Western Kansas Getaway: Monument Rocks and Lake Scott State Park
One of the best Kansas getaways (if you love the great outdoors) is Monument Rocks Chalk Pyramids and Lake Scott State Park. We visited one year in early July and it was a great family experience. It’s not exactly a day trip from Wichita, but it would be a terrific weekend getaway or maybe even […]
8 Wonders of Kansas Quick Review: Road Trip
Ever wondered where to find the 8 Wonders of Kansas? Some of these places I have been to, others I have never heard of. Most of the “Wonders” on this list are close to Wichita, making these an easy day trip. The furthest location on this list is four hours away (Monument Rocks). I highly […]
First Day Hikes on New Years Day in Kansas, Wichita
Take a hike on the first day of 2024 to start your new year off right! Numerous Kansas State Parks – and a Wichita city park – are offering First Day Hikes, which are guided hikes on New Year’s Day, January 1. Bring the family – bundled up, of course, and wearing comfortable, sturdy hiking […]
FREE Admission to America’s National Parks 2025
Here’s a big deal: The National Park Service offers five fee-free days in 2025. On these FREE days at U.S. National Parks, you’ll pay nothing to get in to more than 100 national parks across the country that normally charge a fee. During the fee-free days, the parks waive entrance fees, commercial tour fees and […]
Free Entrance to Kansas State Parks on Black Friday
This year, Kansas State Parks are offering a Black Friday deal everyone can enjoy, and you won’t have to wait in line. (I guess you could camp out the night before though!) Black Friday, is a free entrance day to all Kansas State Parks! Kansas State Park daily vehicle permits, normally about $5, are not […]
Veterans, military, dependents, and Gold Star Families get FREE National Parks pass
Gold Star Families, U.S. military veterans, and active-duty military personnel and their dependents can receive FREE America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes. Current active-duty military and their dependents can get an Annual Pass for FREE (an $80 value). And there’s been an exciting update since we originally wrote this. Now, Gold Star […]
Wichita Trick or Treat and Fall Fun Events for Halloween 2024
Here it is! Our big list of Trick-or-Treats and Trunk-or-Treat near Wichita 2024 is in progress. As always, we have the ultimate list of Halloween events for kids in Wichita for your Halloween fun! Leave the tricks at home, you’re in for a treat! Below we have compiled great family-friendly Halloween and fall places to […]
Pumpkin Patches in and around Wichita 2024
Thank goodness for agricultural tourism in Kansas. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fun farms are all enjoyed outdoors, so go have some fall fun in 2024! Every year, we see lovely family-owned farms near Wichita that offer pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and other fall fun for families. These are some of the best pumpkin patches […]
You-pick Farms Near Wichita: Apples, Berries, Peaches & More
Every year readers ask me where they can find “you-pick” places in the Wichita area. They’re talking about the orchards and farms where families can go pick fresh produce right off the tree or vine. This is so much fun to do, and it’s a great way to enjoy fresh air and sunshine together as […]
Kansas State Fair Dillon’s Dollar Day
Dillon’s Dollar Day at the Kansas State Fair is the best deal if you want cheap admission to the Kansas State Fair and cheap carnival rides! Admission is only $1 (FREE if you present your plastic Dillons card). Dillon’s Dollar Day offers the best deal at the Kansas State Fair. While regular admission costs around […]
Kansas State Fair General Info
When is the Kansas State Fair this year? It is September 5 – 14, 2025, in Hutchinson, Kansas. These ten days are packed with fun for all ages. This fair is the largest single event in Kansas and annually attracts approximately 350,000 people. You can enjoy mouthwatering food, live music, agricultural exhibits, and more. The […]
Sunflower fields near Wichita, KS – Where can you see sunflowers in bloom?
