Family-Friendly Hotels in Wichita I Recommend
Wichita is an easy family destination: Exploration Place and Botanica sit along the Arkansas River, the Keeper of the Plains footbridges make a short walk from downtown, and the Sedgwick County Zoo is a quick drive northwest. The hotels on this page cover downtown and Old Town, the Wichita State University area, the east side and the airport. I favored family rooms, kitchens, indoor pools and free breakfast, with Hotel at Old Town leading at 9.3 and Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita close behind at 9.2. Most east-side and airport hotels need a car to reach the river attractions.
Wichita grew where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet, a spot now marked by the Keeper of the Plains sculpture. Known for aviation manufacturing, the city pairs Old Town's brick warehouses with riverside museums, the gardens of Botanica and the large Sedgwick County Zoo on its northwest side.
Wichita Bases for Zoo, Museums and River
Families can fill a weekend here without long drives: the zoo in the morning, Exploration Place or Botanica in the afternoon, and dinner in Old Town. Indoor pools at many hotels on this page keep children busy during cold, windy winters on the plains.
Downtown and Old Town make the easiest base for walking to the river. Hotel at Old Town, rated 9.3, offers family rooms with kitchenettes and balconies, practical for preparing breakfast before a busy day. Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita, at 9.2, sits by the Arkansas River with an indoor pool, an indoor/outdoor spa and complimentary meals. Hyatt Regency Wichita, next to Century II, has a heated indoor pool and a hot tub, and Hilton Garden Inn Wichita Downtown adds a family-friendly restaurant. From all four, the Keeper of the Plains, Exploration Place and Old Town restaurants are close.
Near Wichita State University, Hyatt Place at Wichita State University, rated 8.9, offers an indoor pool, free breakfast and free parking, useful for families visiting the campus. On the northeast side, La Quinta by Wyndham Wichita Northeast, the most reviewed hotel here with more than 2,400 reviews, provides family rooms, an indoor pool and buffet breakfast. WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Wichita, rated 8.7, has full kitchens and free private parking, which suits longer family stays. I would pick WaterWalk for a week-long visit and La Quinta for a short stay with a pool.
The east side groups practical hotels with parking for families on the road. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Wichita East, KS offers an outdoor pool, a hot tub and free breakfast. Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35 by IHG adds an indoor pool and a hot tub, and Springhill Suites by Marriott Wichita East At Plazzio has family rooms with an indoor pool and a sun terrace. These hotels suit families arriving by I-35 or Kellogg Avenue, though the zoo, Botanica and Exploration Place all require a drive across town, so plan the day around one area at a time.
Near Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport, rated 8.9, has an indoor pool and on-site dining, a good choice before an early flight with children. Candlewood Suites Wichita - Airport by IHG offers a free airport shuttle and suite-style rooms for longer stays. From the airport area, Tanganyika Wildlife Park in nearby Goddard is a short drive west, a popular hands-on animal park for families. I would book the DoubleTree for its pool and score, and keep the Old Town hotels for families who prefer to walk to dinner in the evening.
A traveler's perspectiveFor a family weekend in Wichita, I would book Hotel at Old Town: the kitchenettes simplify breakfast, Old Town restaurants are steps away, and Exploration Place and the Keeper of the Plains are a short drive or walk along the river. If an indoor pool matters most, I would choose Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita instead.
Homewood Suites by Hilton at The Waterfront
Wichita
133 reviews
Family-friendly suites with kitchenettes, indoor pool, and pet-friendly policies
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamily rooms with kitchenettes and sofa beds give families space and flexibility at the Homewood Suites Wichita at The Waterfront. The indoor pool with a view and the hot tub work in any season, and the games room keeps children busy. The buffet breakfast includes fresh pastries, cheese and fruit. Outside, a sun terrace, a garden and barbecue facilities make an easy dinner. Pets are welcome and parking is free.
Hotel at Old Town
Wichita
284 reviews
Family rooms with kitchenettes and balconies in Wichita
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamily rooms with a kitchenette and a private balcony are why I would point families to Hotel at Old Town in Wichita: there is space to spread out and a way to prepare simple snacks. The buffet breakfast each morning is child-friendly, and express check-in and check-out help with tired children. Parents can use the fitness center, the bar or the lounge, and the front desk is open around the clock. No pool is listed. Guests rate it 9.3 out of 10 over 284 reviews.
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
Wichita
543 reviews
Downtown Wichita hotel with river views, pool, and pet-friendly policy
Check availabilityWhy guests love itDrury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita covers two meals a day for families: a free hot breakfast and an evening hot food reception, which keeps dinner simple after a day out. Children can swim in the indoor pool in any season, and the indoor and outdoor hot tub looks over the Arkansas River. Rooms have a microwave and a fridge for snacks. Pets are welcome, and on-site parking helps families arriving by car.
