Tag: Kid-Friendly
Free Kids Day at OJ Watson Park
Here’s yet another entry in the category of “Free Stuff for Kids to Do in Wichita”: Kids ages 5 to 12 years will enjoy a day of free outdoor fun at Watson Park on Saturday, May 19, 2012 during the annual O.K. Kids Day.
From 9 a.m. to noon, kids can fish, learn about water safety, play miniature golf and volleyball, jump around on a moon walk, paddle a kayak, and ride a train and ride a pony – all for free!
Fishing poles and bait will be provided, but there will only be so many to go around so get to the park early and make sure you register when you get there.
The Arkansas River Coalition will be providing kayaks and canoe’s for free rides on the lake.
There may also be a limited supply of free T-shirts, hot dogs, and popcorn available while they last. Bring some spending money just in case, because the park will have regular paid concessions available at noon and in the afternoon, pony and train rides, mini golf, and pedal boats will be available for a small fee.
I’m thinking parents might want to bring along some lawn chairs, water, sunscreen, and most certainly a camera or camcorder!
KU Bicycle Safety Event Downtown
The KU Alumni Association will host “Wichita Hawks, Helmets & Handlebars,” a bicycle safety event for kids, at the WaterWalk in downtown Wichita. Kids who participate will receive a bicycle helmet and a signed certificate from Big Jay himself. A fire truck will also be on display from 9-10 a.m.
You’ll need to register for the Bicycle Safety Clinic, which will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $5 for children of KU Alumni members and $10 for children of non-members. For more information and to register, visit the Wichita Hawks, Helmets & Handlebars event page at the KU Alumni website.
FREE Mother’s Day Fresh-Flower Bouquet Craft for Kids at the Old Town Farmer’s Market in Wichita
Thanks to Pat R. for letting me know about this sweet Mother’s Day deal!
Kids ages can assemble a little fresh-flower bouquet for Mom – compliments of the Old Town Farmer’s Market – this Saturday, May 12, 2012 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Just visit the Kids Corner while you’re at the market. The flower bouquet is this week’s make-it/take-it project, but they have projects every week.
Old Town Farmers Market (Downtown)
Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. – Noon May through October; Kids Corner 9-11 a.m.
Farm & Art Market Square in Old Town, 1st and Mosley
On a brick courtyard in the heart of Old Town, right next to the Museum of World Treasures. http://www.oldtownfarmersmarket.com/
Note: This is probably a “while supplies last” type of project, so go early!
Thanks also to Vertical Violet for helping me clear up the question about kids’ ages! It’s open to kids of all ages, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m! 
Free Admission for Military on Armed Forces Day at Rolling Hills Wildlife Zoo and Museum
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure will recognize Armed Forces Day with free admission to the zoo and wildlife museum for active and retired military and their immediate families.
The day will be filled with wild activities throughout the park, including an inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, giraffe feeding, and “Keeper Encounters” in the Zoo.
All military with valid I.D. and their immediate family (living in the same household) receive free admission to both the Zoo and Wildlife Museum. “All-American” specials will also be available at the Overlook restaurant.
The park opens at 9:00 a.m. and activities will continue until 4 p.m.
Free Ice Cream Social at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Enjoy a free ice cream social this weekend in Wichita.
Admission is free during the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum’s Ice Cream Social this Saturday, May 12. Explore the museum’s exhibits and enjoy ice cream, games, antique cars and live music in Heritage Square Park behind the museum.
Date: Saturday, May 12th, 2012
Time: 1-5:00 pm
Location: Heritage Square Park, behind the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Cost: Free
For more info: http://wichitahistory.org/calendar/ice-cream-social-1-5-pm-free-and-open-to-the-public/
Wichita 2012 Summer Programs for Kids
A couple of readers have recently asked about all-day summer programs for kids in Wichita. Since summer breaks are one of the primary reasons I work from home, finding good summer programs is not my area of expertise. However, I was able to find a few programs that seem like great fun and are reasonably-priced. If you have any suggestions for kids’ all-day summer programs, please leave them in the comments!
The YMCA has the Camp Hyde program, which really seems to offer a great variety for kids ages 6 through 15. It is the real “summer camp” experience, with swimming and fishing, outdoor sports and games, nature trails, crafts, and even a skate park. The cost for one week at Camp Hyde is $115 for YMCA members and $135 for everyone else. Limited need-based financial assistance is available.
Once your child is enrolled in the Camp Hyde program, you can sign up for specialty camps too. The one that has me wishing I was a kid again is the new Frontier Camp. Students learn about horses and riding! Frontier Camp is $185 per week for YMCA family members and $205 per week for community participants. Other Camp Hyde specialty camps are Sports Specialty Camp (same price as the regular summer program) and Teen Camp.
The YMCA also offers summer programs at other locations. The Special Interest Camp in Bel Aire is for children who have completed kindergarten up to age 12. Each week a different interest will be the theme for that camp. The Bel Aire Special Interest Camp is $105 per week for YMCA members and $125 per week for others.
Farha Sports Camp is another summer program offered by the YMCA. The week-long camps include morning sports clinics in volleyball, football, baseball, basketball and soccer led by local athletes and coaches, and then afternoon activities led by camp counselors.
YMCA locations also have Adventure Camps featuring activities that are offered at the individual locations. Adventure Camps are available for kids who have completed kindergarten up to age 12 at the North, Northwest, Andover, East, South, El Dorado and West YMCAs and Valley Center – Abilene Elementary. Adventure Campers (at all but the Andover, North, and Northwest locations) also go on field trips to parks and the zoo.
For more information about the YMCA summer camps and to enroll, visit the Wichita YMCA Summer Camp site.
Summer of Discovery is offered by Wichita Parks and Recreation for kids ages 6 to 13 years of age. Each week of the 10 week-long programs focuses on a different theme. The cost of each week-long, all-day camp is $90, with a discount for multiple kids. Camps are offered at Edgemoor, Linwood, and Orchard parks. You’ll need to visit the website for all the details, here: http://www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/Park/sod.htm
Are there other good all-day summer camps for kids here in Wichita?
Wichita on the Cheap is brought to you by freelance writer Carolyn Erickson, who has called Wichita her home since the 90s (and she’s been a cheapskate longer than that). Although 