Immerse yourself in the Flint Hills at Stepping into the Prairie, the latest exhibit at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Available with standard admission, Stepping into the Prairie is open during regular museum hours now through May 18, 2025.
The exhibit features two unique areas, so be sure to explore both!
Virtual Prairie
Projectors and surround sound bring the prairie to life on the walls and floor of this interactive space. Shooting stars streak across the night sky, spring rain brings fresh growth, and fire scorches the earth as the projection rotates from day to night and through each season.
Sparkles indicate areas for visitor interaction, such as waving to part the tall grass and reveal animals. Personally, we found the functionality of this feature to be a little hit and miss but that didn’t detract from the kids’ enjoyment. We’ve visited this exhibit twice so far and this has proven to be a great space to get extra energy out by running, skipping and hopping around the “wildlife.”
Paint the Prairie
Right next to the virtual prairie space are two large touchscreens for Paint the Prairie. Visitors can choose between a butterfly, lizard, bumblebee, coneflower, milkweed or grasshopper. The painting program is easy enough for toddlers to manage, but also provides a range of color selection and brush widths that will appeal to more meticulous artists.
While my 4-year-old son dashed off scribbled butterfly after scribbled butterfly, a child on the other screen was detailing a stunning rainbow lizard. I really like how the program has a preview of what the final image will look like, transforming the flat painted image to a 3D model.
Once you’re done painting, you release it onto the prairie, and your animal or plant will be added to the landscape projected on the wall. The butterflies and bumblebees fly around, and the flowers wave in the wind. Stop by and add a colorful creation of your own!
The Discovery Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
