FREE “Library of Things” at Wichita Public Library
The Wichita Public Library has many, many books on thousands of topics, but did you know they also have a Library of Things for checkout? You can check experience passes, computers, kids’ learning toys, anatomy models and telescopes, hotspots, and even radon detectors can be checked out! The Wichita Public Library’s “Library of Things” is […]
O.J. Watson Park in Wichita
OJ Watson Park is a fantastic place for families, teens, and anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy a lot of 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 open for the season, takes place just before Wichita […]
Kansas Road Trip: Coronado Heights
Approximately 80 miles northwest of Wichita, you will find the Coronado Heights Castle atop the only hill for miles around. It is a fun place to explore with your family and makes a great family road trip. Read about our family day trip from Wichita, a short history of Coronado Heights, and get a […]
Starlite Drive-In Outdoor Movie Theater
There is nothing like a night at a drive-in movie under the stars. Everyone loves the vintage atmosphere of drive-in movie theaters, and you can’t beat the price. Starlite outdoor movie theater in Wichita is a must for Date Nights, Family Nights, or really any occasion. This will be Starlite’s 73rd year. Going to the […]
Where to Walk in Wichita
When the weather is nice, not much is cheaper or more relaxing than taking a walk outside. Thankfully, there are some really great walking trails in Wichita that ensure we never get bored with the scenery. Following is a list of a few that are favorites of my own and those I’ve been told about […]
Wichita Summer Movie Deals 2026
Take a break from the heat by taking in a movie. Below is a round-up of the most budget-friendly summer movies in or near Wichita. If you’re looking for inexpensive movie options year-round, click here for Wichita Movie Deals. This is the ultimate guide to budget-friendly summer movie programs in and around Wichita. From $1 […]
Free Summer Meals for Kids: Summer Food Program 2026
This summer, kids can receive free breakfast and lunch at locations across Wichita. This wonderful Summer Food Program is back for 2026! The program is open to any kid ages 18 and under. There are no qualifying guidelines or paperwork to complete—just a free meal provided by the WPS Summer Food Program. Wichita Public Schools […]
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
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 […]
ICT Bloktoberfest and Beer Fest at Naftzger Park 2026
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 […]