Free Ice Cream Social & Birthday Celebration at the Wichita Historical Museum
Can you think of anything better to do when the weather is so warm than getting together with friends and neighbors for an old-fashioned ice cream social? Our grandparents really knew what they were doing when they invented this kind of gathering! And this summer, it comes with a birthday cake too! Visit the museum that […]
Lucky Strike in Wichita Deals on Bowling & Arcade
Lucky Strike in Wichita has gone through a few name changes over the years. It was originally known as The Alley, then transitioned into a Bowlero, and now it’s been rebranded as Lucky Strike, bringing with it some exciting new updates and fresh energy while keeping the fun local families love. If you’re looking for […]
FREE Automobilia Moonlight Car Show and Street Party
The Automobilia Moonlight Car Show and Street Party will return to Wichita, and the best part is that the outdoor car show is FREE to the public. “Automobilia Car Show is One of the Largest Car Shows In The State of Kansas. They block off approximately 2 miles of Wichita streets. We have seven bands […]
Live Music at Chicken N Pickle: Free Concerts this Summer & Fall
Chicken N Pickle Summer Music Series is back! Enjoy FREE concerts throughout the summer. The best part is that all of these performances are FREE!! If you want to try pickleball, they are running a $5 Court Deal this Summer. Chicken N Pickle offers many other free activities in addition to this free Concert Series. […]
Derby’s Third Thursday Free Event: Music, Art, Food Trucks
Have you heard about Derby’s Third Thursday? It’s a fantastic FREE event with live music, artist exhibits, adult beverages, food trucks, and more! Third Thursday in Derby, Kansas, happens in the Spring and Fall. Hop in your car, take Rock Road and head South, and you will run right into Derby. Derby is only about […]
Free Wichita Bus Rides for Youth: Summer Ride Program
The Summer Ride Program allows kids to ride Wichita buses FREE this summer. Participants in the Ride program may enjoy unlimited free rides on all regular Wichita Transit bus routes. Wichita Transit provides a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use bus service throughout the City of Wichita. Youth ages 18 and younger may ride Wichita Transit routes for free […]
Lowe’s Kids Free Workshops 2026
Lowes offers a free kids’ workshop on one Saturday a month. In these workshops, kids participate in a hands-on building project, which is a great way to spend time together, learn to build, and boost creativity. To attend Lowe’s free kids’ workshops, register in advance to reserve your spot. If you forget to sign up, […]
Riverside Play Days: Free Summer Fun at the Wildlife Exhibit
Looking for a fun and FREE activity for kids this summer? Check out Riverside Play Days, a weekly summer program held at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit in Riverside Park. The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is one of Wichita’s hidden gems. Located next to Riverside Park, this free outdoor wildlife exhibit is home to native Kansas animals […]
Rock River Rapids Waterpark in Derby
Rock River Rapids, the water park in Derby, is a premier water park in south-central Kansas! Rock River Rapids is a full-service Aquatic Park with Concessions, Lockers (provide your own lock), a Bathhouse, and a Gift Counter. Numerous areas at the park are liberally equipped with lounge chairs for relaxing. The Park is staffed with […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]