Splash Parks in and around Wichita 2026
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 […]
Fountains at WaterWalk
The Fountains at WaterWalk in Wichita are back and worth a visit in the evening. The Fountains at WaterWalk, often called the Waltzing Waters, have returned after a three-year absence and are once again lighting up with their choreographed water displays. If you haven’t visited WaterWalk lately, now is the perfect time. After being shut […]
Riverside Park Zoo called the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is FREE
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 […]
Great Plains Renaissance Festival in Wichita: Ticket Discounts 2026
The Great Plains Renaissance Festival and Wichita Scottish Festival is happening at Sedgwick County Park this Fall This beloved local event, known as the Wichita Renaissance Fest, offers a wide array of exciting activities and entertainment. At the Wichita Great Plains RenFest, you’ll find what the organizer’s dub “jests and jousts, fire-breathing daredevils, aerial acrobatics, […]
Where to Fish in Wichita
Fishing is available at public lakes and parks throughout the Wichita metro area. Fishing can be a Fun Family Activity that lets everyone get outside in nice weather, requires minimal equipment, and is practically free (outside of the cost of a fishing license and worms). Plus, those Kansas sunsets over lakes and ponds are the […]
Art on the Trail at the Great Plains Nature Center
Great Plains Nature Center is having a FREE event for adults 21 and over on October 17, 2026 called Art on the Trail. This annual event offers those who appreciate art and wine the opportunity to enjoy both in a beautiful outdoor setting. This is one of the many great Fall Events in Wichita. Wichita […]
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 […]
Storytime at Naftzger Park in Downtown Wichita 2026
Storytime in the Park is FREE at Naftzger Park in downtown Wichita. Read along with stories on the big screen and enjoy music, snacks, free books, and an activity for the kids. Admission is FREE, and this event is open to the public. Storytime Village helps put on these storytimes with Wichita Parks & Recreation. They […]
RiverFlix: Free Outdoor Movies at Exploration Place 2026
Riverflix at Exploration Place is a free outdoor movie series in Wichita. It will be held in the Exploration Place amphitheater right outside its downtown location, near the iconic Keeper of the Plains. The best part is that Riverflix is FREE. This outdoor event will be held in the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, where everyone is […]
Farmers Markets in Wichita
Farmer’s Markets in Wichita and surrounding communities with locally grown fresh food, plants, honey, handmade items, and more. Some markets offer kids’ activities and live entertainment; all offer an excellent opportunity to meet your neighbors, learn more about local produce, and share in the fun of discovering things produced right here in our own state […]
Free Swimming at McAfee Pool in Wichita
Great news, Wichita! The City of Wichita’s Park & Recreation Department just made your summer a little cooler (and cheaper). McAfee Pool is offering FREE swim every other Saturday all summer long! Whether you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, entertain the kids, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water, McAfee […]
Castle Park in Augusta, KS
Castle Park in Augusta, Kansas, is back and better than ever. This park has been a must-visit for years and is definitely worth the short drive from Wichita. Related: Best Parks and Playgrounds around Wichita Several years ago, termite damage was discovered that caused structural concerns. Volunteers tore down the park and completely rebuilt it, […]
Great Plains Nature Center: Free Events and Info
The 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. The […]
Adult Sports Leagues in Wichita: Softball, Golf, Kickball & Valleyball
Are you looking for an adult sports league to join in Wichita? This year, consider participating in adult athletics with the Wichita Parks and Recreation Department. They offer affordable, organized sports, such as adult kickball, golf, sand volleyball, and softball. Participating offers a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it provides an avenue for physical activity, promoting […]
Wichita Summer Concerts 2026
One of the best things about summer is the music! When the weather warms up, Wichita puts on some great community gatherings with music as the focal point, and they’re almost always affordable, family-friendly, and outside! This is where we’ll keep track of the outdoor and free concerts we hear of. It will update automatically […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FREE Admission to America’s National Parks 2026
Here’s a big deal: The National Park Service offers five fee-free days in 2026. On these FREE days at U.S. National Parks, you’ll pay nothing to get in to more than 100 national parks across the country that normally charge a fee. During the fee-free days, the parks waive entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and […]
Smoke on the Plains, Derby BBQ & Music Fest: Free Event
The annual Derby BBQ & Music Festival in Derby’s High Park is a family favorite! This FREE event will be held June 12 & 13, 2026! This annual family-friendly event includes live music, food, and kid’s activities. Admission is FREE. There are an average of about 50 professional BBQ teams from the Midwest. There will […]