Buffalo Park - Wichita, KS
Buffalo Park is a spacious multi-use park located in northwest Wichita, Kansas, popular among dog owners and families alike. Known for its wide-open fields, natural wetland areas, and abundant bird-watching opportunities, this park is ideal for those looking for pet-friendly trails and dog-friendly outdoor activities. While not a dedicated or fully-fenced dog park, it offers plenty of space for exercising dogs and enjoying the scenic surroundings.
The park features amenities including a playground, splash pad (seasonally open), picnic tables, tennis and basketball courts, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. Both kids and dogs can enjoy their separate activities without interfering with one another, and the area is noted for being well-maintained and welcoming to visitors. Shade from mature trees and a covered pavilion offer relief during sunny days, and there’s ample natural area to explore.
Buffalo Park FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? While there is no designated off-leash dog area, off-leash activity has been observed, especially by experienced owners who keep leashes handy and monitor their dogs responsibly. Please be mindful and considerate of others.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? It is recommended to keep dogs leashed or under close control, especially when other park users are nearby.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a dedicated or fenced off-leash dog area at Buffalo Park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are mature trees throughout the park and a covered pavilion with picnic tables for shade.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available on-site.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park features wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, Buffalo Park includes playgrounds, slides, swings, and a splash pad for children.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and a covered pavilion that are great for picnics.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is on-site parking.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The park is noted for being well-maintained and clean.
- Are there pet-friendly trails or hiking? There are open areas and natural wetland trails for walks with your dog.
Reviews
Surprising natural wetlands. The lake is drained and it’s basically this wonderful little refuge for birds and insects of all kinds. There’s a splash pad that is the main attraction, but the real beauty is the nature surrounding it. Not as nice as some other nature trails, but the unique wetlands feature isn’t something I get to see everyday.
The park was well maintained, but the only map to the place is half the way through the park . If we had not turned into the parking lot we never would have seen it. And some places were not marked .
Buffalo park is amazing for the amount of space I need to effectively give my dogs the best exercise for them.
I always carry leashes on me as well as other supplies so leashing them up when a dog arrives is simple. The kids at the playground don’t bother them because of course, both the kids and my dogs are having a grand time doing their own thing.
I have never had a problem with anyone who saw my dogs off leash. However, my dogs have extensive training and like I mentioned, I do leash them when I see fellow dog and their owner.
On the plus side, there are no burs of any kind! (At least to my knowledge).
Only downside, when the “ditch” area by rolling hills fills with water and there are geese… my Belgian Sheepdog (black) LOVES to wreak havoc. Amazing recall but only a downside because then I have to load her into the car all wet and muddy. Ha.
Although the splash park is currently closed due to Covid, Buffalo park continues to be amazing! There is some pretty unique wildlife too. Great for bird watching.
Nice playgrounds with lots of trees, one for smaller kids. There’s a pavilion with tables, tennis court and a basketball hoop. Nice big open area for running, soccer, or frisbee. There’s a small splashpad on the other side with covered picknick tables and restrooms. There’s a small wetland area that my bird watching daughter really likes. Plenty to do with a bit of variety!