Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

Winter Break Activites in Wichita

The holidays sure can put a dent in your wallet, but don’t let that ruin your Christmas break fun! There are lots of free and cheap things to do during winter break in Wichita that will keep you and the kids from getting bored! These are a few of our favorites, but feel free to […]

Breakfast with Santa at Stearman Field Bar & Grill

During the holiday season, this popular Benton spot combines great food, festive cheer, and one-of-a-kind views for a Christmas experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Wichita area. Families are invited to stop by for Photos with Santa while enjoying Stearman’s hearty breakfast buffet. The spread includes all the classics like bacon, sausage, biscuits […]

Flavor & Barbecue Fest in Wichita

Flavor & Barbecue Fest is a brand-new, free event coming to Wichita this October, and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Hosted by Wichita Festivals, the same team behind Riverfest and Autumn & Art. This new two-day celebration will bring the heat to the area near Century II. Attendees can expect a mix […]

Somewhere in Winter Fest: Downtown Wichita

If your family loves holiday magic but you don’t love holiday prices, Somewhere Winter in downtown Wichita is one of those rare seasonal pop-ups that feels big, immersive, and special without draining your wallet. This Somewhere in Winter fest mixes art, cozy photo ops, and that nostalgic “downtown Christmas” energy. My daughters always gravitate toward […]

Where to See Christmas Lights in Wichita 2025

Find Christmas lights in Wichita, KS. This is a current list of Christmas light displays we love. Driving around looking at Wichita Christmas lights is not only a fun family tradition, it’s also really inexpensive (even after you factor in the price of gas)!

Horse-Drawn Carriage & Train Rides in Wichita

Dashing through the snow and oh what fun it is! Every year, we have only a few places in Wichita that usually offer horse-drawn carriage rides in Wichita. There is something incredibly magical about the experience of an old-fashioned carriage ride that will put even the must ‘humbug’ of people into the Christmas spirit!  Look […]

Bradley Fair Holiday Stroll

Join in the fun at the festive events at Bradley Fair this holiday season in Wichita. Bradley Fair’s annual Christmas tree lighting looks like it will be a fun family event packed with activities, followed by four Sundays in December of the popular Bradley Fair Holiday Stroll. Bradley Fair Holiday Stroll on Sundays   Next […]

Kids Konnection & Specialty Camps for Kids over Winter Break

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during Winter Break or on those teacher in-service days? Look no further than Kids Konnection or sign up for Winter Break Specialty Camps! Both are provided for those of us who work and need somewhere fun for the kids to go while they are out of school. […]

Winter Break Activities at Kansas Aviation Museum

Don’t get bored and don’t go broke keeping the kids busy when school’s out for the holiday break! Wichita has a ton of fun and Free or Cheap Things to do During Winter Break, and the Kansas Aviation Museum is one of the local places bringing it for kid-friendly fun this December with a discount […]

Botanica Illuminations 2025: Light Show & Santa

Botanica’s Illuminations is an annual tradition in Wichita, which fills the night sky with holiday lights (up to two million of them!) and Christmas music. In addition to the amazing displays, show, and carousel rides, Illuminations will have live carolers each night, hot cocoa and treats, and the opportunity to visit Santa. Illuminations Dates: November […]

Cookie Decorating Party at Exploration Place

Cookie Decorating at Exploration Place

Exploration Place cookie decorating party is a DEAL this holiday. For a flat rate, you can bring your whole family to decorate cookies and take them home for Santa, and enjoy other Holiday activities.  It’s a festive experience for everyone! The best part is that you can enjoy decorating cookies for Santa without the hassle […]

Holiday Market at Old Town Farm & Art Market

It’s Holiday Market Season time at Old Town Farm and Art Market. It’s a time when people are actively shopping for gifts, decorations, and festive food items. Shop local vendors and enjoy downtown Wichita. The best part is it’s FREE to attend. This is a Holiday Activity that’s uniquely Wichita! About Holiday Market at Old […]

Holiday Movies and Christmas Classics Films in Wichita 2025

‘Tis the season for Holiday Movies, timeless Christmas classics, and fantastic deals on movie ticket prices! If you’re in search of films to infuse that holiday spirit, look no further. We’ve curated a list of the finest movies playing in Wichita this festive season. Various theaters in Wichita are gearing up to showcase a mix […]

