Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

Wichita Summer Checklist of Activities on a Budget

Here is our ultimate Summer Checklist of things to do in Wichita this Summer. This list includes things to do with kids’ and Adults’ activities in Wichita. Our city is filled with many things for kids and adults to do this summer. There is much to explore, from fan-favorite events to some of our Summertime Free […]

Best Playgrounds and Parks for kids in and around Wichita

Cool Free parks in and around Wichita

I learned my lesson early one July morning when I took my toddler to the zoo. All she did was pick up pretty rocks on the ground! I realized she didn’t care (yet) that there was a giraffe standing a few feet away.After that experience, I began thinking about her perspective rather than my own […]

Splash Parks in and around Wichita

Splash Pads In and Around Wichita

Splash pads in Wichita are a big attraction during the summer months. These splash parks (aka water playgrounds, splash pads, or play fountains) are a great way to enjoy summer for free. They are cost-effective and require less maintenance. Therefore, several have been funded by the city in the past few years. In fact, a […]

Goddard, KS Independence Day Celebration: Fireworks, Food & Live Music

The 4th of July in Goddard, Kansas, is filled with fun, including fireworks, food, swimming, and live music. Goddard is around 13 miles west of Wichita, so it’s a quick and easy drive. The best part is that their Independence Day celebration is on Saturday, July 5th, allowing you to enjoy all the other 4th […]

Paid Parking Downtown Wichita: How to Get a Free Hour

Paid Parking in downtown Wichita has officially begun (started July 1, 2025). Whether you live, work, or play downtown, here’s what you need to know to avoid surprises and even score free parking perks through August. Where Does Paid Parking Apply? New parking equipment has been installed in these areas: Good news: Paid parking does […]

Free Haircuts for Kids at Paul Mitchell School for Back to School

Free Haircuts for Back to School Wichita KS

Free back-to-school haircuts for kids in Wichita! Heading back to school is exciting with new clothes, fresh supplies, and a clean slate for the year ahead. But for many families, the cost of getting kids ready can add up quickly. That’s why events like this one are so appreciated in our community, thanks to the […]

Tax Free Weekends for Back to School around KS

Tax Free weekends around Kansas

Unfortunately, Kansas does not offer a Tax-Free Weekend for back-to-school shopping. We wish it did because shopping for school supplies can be quite challenging and expensive. I was hesitant to share this information, but I ultimately decided it could be helpful if you happen to be traveling. Tax-Free Weekends Around Kansas Arkansas: August 2-3, 2025 […]

4th of July Firework Rules in Wichita Kansas

The Fourth of July is always a big celebration with fireworks. The 4th of July rules and regulations on fireworks in Wichita have changed, so here is a little recap of what is legal. This will be helpful whether you’re planning a backyard celebration or want to know what’s allowed in your neighborhood. Here’s everything […]

Floatin’ on the River Kayak Events: Paddle & Dine

Summer is the perfect time of year to do some floatin’ on the river! In addition to its kayak rentals on the river, the City of Wichita Park & Recreation office will be offering a series of guided kayak floats along the Arkansas River this summer. This is your chance to paddle the Arkansas River […]

Birthday Freebies: What you can get for FREE

Birthday Freebies and Deals

Happy birthday! It’s your birthday, it’s your birthday. Or perhaps you’re one of those organized types who plan and you’re looking for birthday freebies in Wichita, Kansas. There are so many businesses that have birthday deals to make their customers feel special. From food to drinks to clothes and shoes to beauty, this list has […]

4th of July Party Tips to Save Money

If you are like me and host the family for the Fourth of July Celebration, it’s easy to spend a lot on just one party. Here are some tips for hosting a great gathering without overspending. The 4th of July is a great time to get friends and family together. Before or after your party […]

Wichita 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, Events and Fun 2025

Happy Independence Day! We have lots to celebrate this 4th of July and you might be wondering, “Where can I see 4th of July fireworks near me?” Below, we are listing some of the upcoming 4th of July fireworks in Wichita, KS and small town Independence Day community celebrations that are planned for 2025. Some […]

