Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center, has broken its all-time attendance record.
The Wichita attraction had 363,047 visitors during the 2022-23 fiscal year. The previous high of 348,532 was set during the science centers first year of operation, back in 2000-01. Exploration Place has also set a new membership record of 9,203 households, marking a 45% growth from the previous year.
President and CEO Adam Smith said it is a priority to make sure Exploration Place is accessible to all, with 26,361 free admissions provided during the year. This included 8,799 free field trips for students from Title 1 schools and 200 free STEM camp scholarships.
Free admissions are offered through the Museums for All program, which is open to anyone receiving federal food assistance by showing a SNAP EBT card. Exploration Place is also free to active duty military from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, and other free visits are available by checking out passes from local libraries.
Exploration Place anticipates welcoming its 5 millionth visitor before the end of 2023.