Hyatt Place at Wichita State University
Wichita
313 reviews
Pet-friendly hotel with indoor pool and complimentary breakfast near WSU
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAn indoor pool and a complimentary daily breakfast make this Hyatt Place a dependable choice for families visiting Wichita, whatever the Kansas weather. It sits near Wichita State University, which suits a campus visit or a sports weekend. Private parking on site is free, rooms have free WiFi, and pets are accepted. A fitness center is on site. Guests rate it 8.9 out of 10 from 313 reviews, and I would book it for a short family stay.
DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport
Wichita
393 reviews
Airport hotel with an indoor pool and American restaurant
Check availabilityWhy guests love itDoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport stands steps from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, which makes early flights and late arrivals with children much easier. The indoor pool is a good way to end a travel day, and the American restaurant and bar on site save a drive for dinner. Rooms come with bathrobes and a tea and coffee maker, and parking is free. Downtown sights such as Century II and Intrust Bank Arena are a short drive.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wichita Downtown
Wichita
148 reviews
Downtown comfort with an indoor pool and free bikes to explore Wichita
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFairfield Inn & Suites Wichita Downtown is less than 1 km from Intrust Bank Arena and an 11-minute walk from the Century II Convention Center, so families can reach events on foot. The indoor pool gives children a swim whatever the weather, free bicycles make a downtown outing easy, and the hotel runs a shuttle service. Family rooms, a terrace and a bar round it out, and the hotel is easy to reach from I-135.
Tru By Hilton Wichita Northeast
Wichita
155 reviews
Pet-friendly hotel with a fitness center and outdoor fireplace
Check availabilityWhy guests love itTru by Hilton Wichita Northeast has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and modern amenities, 24 km from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. A fitness center, a lounge, an outdoor fireplace and a games room give the evenings a place to land, and an electric vehicle charging station is available. The hotel is pet-friendly. Guests rate it 8.8 from 155 reviews.
WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Wichita
Wichita
365 reviews
Family-friendly extended stay with full kitchens and pet-friendly policies
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFull kitchens with an oven, dishwasher, fridge and microwave are why I would book WaterWalk Wichita for a family staying more than a few nights: home cooking becomes easy. The barbecue and picnic areas make a relaxed outdoor dinner possible, and there is a shared kitchen too. Free private parking and a 24-hour front desk simplify arrivals, and pets are accepted. There is no pool listed, so I would choose it for space rather than leisure. A score of 8.7 across 365 reviews is solid.
Ambassador Hotel Wichita, Autograph Collection
Wichita
98 reviews
Pet-friendly hotel with free parking and airport shuttle in Wichita
Check availabilityWhy guests love itA complimentary shuttle to Wichita Mid-Continent Airport takes one logistics task off a family's list at the Ambassador Hotel Wichita, Autograph Collection. The 4-star hotel has family rooms, air conditioning, a restaurant and a fitness center, with free parking for those who drive. It is pet-friendly and has facilities for guests with disabilities. I would recommend it to families who want a polished hotel in Wichita without having to arrange their own airport transfer.
Aloft by Marriott Wichita
Wichita
187 reviews
Family-friendly hotel with a seasonal outdoor pool and pet-friendly policy
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamily rooms with air-conditioning, tea and coffee makers and a work desk make Aloft Wichita an easy base for a family, and pets are welcome too. The seasonal outdoor pool is the summer treat, while the sun terrace and the outdoor fireplace give everyone space in the evening. Parents can use the fitness center and the bar. Wichita State University's Cessna Stadium and All Star Adventures are nearby, and parking is on site.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Wichita East, KS
Wichita
797 reviews
Spacious rooms, outdoor pool, and a hot tub with free breakfast
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAn outdoor pool and a hot tub are the family highlights at the Country Inn & Suites Wichita East, a four-star hotel in east Wichita, less than 11 km from the city center. Rooms are spacious, with free WiFi, cable TV and coffee-making facilities, and the continental breakfast is complimentary every morning. Parents can use the fitness center. Pets are accepted, parking is on site, and a free airport transfer runs on weekdays, useful for flights.
Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35 by IHG
Wichita
369 reviews
Family-friendly hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, and pet-friendly rooms
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAn indoor pool and hot tub give children a swim in any Kansas weather at the Holiday Inn Wichita East, and I like the garden with its outdoor fireplace and picnic area for an evening outside. The family-friendly restaurant serves American and Italian dishes at dinner, and breakfast is continental. Family rooms keep everyone together, some with city views. The hotel sits just off I-35 with free parking, and pets are accepted. A score of 8.5 across 369 reviews is solid.
La Quinta by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
Wichita
2,422 reviews
Family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and pet-friendly policy
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAn indoor pool keeps children busy in any weather at the La Quinta Wichita Northeast, and family rooms give everyone more space. The buffet breakfast includes child-friendly options, and a minimarket on site covers forgotten snacks or toiletries. Parents get a fitness center and a bar for the evening. Parking is on site and pets are welcome, which suits a road trip with the dog. All Star Adventures is about 6 km away for an afternoon out.
