Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Derby, Kansas

Located in south-central Kansas, Derby serves as a suburban extension of Wichita, experiencing population growth attributable to the adjacent McConnell Air Force Base to the north.

Prior to the establishment of the base in the 1950s, Derby was a quiet agricultural community consisting of only a few hundred residents.

In contemporary times, the local economy has been invigorated by the aviation sector, catalyzing an increase of 10,000 residents over the past two decades.

Insights into the city’s historical narrative are richly documented at the Derby Historical Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.

As the number of residents continues to rise, Derby has introduced several high-quality parks in the last decade, fostering a strong sense of community with an engaging schedule of summer events.

1. Madison Avenue Central Park

Madison Avenue Central Park emerged as Derby’s central hub for gatherings, recreation, and events upon its establishment in 2016.

The park is the primary venue for community activities, ranging from the farmers’ market to the Spring into Art fair held in April.

Designed with entertainment in mind, this location features an amphitheater and two indoor facilities, along with standard urban park amenities such as a splash pad, an accessible playground, a half-mile trail, picnic areas, and two open shelters.

Situated a few blocks east of Baltimore Avenue, the park occupies the previously developed site of a church and a school.

2. Derby Historical Museum

From April to October, Saturdays present an ideal time to visit Derby. Alongside the farmers’ market, one can easily access the city’s historical museum, located within walking distance.

This structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was formerly a school built between 1923 and 1924. Inside, you will discover 16 exhibit rooms, warranting ample time for exploration.

These exhibits are comprised of rich collections of pre-settlement artifacts, featuring remarkable fossils, prehistoric tools, knives, dart points, and items from the Wichita tribe.

Additional displays provide valuable insights into daily life in Derby during the 19th century, highlighting aspects such as agriculture, early education, railroads, and the establishment of McConnell Air Force Base.

3. High Park

As Derby’s largest park, High Park is situated on the eastern side of the city, bordered by Spring Creek to the south and east.

While Madison Avenue Central Park serves community events, and Warren Riverview Park offers idyllic views, High Park is primarily dedicated to recreational activities.

Amenities available here include facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, fishing, biking, hiking, and sand volleyball, while younger visitors can enjoy two modern playgrounds.

High Park also provides ample open spaces suitable for hosting Derby’s annual July 4 fireworks display and the popular Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest.

4. Warren Riverview Park

A newly established public space catering to the growing population, Warren Riverview Park opened along the Arkansas River in October 2018. This four-acre site is both aesthetically pleasing and ADA-compliant, blending relaxation with adventure.

For recreational opportunities, visitors can launch canoes and kayaks from this location, in addition to enjoying a ropes course for children, a designated camping area for scouts, and a bike and hiking trail.

Featuring expansive lawns and ample seating, Warren Riverview Park serves as a serene escape and a potential venue for family reunions or birthday celebrations in the sheltered area.

An interesting highlight is the totem pole carved by Danny Ray Warren, which honors his parents and notable community members, Ray and Virginia Warren.

5. Field Station: Dinosaurs

This distinctive theme park, located in northern Derby, opened its doors in 2018, providing varied paleontology-themed attractions.

The park’s centerpiece features over 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, primarily showcasing species identified in the Great Plains.

These intricate models are motion-activated, causing their heads, mouths, or tails to move upon approach.

The largest specimen is the colossal Alamosaurus, stretching 90 feet in length. Other attractions include a live performance with a lifelike T-Rex, a ropes course, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a “Raptor Maze,” and the dinosaur-themed Paleo Playground.

6. Derby Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning from April to October, Derby hosts its farmers’ market in the parking lot of Madison Avenue Central Park.

This occasion allows visitors to engage with the community and acquire fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, meats, salsas, jams, and handcrafted items.

Throughout the season, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables is typically abundant, featuring varieties such as cucumbers, kale, spinach, cauliflower, and asparagus earlier in the season, transitioning to tomatoes, corn, and pumpkins as summer progresses.

7. Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park

Derby boasts the premier water park in South-Central Kansas, located on the eastern side of the city adjacent to Derby High School, offering attractions typically found in theme park water facilities.

Spanning 12 acres, the park features a 50-meter lap pool with eight lanes, a heated zero-depth entry area, six water slides, a lazy river over 600 feet in length, and a delightful tree-house themed play area for younger visitors.

