into the hall every year, so the list keeps growing. Pay your respects to Kansas’ talented, iconic athletes at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. 515 S Wichita St, Wichita, KS 67202

Bliss Bouldering & Climbing Center

Bliss Bouldering & Climbing Center is the premier rock climbing facility in Wichita and is found near YMCA Farha Sport Centers – South. This complex is very much equipped to handle large groups and inexperienced climbers. Equipment rentals for harnesses, shoes, ropes, and other gear are extremely cheap and you can get everything you need for a very reasonable price. Purchasing a day pass gives you admittance to the facility and allows you to climb the top rope and bouldering courses as much as you’d like. 11114 E 28th St N, Wichita, KS 67226

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Places to Eat

Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q

Kansas doesn’t fool around when it comes to barbeque. You’re practically required to stop for some during your trip to Wichita. Head to Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q and get ready for some smoky, delicious barbeque. Whether you’re in the market for ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or barbeque sandwich, Hog Wild has what you need.

Doo-Dah Diner

No matter what your dietary preferences are, you can count on a diner to have something you’d want to eat. When you’re trying to find restaurants to feed a large group of people, things can get tough. Doo-Dah Diner can come in clutch for you after you leave the YMCA Farha Sport Centers – South. Like any legitimate diner, you can order breakfast from open to close. Chicken and waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and omelets are some of the examples of breakfast foods they have at Doo-Dah Diner. Moving away from breakfast, a ton of sandwiches and burgers, meatloaf topped with bacon and chili, and some creamy milkshakes are tempting choices. 206 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS 67202

Picasso’s Pizzeria

Dig into some New York style pizza at Picasso’s Pizzeria. The number of toppings they offer is insane. Throw on as many or as few as you want for a pizza cooked just the way you like it. Specialty slices thought up by Picasso’s are another option when you can’t decide what toppings you want on your own personal slice. Sandwiches are available for anyone who might not be in the mood for pizza. 621 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213

TJ’s Burger House

The place to go when you want a quality hamburger, TJ’s Burger House specializes in simple, but delicious burgers. A good burger doesn’t need to be fancy. This restaurant proves that. Loaded French fries and nachos are some great starters to pick on while you wait for your burgers to be made. 1003 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213

Together the YMCA Farha Sport Centers – South and the city of Wichita have everything you and your team need for an amazing excursion. An enormous list of diverse attractions and plenty of great restaurants are enough to make everyone happy. Don’t forget that the sports complex has all the amenities for a superb tournament experience.