Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

Lakes Near Wichita: Swimming, Camping & Kansas Beaches

Nothing says summer quite like a day at the lake, so I have put together the Best Public Lakes near Wichita. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach, a weekend camping trip, kayaking, fishing, or simply a place to cool off, there are several great public lakes within an easy drive of Wichita. Here’s a […]

Sedgwick County Zoo: free admission for first responders

First Responders Free Zoo

The Sedgwick County Zoo is honoring First Responders Day on July 14, 2026, with FREE admission for all law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel, as well as 911 operators. Families can also enjoy free entry that day by using the Sunflower Summer App, making it a great time to visit the zoo without spending a […]

Wichita 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, Events and Fun 2026

Happy Independence Day! We have lots to celebrate this 4th of July in Wichita, and you might be wondering, “Where can I see 4th of July fireworks near me?” Below, I have listed a bunch of upcoming 4th of July fireworks in Wichita, KS, as well as small-town Independence Day community celebrations planned for 2026. […]

Wichita 4th of July: Red, White, and Boom: Downtown Wichita 2026

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 […]

The Ultimate List of Free Story Times in Wichita

  Wichita has many free indoor story times to fuel your child’s imagination and keep you out of the ever-changing Kansas weather. We have scoured the city and created the Ultimate List of Free Story Times in Wichita and the surrounding area! (We also have a great big list of other free and cheap things […]

Haysville, Kansas 4th of July 2026

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, 2026. The Haysville fireworks and other activities are put on by Haysville Rec and the City of Haysville. Since it’s roughly 5 miles south of Wichita, Haysville […]

Derby, Kansas 4th of July Fireworks, Parade and Events 2026

The City of Derby, Kansas, has announced plans for a fun 4th of July fireworks show and a day full of activities, including a firecracker race, an 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 to kick off the […]

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 many activities throughout the day in El Dorado. El Dorado is a great small town approximately 30 minutes northeast of Wichita. It […]

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 […]

Bike Trails in Wichita Kansas

When the weather is nice, and you want to get outside for a ride on your bike, you have a lot of options. Discover some of Wichita’s favorite biking trails, along with free or inexpensive cycling resources in south central Kansas, here. Top Outdoor Parks for Bike Riding in Wichita, Kansas Not all parks are […]

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 […]

Goddard, KS 4th of July Celebration: Fireworks, Food & Live Music

The Fourth of July in Goddard is packed with family-friendly fun all day long. Visitors can enjoy swimming, food vendors, live music, and a fireworks show to cap off the celebration. Located just about 13 miles west of Wichita, Goddard is an easy drive and makes a great option for families looking for a fun […]

Top Golf Wichita Deals & Discounts

Top Golf in Wichita is a great activity if you want to practice golf, have a Date Night, or for some fun Kids’ Activities. Topgolf is a game-changing entertainment venue that combines Golf, technology, and a social atmosphere. It’s not your traditional golf experience; it’s a blend of a high-tech driving range, a Sports Bar, […]

Wichita Wind Surge Baseball Schedual and Deals 2026

What is the Wichita Wind Surge? They are a minor league baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. They play at the Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita, KS. We have Wind Surge deals and promotions to help you enjoy the ballgame on a budget.  Going to a baseball game can be a […]

ICT Bloktoberfest and Beer Fest at Naftzger Park 2026

Bloktoberfest Naftzger Park

Celebrate your love of beer (or bier), sausage, and all things German at this year’s ICT Bloktoberfest in Wichita. The two-day festival is for all ages and will be held at Naftzger Park. The park will be transformed into a giant Biergarten (Beer Garden) and will be taken over by music, food, and games, and […]

Bradley Fair Summer Concert Series 2026

The summer concerts at Bradley Fair are among our favorite events of the year, and the best part is that they’re completely FREE! Here are the details for the 2026 Summer Concert series.  This summer’s Bradley Fair Summer Concert series begins June 11, 2026. In the past, the concerts have been solely jazz, but this […]

Celebrate America at Old Cowtown Museum 2026

Happy 4th of July! Get ready to celebrate America like it’s 1875 with Old Cowtown Museum’s annual Independence Day Celebration. Enjoy old-time patriotic activities at this living history museum, decorated with patriotic flags. While you’re there, you might happen upon some drama between churchgoers and saloon patrons. Back in the 1800s, disputes were often solved […]

Open Streets ICT 2026 in Downtown Wichita is FREE

Wichita Parks and Recreation will host another Open Streets ICT – a FREE event in Wichita, KS. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance. Open Streets ICT brings Wichitans of all ages downtown for an active, fun, community-building afternoon on Wichita’s iconic Douglas Avenue.  Open Street is one of my favorite community events. The city […]

Kansas Aviation Museum Block Party

Gather up a big group of friends or relatives and squeeze everyone in the car! The Kansas Aviation Museum Block Party will be a summer day of Flight, Fun, and Family … and carload admission pricing! Sunday, June 28, 2026, our favorite art deco airport-turned-museum will host a family-friendly block party from 1-6 p.m. It […]

Best Arcades in Wichita, Kansas for Budget-Friendly Fun

Arcades in Wichita are a fun way to entertain the kids, hang out with friends, or just relive your glory days. There are lots of Arcades near you. Wichita’s arcade scene has really improved over the years. We now have many choices, from retro classics to full-blown entertainment centers, and many of them offer specials […]

Little Explorers Musuem of World Treasures

Little Explorers is a sweet, low-key way for Wichita Families with toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy the Museum of World Treasures without the crowds or overwhelm. This event is held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month and is designed for children ages 2–5. This relaxed, play-based program takes place during a quieter […]

Wildflower Walks at Great Plains Nature Center: Free

Looking for a fun and free way to enjoy the outdoors in Wichita? Every last Thursday of the month at 6 PM, the community is invited to join a Wildflower Walk at Chisholm Creek Park, part of the scenic grounds at Great Plains Nature Center. This monthly walk is a guided exploration of one of […]

Kansas State Fair Ultimate Guide to Deals & Discounts

When is the Kansas State Fair this year? It is September 11 – 20, 2026, in Hutchinson, Kansas. These ten days are packed with fun for all ages. This fair is the largest single event in Kansas and attracts approximately 350,000 people annually. You can enjoy mouthwatering food, live music, agricultural exhibits, and more. Find […]

Kansas State Fair BOGO Tickets

If you’re planning a trip to the Kansas State Fair this September, you’ll want to mark your calendar for this deal. For one day only, the Kansas State Fair is offering a Buy One, Get One Free gate admission sale. The promotion takes place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, […]

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 orchards and farms where families can go pick fresh produce right off the trees or vines. This is so much fun to do, and it’s a great way to enjoy fresh air and sunshine together as a […]