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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Twilight Tunes on the Terrace at Botanica 2026
Botanica is hosting Twilight Tunes on the Terrace this year, formerly known as “Tuesdays on the Terrace.” This concert series, held in the evenings in the gardens, features food, drinks, and live music. Relax and unwind at Botanica with their new concert series this Spring. Twilight Tunes on the Terrace at Botanica is a treat […]
Toddler Tuesdays at Towne East Mall: Free Family Event
Towne East Square Toddler Tuesdays will start this May. Bring your little one to the play area outside of Scheeld from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a free event each week. The mall has partnered with some local businesses to bring the community kid-friendly entertainment, hands-on crafts, and tasty snacks—all for free! Toddler Tuesday […]
Kids Bowl Free, Grown-ups Bowl Cheap All Summer Long
When it’s too hot to play outside, bring the kids inside for free bowling this summer. Grown-ups get a special price too!
The Big Float on the Arkansas River
The Big Float is a river float and beach party on the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. The goal of the Big Float is to build support for improving river access and creating a river habitat for Wichitans. Because this is a fundraiser for the River’s water quality improvements and educational opportunities, refunds are not […]
Free Pints of Kroger Ice Cream at Dillons on June 19, 2026
To celebrate the official start of the summer solstice season on June 19, 2026, Kroger is giving away 100,000 pints of FREE ice cream. Kroger has done this deal before, and I have always gotten my free ice cream; it’s easy, but you have to act fast. According to a company release, the offer includes […]
Free Admission to Old Cowtown Museum on Sundays 2026
Yes! Free Sundays at Cowtown is back, or they ask you to pay what you can give. Thanks to a generous donation by Colby Sandlian, everyone gets FREE ADMISSION to Cowtown on Sundays from April through October. There are some exclusions, such as when the Museum is closed and for certain special events, they’ll be […]
Dads Get Free Admission to Botanica for Father’s Day
Botanica is celebrating Father’s Day, and admission is FREE for fathers. It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together while exploring Wichita’s beautiful gardens, seasonal blooms, pond, and family-friendly attractions. As a parent, I love experiences that create memories without adding a big expense, and this is one of the Best Father’s Day Deals […]