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Sunshine Adventures: Enjoy Summer Fun in Derby, Kansas

Thrills Await Just Minutes from Wichita in Derby, Kansas

Derby, Kansas, a quiet city with loud attractions, is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Discover the wonders of this charming city about a 20-minute drive from Wichita. It’s a city where summer fun, play and relaxation are waiting at every turn.

Photo of people at Field Station Dinosaurs.

Explore Dinosaurs in Modern Day

Derby has 40 life-sized dinosaurs at Field Station: Dinosaurs. Walk 10-acre trails to witness realistic and animatronic dinosaurs from different eras. In this expedition, there are plenty of activities, live shows and games. Meet the Might T. Rex or other prehistoric creatures such as Triceratops or Velociraptors. Play all day in the Raptor Maze or Paleo Playground with puzzles and hidden dino friends. The entire family can experience the 18-hole miniature Jurassic Golf. Grab a bite to eat at the Dino-Bites concession stand and enjoy daily live performances. Other activities include fossil digging and browsing the Paleo Art Gallery. If you are a Kansas resident and have a student enrolled in pre-K to 12th grade, you can get a free visit when you sign up for the Sunflower Summer Program.

Photo of Rock River Rapids sides and overview of attraction.

Rock and Roll at Rock River Rapids

Make a splash at Rock River Rapids with slides, lap pools and a lazy river. It is home to four slides, two drop slides and diving boards. This is the place you want to be during the hot months. Experience the thrill of twists and turns while venturing through the orange and yellow slides. Enjoy the newest green slide, a thrilling winding slide that concludes with a refreshing run-out pool at the bottom. Rock climbing meets water with the Aqua Climb. Take it easy in the lazy river. Kids can enjoy the Zero Depth Pool with slides and the Waterwalk.

Photo of the exterior of The Sandbox.

Play in The Sandbox

Derby’s newest attraction, The Sandbox, offers play, drinks on the rooftop deck and a full eatery. Enjoy eight sand volleyball courts, cornhole and outdoor pickleball. Plan your visit around Happy Hour and enjoy signature cocktails like fishbowls and mojitos from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. The appetizer menu has amazing munchies with mozzarella sticks, loaded nachos and the “Sandbox” sampler. The Sandbox has several events like volleyball open play on Tuesdays, pickleball open play on Wednesdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Three thrilling attractions are waiting to be explored in Derby. Learn about dinosaurs, cool off with a swim and end your day with drinks and dinner. Learn more about things to do in Derby at http://www.derbyweb.com/.

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