Fulton Valley Farms: A Country Christmas Holiday Event

Fulton Valley Farms in Butler County puts on A Country Christmas starting November 29 with over 1,200,000 lights, live reindeer, Santa, and so much more. They have also added some really fun special events for this Holiday Season that are reasonably priced. Fulton Valley Farms is located just 15 minutes east of Wichita, near Towanda, […]

Free Photos with Santa at Cabela’s in Wichita

Free Santa Photos at Cabela's

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops is a wonderful FREE event returning this holiday season. There are many great opportunities to see Santa in Wichita, but this is one of my favorites because it’s free and you get a free printed photo.We just went with our daughter and it was great! No strings attached! They […]

All aboard: Watson Park Christmas Express Train Ride 2025

Watson Christmas Express

Watson Park has a fun and affordable Christmas train ride experience in Wichita. Explore the magic of Watson’s Christmas Express in two fantastic ways! Opt for the VIP package by registering in advance to indulge in EVERYTHING, or join them during the general admission timeframe without any registration and tailor your perfect experience. Whichever option […]

Wichita Art Museum Holiday Open House

The Wichita Art Museum has FREE admission and a FREE Holiday Event planned for its annual Open House on December 6, 2025. On that day, WAM will be a winter wonderland of artistic pursuits, festive performances, and fun all around the museum! Celebrate the season with the whole family for no cost. As a Wichita […]

Christmas Tree Lightings and Christmas Parades in Wichita 2025

Feeling nostalgic for some old-fashioned hometown holiday fun? We’ve rounded up a Santa-pack full of Christmas tree lightings in Wichita and in our neighboring communities. Wichita is surrounded by wonderful small communities that have their own traditions and events for the holiday season. These festive events will have you exploring beyond your immediate neighborhood and enjoying […]

Newton Parade of Lights

The Newton Lions Club will again hold its annual Christmas parade in Newton, Kansas. The Parade of Lights will be happening on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is FREE. Every float in the parade will be illuminated. It should be an awesome sight! The route will follow Main Street through the historic […]

Kids Eat Free at IHop in December

IHOP is bringing back a December favorite this year: Kids Eat Free. If you’re a Wichita family trying to save a little during the Holiday Season like my girls and I are, this deal can stretch your dining budget in a big way. But there’s a catch this year, so here’s what Wichita parents need […]

Victorian Christmas at Old Cowtown Museum

Victorian Christmas at Cowtown

Celebrate an old-fashioned holiday at Old Cowtown Museum’s Victorian Christmas event this season in Wichita. Stroll along lamp-lit, carol-filled streets, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and check out the Victorian dancers in the evenings on two weekends in December. Victorian Christmas has become a family tradition for many in the Wichita area. […]

Winter Wonderland Event at Naftzger Park: Free Event

Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park

Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park is a FREE event courtesy of Wichita Park & Recreation. It is the best FREE event with s’mores, Santa, hot cocoa, holiday lights, and more. This event is crafted to spread holiday joy throughout the community. Wander through the park while enjoying the brilliant lights and whimsical decorations. Immerse yourself […]

Cyber Monday Sales

Here are just a few of the Cyber Monday sales happening online today. Check them out. I’ll be posting more deals throughout the day, but you can start your cyber-saving here! Dont miss lots of other great deals happening. Check out our list of Local Membership Deals & Holiday Deals going on now. Cyber Monday […]

Membership Deals to Local Attractions and Black Friday Specials

Wichita membership deals at local attractions for Black Friday and winter specials. Give a gift that can be used all year, like a membership to a local attraction or a gift card. We have so many wonderful attractions here in Wichita, so think about giving the gift of an experience. Here is a list of […]

USPS Operation Santa: Letters to Santa

The holiday season is around the corner, and the United States Postal Service’s special program called Operation Santa makes it fun and easy for kids to send a letter to Santa and for volunteers to adopt letters and help make someone’s Christmas extra bright. Here’s how families in Wichita (and beyond) can participate, share the […]