Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

Date Night Ideas on a Budget in Wichita

Date Night on a Budget in Wichita

Need date night ideas in Wichita that won’t break the Bank? We have you covered. Not all special date nights have to be expensive dinners.  We have the ultimate list of date night activities on a budget. Here are creative ways to have a special night out without spending a fortune in Wichita. Our city […]

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 […]

City Crew Kids Club in Wichita is FREE: Free Events & More

Have you heard? City Crew (formerly known as Barry’s Crew) is a completely FREE program for kids to join. What is City Crew in Wichita? It’s a program for kids to connect with their community and learn more about city services. Managed by the City of Wichita, this program offers free activities, events, behind-the-scenes tours, […]

Exploration Place in Wichita

Exploration Place Wichita Kansas

Exploration Place in Wichita is a popular destination and, personally, one of our family’s favorites. It offers a dynamic and ever-changing range of activities, ensuring each visit is a unique experience. The facility features a rotation of exhibits, allowing visitors to explore new adventures regularly. It is situated along the scenic Arkansas River, providing a […]

Keeper of the Plains and Wichita Troll

Wichita Keeper of the Plains & Wichita Troll

Want something fun and frugal to do? Visiting the Keeper of the Plains and the Wichita Troll is a MUST! The Keeper of the Plains in Wichita is not just a sculpture; it’s a beacon that celebrates Wichita’s cultural diversity and heritage. It’s a beautiful and meaningful landmark that invites reflection on the city’s history […]

The Arcade in Downtown Wichita

The Arcade in downtown Wichita is a nostalgic blast from the past, featuring classic video games and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for hanging out, playing, eating, and drinking. You pay one price and can stay all day and play as much as you want.  The Arcade is filled with games from 1980 and 1990. It […]

PBS Kids Play Area in Wichita: Free

Have you heard of the PBS Kids Play area in WIchita? This is a local gem and its FREE to visit. It’s the perfect place to take kids if you are looking for Kid’s Activities in Wichita. The PBS Education Center is located inside the PBS Channel 8 building. Its a children’s play area full […]

Wichita Ice Center: Indoor Ice Skating and Hockey in Wichita

Wichita Ice Center Ice Skating

Step into the Wichita Ice Center, your go-to hub for all things icy in Wichita, Kansas, since 1996! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or taking your first glides, we’ve got all the essentials to make your ice-skating experience unforgettable. Continue reading this article to see when you can skate for just $2. Their cutting-edge facility […]

Kansas State Fair General Info

Kansas State Fair 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 […]

Homemade Ranch Recipe

Homemade ranch dressing is typically more affordable than store-bought options because the main ingredients, like mayonnaise, buttermilk, and spices, can be purchased in bulk at a lower cost per use. If your family loves ranch as much as ours, you’ve got to try this recipe! I know it’s more effort than grabbing a bottle off […]

Money Saving Tips: How to Save & Spend Less in Wichita

Tips to Save Money in Wichita

I have embraced these money-saving strategies for a year now and am excited to share what proved effective in helping my family save money. While not every tip may resonate with your family, they serve as valuable reminders to be conscious of where your hard-earned money goes. These suggestions are practical and accessible, making them […]

FREE Books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Imagination Library Free Books in Kansas

Dolly Parton’s children’s book donation program, Imagination Library, has now expanded to allow EVERY child under age 5 in the state to be eligible! This expansion is possible through increased funding provided to the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund and the Kansas Legislature. The funds supplement local and regional resources to ensure equitable opportunity […]

Local gift ideas for Wichita, KS

Wichita Augustino Brewing Company - original location

It’s the thought that counts, and for many Wichitans, shopping local is part of what makes a gift thoughtful and intentional. For several years now, Wichita on the Cheap has endeavored to help with that by showcasing local small businesses that have affordable gifts for everyone on your list. We’re back again with more local […]

Black Friday Shopping Tips

Quick Tips for Black Friday Shopping

It’s the bargain-hunter’s busiest time of the year! With so many of us watching our spending these days, Black Friday has become almost as much of a holiday as Thanksgiving. And if you don’t want to venture out into the cold and snow fighting the crowds to shop at the big box stores this Black […]

Christmas Gift Guide: Wichita Experience Gift Ideas

Local Experience Gift Guide

We have compiled a list of Christmas gift ideas and local experiences for our Wichita Friends. This holiday gift guide will give you unique ideas for this holiday.  The idea behind the local experience approach takes a clear path towards quality over quantity! Join us on a Christmas list journey as we unwrap the gift […]

Indoor Play Places and Activities for Kids in Wichita

Indoor Place Places for Kids in Wichita

If you are looking for things to do indoors in Wichita, we’ve got you covered. If it’s too cold or too hot out, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Are you tired of being cooped up inside? Check out all the fun things you can do indoors in Wichita! From bowling […]

Pumpkin Patches in and around Wichita 2024

Pumpkin Patches 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 […]

Mark Arts Classes & Galleries in Wichita

Mark Arts in East Wichita regularly features free art exhibitions that are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they offer a wide variety of classes for youth and adults. Here are the New Classes and Workshops being offered at Mark Arts.  Visiting the museum is fun and […]

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 […]

Margarita Deals Each Week in Wichita

If you’re a Margarita lover, we have great news! Check out our list of Margarita deals available every week in Wichita. From Happy Hour Specials to exclusive discounts, these recurring offers are perfect for sipping your favorite cocktails without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margaritas or enjoy creative twists with unique […]

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Wichita

Kid -friendly Attractions in Wichita

Wichita has so many wonderful things to do for kids. Here is a collection of just a few of the kid-friendly attractions in Wichita. We really could just keep going and going… So what are you waiting for? Start checking these places off your list and see what Wichita has to offer for kid-friendly family […]

Great Plains Nature Center: Free Events and Info

Great Plains Nature Center

Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita is always FREE to visit. They provide opportunities for the public to investigate, understand, and develop an appreciation for wildlife. They have weekly  FREE events and no registration is needed! Great for homeschoolers, kiddos who aren’t quite in school yet, or anyone else available in the morning hours.  Chisholm […]

Carousel Skate Roller Skating: Deals and Discounts

Carousel Skate Center is a popular roller skating rink located in Wichita, Kansas. It has been a staple in the community, providing a fun and safe environment for roller skating enthusiasts of all ages. Below we have the inside info on when Carousel Skate has the best deals and cheapest time to skate. The rink […]

O.J. Watson Park Wichita

OJ Watson Park is a fantastic place for families, teens, and anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy some outdoor activities. This is the Wichita park with the yellow brick road! The park operates year-round, but the opening weekend—when all rides and special activities resume—takes place just before Wichita schools’ spring break. The ride season wraps […]

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a zoo in Goddard, Kansas, where you can feed, touch, meet, and learn about animals. It was named the most interactive Zoo in the Midwest with over 500 animals live in the park.  Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s mission revolves around fostering connections between people and the natural world. By offering engaging and […]