Exploring Kansas

Our Monster Jam Wichita weekend began because of a result of a series of unfortunate events that marked the start of our 2026.

This year starts with more challenges than expected. At 5 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, my 18-month-old daughter is admitted to the hospital. My daughter, my wife, and I spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day there, fighting RSV together. On New Year’s Day, I also chip a tooth while eating a sandwich.

Just over a week after we return home, Benson comes down with Flu A. The timing feels cruel. It happens on the day of Monster Jam in Kansas City, and we already have tickets. Dawn works with someone who has a child close to Benson’s age, so we pass the tickets along. At least another family gets to enjoy the experience.

Plans change, but the excitement does not disappear.

Benson’s excitement for Monster Jam is through the roof. Dawn points out that there is a Monster Jam also happening in St. Louis the following weekend. At the time, I feel hesitant. We do not know how severe his flu case is or how long he remains contagious. We soon learn he is contagious for five to seven days, which means he misses daycare for the entire week.

Then a new option appears

With a little research, I discover there is a Monster Jam coming to Wichita in February. That discovery resets everything and gives us something new to look forward to. Dawn has wanted to visit Wichita for a while, so we decide to turn this into a Monster Jam Wichita weekend.

Making a list of attractions comes easily for me. We will narrow it down as the trip gets closer. The goal stays simple. Explore Wichita, spend time together, and keep the pace relaxed for the kids.

We plan to leave early Saturday morning and let the kids sleep during the drive. Saturday focuses on sightseeing and taking things slow. Sunday starts with the Pit Party, where the kids can see the trucks up close and meet the drivers. After that, we head to the noon Monster Jam event.

The Monster Jam Wichita weekend feels like the right reset. It gives us something fun to plan and something positive to anticipate. It also reminds me that rough starts can still lead to good memories.

More planning is coming soon.

To discover more about Wichita, go to Visit Wichita or explore more of Kansas at Travel Kansas. If this article interests you, read about other sites and events in Kansas I have visited.