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 they’ll have free live music on their open-air stage, too! Admission to the county fair is FREE. (Yes, free!). They do have a Ranch Rodeo and Demo Derby that costs to attend, and if you want to ride some […]
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 […]
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 […]
Kansas Road Trip: Cowley State Fishing Lake Waterfall
The waterfall at Cowley State Fishing Lake in Arkansas City (aka Ark City) is a fun place to explore, and not too far from Wichita! Read about our family day trip and get a few helpful tips to make your visit fun and successful. Don’t want to miss out on all the free deals? We […]
Derby Kansas Parks, Events & Deals
Looking for an easy day trip that feels like a mini escape? My in-laws live in Derby, so we go often, and they have so much to offer, so I wanted to share some of the parks and events we like to attend. It’s just a short drive from Wichita, but you feel like you’re […]
Sunflower Summer App
The Sunflower Summer app is back for 2025! Good work, Kansas. Thanks to funding approved by the Kansas Legislature for another year, Kansas families will be able to get free admission to many Kansas attractions again. However,despite the enormous popularity of Sunflower Summer, its future is not at all certain, so we should continue to […]
Sunflower fields near Wichita
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 […]
Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine Kansas: Tulip Season 2025
The Bartlett Arboretum is in Belle Plaine, Kansas, and it is a beautiful escape from the city with gardens and special events. This is truly a hidden gem in Kansas. It has 20 acres of gardens and is only about a 30-minute drive South of Wichita. This year’s Tulip season will open on April 1, […]
Wichita Trick or Treat and Fall Fun Events for Halloween 2025
Here it is! Our big list of Trick-or-Treats and Trunk-or-Treat near Wichita 2025 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 […]
Kansas Attractions & Fun Facts
We created Wichita on the Cheap because we love where we live and want to share that passion with everyone! The goal is to highlight everything that makes our city and state special, from Hidden Gems in Wichita to must see attractiosn in our State. We’ve gathered a collection of fun facts and fascinating information […]
Tanganyika Wildlife Park: Ultimate Guide to Visiting on a Budget
Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas, is the most interactive zoo in the Midwest. It offers unique experiences where visitors can feed, touch, and learn about animals. While a visit to Tanganyika comes at a cost, we’re here to break down the latest changes and share the most affordable ways to enjoy the park. About […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Pumpkin Patches and Fall Fun Farms around Wichita
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]