Seeing row after row of blooming sunflowers – it’s one of the perks of living in Kansas. Many readers have asked me where they could find sunflower fields near Wichita or around the state. In the past, that wasn’t an easy question to answer since only a few were planted specifically to be enjoyed by […]
Kansas Maze Sunflower Festival
The Kansas Maze is located on the Gaebbert family farm in Buhler, KS, which is about 50 min from Wichita. They have more than 600,000 Sunflowers for you to see. Each year, they have a multi-week festival whenever the Sunflowers bloom, so the dates are never exactly set until the flowers are in bloom. Who […]
Best Hikes and Scenic Drives for Fall Color in Kansas
Best Hikes and Scenic Drives for Fall Color in Kansas I’m falling in love with all of the free and cheap things to do this fall in Wichita. From our pumpkin patches to our scary movies at the drive-in, there’s so much fall fun to be had. There’s so much going on, but don’t forget […]
Hotel at Old Town Discount for Wichita on the Cheap Readers
Are you looking to escape the everyday routine and explore something new? Hotel at Old Town has partnered with us to help promote Staycations in the City we all love. Experience Wichita in a new way by making a vacation out of our hometown. You can have a blast without leaving the city with great […]
Farmers Markets in Wichita
Farmer’s Markets in Wichita and surrounding communities with locally grown fresh food, plants, honey, handmade items, and more. Some markets offer kids’ activities and live entertainment; all offer an excellent opportunity to meet your neighbors, learn more about local produce, and share in the fun of discovering things produced right here in our own state […]
Midway Unlimited Carnival Rides: Flash Sale
If you are heading to the Kansas State Fair this year and want to ride the carnival rides, you will want to make sure to snag this deal to receive unlimited rides. The Midway wristband will be on sale for $25 on July 30, 2024. It gives you unlimited rides for one person during one […]
Free fun, live music, and more at Sedgwick County Fair
Yup, it’s happening. The Sedgwick County Fair organizers announced we’re having a fair this year. And every night they’ll have free live music on their open air stage, too! Admission to the county fair is FREE. (Yes, free!) The Sedgwick County Fair is an annual event that is always lots of fun. The fair is […]
Tanganyika Wildlife Park All-Inclusive Changes Starting in 2025
Tanganyika Wildlife Park will offer an extraordinary, all-inclusive adventure starting in 2025 right here in the Wichita metro area. With exclusive local discounts, residents can enjoy unparalleled animal interactions, unlimited food and drink, and a host of unique experiences at a fraction of the cost. This is more than just a day at the park—it’s […]
Groupons for Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City
Groupon currently has deals for a popular family attraction in Kansas City: The Great Wolf Lodge. This deal is for your room and waterpark. They have 38,000-square-foot indoor water park. Splashy rides such as the Howling Wolf, a toboggan-style water slide, and a winding lazy river surround the park’s iconic hub. They even have a […]
Kansas Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Now is a great time to explore natural areas near us here in Wichita by taking a nice scenic drive with the family. Over the past couple of years, we’ve been writing about fantastic places to see in our Kansas Road Trips series. I thought it would be a good time to reshare these since […]
Treehouse Experience in Sedgwick, Kansas
Ever dreamed of staying in a treehouse? We fulfilled that dream at Diamond Springs Ranch, and it was a fantastic experience. Our overnight stay in Sedgwick, KS, was the ultimate getaway, and we didn’t spend a fortune. Nestled in a treehouse, we enjoyed horseback trail rides, roasted marshmallows, and cherished quality family time. Sleeping among […]
Derby Shores Beach
Kansas is getting a manmade beach, and it’s right outside of Wichita. Derby, Kansas, is getting a $160 million dollar beach, ziplining, BMX, and more. This will be a destination for the Midwest. Derby Shores is a 4.5-acre lagoon with white sandy beaches, water sports, lounging, waterfront restaurants, waterslides, and more. This destination will be […]
Kansas Road Trip: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Here’s a free family getaway you’ll be remembering long after its done. If you live in Wichita or nearby, you have an easy drive to see and experience something rare and unique. This is also a really fun and educational day trip! At the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas, you can see what the […]
Getaways on the Cheap: FREE Kansas Guide Books, Map
Here’s one of my best tips for saving money on summer vacations: Check out the state and local tourism resources at your destination and pick up free travel guides. It seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Those organizations work hard to attract travelers, many times offering coupons or special discounts. TravelKS has released its […]