Hyatt Regency Wichita
Wichita
359 reviews
Downtown hotel with a heated indoor pool and hot tub
Check availabilityWhy guests love itA heated indoor pool and a hot tub give children a reason to look forward to the evening at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, right in downtown next to the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. Rooms have a 65-inch flat-screen TV and a separate work area. HARVEST Kitchen/Bar serves local, seasonal cuisine at every meal, and Perks Coffee and More covers mornings. INTRUST Bank Arena is a short walk away for a family show or game.
La Quinta by Wyndham Wichita Airport
Wichita
138 reviews
Airport hotel with family rooms, a seasonal pool, and pet-friendly policy
Check availabilityWhy guests love itLa Quinta by Wyndham Wichita Airport sits just steps from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, which takes the stress out of an early flight with children. Family rooms have private bathrooms, city views, a refrigerator and a microwave for simple meals and snacks. The seasonal outdoor pool is a welcome break in the warmer months, and parents can use the fitness center. Parking on site is free, as is WiFi, and pets are welcome. The 8.4 score across 138 reviews is reliable.
Residence Inn by Marriott Wichita East At Plazzio
Wichita
39 reviews
Family-friendly suites with kitchenettes, a seasonal pool, and hot tub
Check availabilityWhy guests love itI would suggest the Residence Inn Wichita East at Plazzio to families planning more than a night or two: family rooms come with kitchenettes and private bathrooms, so meals and bedtimes stay on the family's own schedule. Breakfast is an American buffet served daily at no extra charge, the seasonal outdoor pool and the hot tub fill warm evenings, and pets are welcome. Parking on site is free. A rating of 8.4 from 39 reviews is very good.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Wichita East At Plazzio
Wichita
242 reviews
Family-friendly suites with an indoor pool and sun terrace
Check availabilityWhy guests love itSpringhill Suites Wichita East at Plazzio offers family rooms with a sofa bed and a work desk, so parents and children each get their own corner. The indoor pool works in any weather, the fitness center keeps a routine going and the sun terrace gives a place to sit outside. WiFi is free and parking is on site. The airport lies 24 km away, which suits road trippers. Guests rate it 8.3 from 242 reviews.
Candlewood Suites Wichita Northwest by IHG
Wichita
78 reviews
Family-friendly suites with kitchenettes and free parking in Wichita
Check availabilityWhy guests love itI like the Candlewood Suites Wichita Northwest for families who prefer to cook for themselves: every room has a kitchenette and a private bathroom, which makes picky eaters and early bedtimes easier to manage. Family rooms are available, pets are welcome, and the free private parking on site suits a road trip through Kansas. There is also a fitness center, a business area and free WiFi. A rating of 8.2 from 78 reviews is very good.
Best Western Plus Eastgate Inn & Suites
Wichita
177 reviews
Family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and pet-friendly rooms
Check availabilityWhy guests love itBest Western Plus Eastgate Inn & Suites gives Wichita families a practical base with family rooms and an indoor swimming pool that works in any season. Rooms include refrigerators, microwaves and tea and coffee makers, handy for breakfast in the room or snacks after a long drive. The 24-hour front desk helps with late arrivals, parents can use the fitness center, WiFi and parking are free, and pets are accepted. Guests rate it 8.2 from 177 reviews.
Candlewood Suites Wichita - Airport by IHG
Wichita
325 reviews
Airport convenience with pet-friendly rooms and a free shuttle
Check availabilityWhy guests love itJust 1 km from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, with a complimentary airport shuttle, this Candlewood Suites removes most of the stress from a family flight. The outdoor seating area with picnic spots gives children space to stretch after a journey, and pets are accepted. Free WiFi and a fitness center complete the offer. Guests rate it 8.1 out of 10 from 325 reviews, and I would book it for the night before or after a flight.
Hilton Garden Inn Wichita Downtown, Ks
Wichita
250 reviews
Pet-friendly downtown hotel with airport shuttle and family rooms
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHilton Garden Inn Wichita Downtown is a short walk from Intrust Bank Arena, so a family concert or game night ends without a drive. The restaurant serves American cuisine with vegetarian options, the bar suits parents in the evening, and rooms have a refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker. Pets are welcome, parking is free, and a complimentary airport shuttle helps families arriving by plane. The Century II Convention Center is close by too.
Local tips
- 1Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo in the morning, when animals are more active and summer heat is lower.
- 2Combine Exploration Place and Botanica in one day, since both sit along the Arkansas River a short drive apart.
- 3See the Keeper of the Plains at dusk, when the fire pots around the sculpture are lit on many evenings.
- 4Choose a hotel with an indoor pool in winter, when cold prairie winds make outdoor swimming unpleasant.
- 5Book a kitchen suite such as WaterWalk or Hotel at Old Town for longer stays, so children can eat on their own schedule.
- 6Plan a half day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, west of Wichita, for close-up animal encounters.