Haysville, Kansas 4th of July 2025

Haysville, KS, is celebrating the 4th of July all day long at Riggs Park, and it’s FREE! These activities are being held on THE day, Friday, July 4, 2025. The Haysville fireworks and other activities are put on by Haysville Rec and the City of Haysville. Since it’s just five miles south of Wichita, roughly, […]

Derby, Kansas 4th of July Fireworks, Parade and Events

The City of Derby, Kansas has announced its plans for a fun 4th of July fireworks show and a day full of fun activities with a firecracker race, Independence Day parade, Rock River Rapids waterpark, and more. I highly recommend putting the 4th of July parade on your schedule this year. It’s a great way […]

4th of July in El Dorado, Kansas Fireworks and Events

El Dorado, KS, has a great list of 4th of July activities and fireworks. You can expect a bike parade, turtle races, a veterans ceremony, a free swim, and, of course, fireworks. There are lots of activities taking place throughout the day in El Dorado. El Dorado is a great small town approximately 30 minutes northeast […]

Mulvane, Kansas 4th of July Parade

Mulvane, Kansas, is known for its 4th of July parade, which celebrates our great nation’s independence. The parade is a long-standing tradition in Mulvane, drawing residents and visitors. Local businesses, organizations, schools, and community groups participate in the parade, showcasing floats, decorated vehicles, and themed displays. Mulvane, Kansas, is located approximately 15 miles south of […]

Celebrate America at Old Cowtown Museum

Happy 4th of July! Get ready to celebrate America like its 1875 with Old Cowtown Museum’s annual Independence Day celebration. This year, Cowtown is hosting the 4th of July fun on Saturday, July 5. Enjoy old-time patriotic activities at this living history museum, which will be decorated with patriotic flags and buntings to mark the […]

Wichita 4th of July: Red, White, and Boom: Downtown Wichita

Celebrate the 4th of July with Wichita’s biggest Independence Day party, Red, White & BOOM, in downtown Wichita. This FREE event is open to the public. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m., and food trucks will surround the area of Century II. Then, enjoy the fireworks in downtown Wichita. This spectacular event, presented by […]

Greater Andover Days Fall Festival 2025

Greater Andover Days is the perfect family-friendly event for all ages, whether it’s for a budget-friendly date night or getting the family out of the house for a weekend. Greater Andover Days 2025 kicks off Friday, September 26 and continues through Sunday, September 28, 2025. The festival is a beloved fall tradition in Kansas and […]

Firehouse Subs Name Your Deal

Looking for a fun, tasty, and cheap lunch idea in Wichita? Firehouse Subs is calling your name—literally! From June 23 to 30, 2025, Firehouse Subs is rolling out a week-long “Name of the Day” promotion where select customers can score a half-price sub just for having the right first name. Each day during the promo, […]

The Dam Jam Music Festival in Windfield,Kansas

The Dam Jam Music Festival is one of Kansas’ favorite summer parties! This high-energy event brings together live outdoor music, camping under the stars, and tons of fun activities all in one weekend. Festivalgoers can enjoy not only a great lineup of live performances but also take part in a cornhole tournament, check out the […]

Riverside Park Zoo called the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is FREE

Kansas Wildlife Zoo

It’s officially named the “Kansas Wildlife Exhibit” but is fondly known by Wichitans as the Riverside Park Zoo. Did you know they feed animals at noon every day? Yes, you can go see FREE animal feeding every day. We love consistent FREE activities in Wichita. This zoo is near the wonderful Central Riverside Park, which […]

The Big Float on the Arkansas River

The Big Float Wichita

The Big Float is a river float and beach party on the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. The goal of the Big Float is to build support for improving river access and creating a river habitat for Wichitans.  Because this is a fundraiser to fund the River’s water quality improvements and education opportunities, refunds are […]

Rock River Rapids Waterpark in Derby

Derby Water Park Rock River Rapids

Rock River Rapids, the water park in Derby, is a premier water park in south-central Kansas! Rock River Rapids is a full-service Aquatic Park with Concessions, Lockers (provide your own lock), a Bathhouse, and a Gift Counter. Numerous areas at the park are liberally equipped with lounge chairs for relaxing. The Park is staffed with […]