Additional amenities include lockers, a gift shop, party shelters, and concession stands for a full summer day of enjoyment.

8. Derby Bowl

Situated on S Baltimore Avenue in the southwest of Derby is a modern 24-lane bowling facility featuring a busy schedule of open and league bowling sessions.

Particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, visitors can participate in Cosmic Bowling, which incorporates black lights and music with extended hours until 12:30 am. The 25th Lane serves as a fully-stocked pro shop, while Kegler’s Sports Bar & Grill operates within the same establishment.

This venue is ideal for viewing games, offering a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and shareable items such as onion rings and cheese sticks.

9. Derby Sports Zone

As part of a series of new developments along Rock Road, this expansive indoor/outdoor sports complex was anticipated to open at the time of writing.

The Derby Sports Zone is planned for the intersection with Cambridge St and will accommodate activities such as volleyball, pickleball, and sand soccer.

Events will be held outdoors during the spring and summer months, with the area covered by a sizeable temporary dome during the off-season. Additionally, a two-story restaurant is included, featuring a 5,000-square-foot deck on the upper level overlooking the sports courts.

10. Derby Skate Park

This expansive skate park in Derby was established following advocacy from local teenagers who were restricted from skating in other areas of the city.

The site is repurposed from the former municipal pool, which was decommissioned upon the opening of Rock River Rapids.

Completed in 2006, Derby Skate Park encompasses a 9,000-square-foot flat deck with various concrete structures of differing shapes and sizes.

A four-foot-deep bowl is also featured, incorporating diverse side slopes, ramps, rails, and stairs. Facilities include restrooms and a shelter for hot days.

11. Derby Plaza Theaters

For those seeking a modern, first-run cinema experience, the ticket prices at this seven-screen multiplex are surprisingly affordable. Located just off K-15 in eastern Derby, Derby Plaza Theaters stands out as a fully family-owned and operated establishment.

This theater first opened in 1995 and has consistently updated its facilities, adding new screens in 2000 and implementing full digital sound and projection in 2011.

In contrast to common practices in theaters, where concessions can be overpriced, Derby Plaza Theaters offers reasonable prices, with promotions such as two large drinks and a jumbo popcorn for only $12.

12. Derby Fourth of July Celebration

Derby hosts a rich program of events to commemorate Independence Day, ensuring enjoyment for all age groups.

In chronological order, the schedule includes the farmers’ market in the morning, followed by the Independence Day Parade at 10:00 am, an open day at the Derby Historical Museum, an open house at Fire Station 81, and the Derby Running Club’s annual Derby Firecracker Race, a tradition maintained for over 40 years.

The festivities culminate with an impressive fireworks display at High Park, accompanied by a variety of food trucks.

13. Air Capital Drop Zone

This skydiving company operates from Cook Airfield, located less than ten minutes east of Derby. For those interested in skydiving, this is an ideal opportunity.

By choosing a tandem jump, no prior training is necessary. You will be attached to a qualified instructor and will jump from an altitude of 10,000 feet above the Wichita area, engaging in freefall for 5,000 feet before two borrowing down softly to the ground.

A special video and digital photo package is available to help you remember the experience. Additionally, training for solo jumps is offered, with classes scheduled on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

14. Spring into Art

Madison Avenue Central Park serves as the backdrop for yet another remarkable public event in Derby. Spring into Art takes place as a one-day celebration in late April, with contingency plans for inclement weather to relocate the event to The Venue.

The centerpiece of this event is a large art fair showcasing the work of local and regional artists, featuring exceptional paintings, sculptures, woodworking, photography, and jewelry.

The fair is complemented by live entertainment, wine tastings, and interactive art stations for attendees. Moreover, the commencement of Spring into Art coincides with the weekly farmers’ market in the park, providing yet another incentive to visit.

15. Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest

Finally, High Park serves as the setting for a weekend-long festival that offers delicious food and outstanding music in support of the McConnell Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center.

This free-to-attend Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest is now in its second decade and remains the most attended event in Derby.

The event schedule features a variety of competitions, including the Kansas City BBQ Society Cook-off, the Backyard BBQ Cook-Off, and the People’s Choice Contest, along with numerous family-friendly activities and live music performances until late into the evening.