Botanica Traveling Exhibit Glass in Flight II
Looking for a budget-friendly day out that the whole family will love? Glass in Flight 2 is now open at Botanica, and it’s included with regular admission! From now through July 30, visitors can explore this colorful outdoor exhibit filled with giant, breathtaking glass and metal sculptures of butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and more. Art Meets […]
Twilight Tunes on the Terrace at Botanica
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 […]
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 some 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 resume—takes place just before Wichita schools’ spring break. The ride season wraps […]
Best Playgrounds and Parks for kids in and around Wichita
I learned my lesson early one July morning when I took my toddler to the zoo. All she did was pick up pretty rocks on the ground! I realized she didn’t care (yet) that there was a giraffe standing a few feet away.After that experience, I began thinking about her perspective rather than my own […]
Splash Parks in and around Wichita
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 […]
Creature Feature at Great Plains Nature Center: Free Summer Activity
Learn about different creatures with the Great Plains Nature Center. The naturalist-led programs will spotlight different animals. They usually last about 40 minutes and are appropriate for all ages! One of their Naturalists dives into one of their favorite native Kansas wildlife topics. You can find this program in the auditorium in the GPNC building! […]
RiverFlix: Free Outdoor Movies at Exploration Place
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FREE: Smoke on the Plains, Derby BBQ & Music Fest
The annual Derby BBQ & Music Festival in Derby’s High Park is a family favorite! This FREE event will be held June 13 & 14, 2025! 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 […]
Heritage Fest in Andover
You should add Heritage Fest in Andover to your spring calendar. This family-friendly festival is packed with fun and nostalgia and is free to attend. The City of Andover brings history to life with Heritage Fest, an exciting new event that honors the community’s rich railroad heritage. Guests will be able to step back in […]
Treehouse Concerts at Bartlett Arboretum 2025
Super-affordable and a great way to spend an afternoon outside, the Treehouse Concerts at Bartlett Arboretum are just a short drive from Wichita …
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 […]
Pickleball Open Play at Wichita Parks for $4
Where to play pickleball in Wichita? There are many great options, but this article focuses on pickleball open play at Wichita public parks. The enthusiasm for pickleball is rising in Wichita, and here’s an affordable way to join in on the fun. Wichita Parks and Recreation is organizing open play sessions for pickleball players of […]
Playing Across the Park: Wichita Symphony Free Concerts
Musicians from the Wichita Symphony have partnered with Wichita Park & Recreation to bring you a FREE, family-friendly, all-ages event called Playing Across the Parks, and everyone is welcome. Musicians will play at different parks throughout the city on May 3rd. Enjoy beautiful music with the entire family while you relax outdoors. Venture to one […]
City Crew Kids Club in Wichita is FREE: Free Events & More
Have you heard? City Crew (formerly known as Barry’s Crew) is a completely FREE program for kids to join. What is City Crew in Wichita? It’s a program for kids to connect with their community and learn more about city services. Managed by the City of Wichita, this program offers free activities, events, behind-the-scenes tours, […]
Great Plains Nature Center: Free Events and Info
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. This […]
Keeper of the Plains and Wichita Troll
Want something fun and frugal to do? Visiting the Keeper of the Plains and the Wichita Troll is a MUST! The Keeper of the Plains in Wichita is not just a sculpture; it’s a beacon that celebrates Wichita’s cultural diversity and heritage. It’s a beautiful and meaningful landmark that invites reflection on the city’s history […]
Moonlit Mania at Great Plains Nature Center: Free Event
The Great Plains Nature Center welcomes the community to a FREE event called Moonlit Mania, where, for one night only, they will be open late. Grab your flashlight and join them for a night of exploration under the stars! Explore the park by moonlight from 9 pm-11 pm, just as our favorite nocturnal creatures do! […]
Learn to Swim Scholarships in Wichita
We just learned about this excellent scholarship offered by Wichita Park & Recreation to help you receive affordable swimming lessons in Wichita. Learning how to float, tread water, and swim can save lives. Plus, swimming is an excellent form of exercise, and once you learn to swim, you can enjoy swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, and more. Whether […]
Botanica the Wichita Garden Tulip Festival
Make plans to attend Botanica’s Tulip Festival on April 5, 12, and 19, 2025 from 10am-3pm . This is a Wichita Spring tradition for all ages. It is the perfect spring event to get families and friends outside to experience the gardens and enjoy beautiful spring blooms, live music, and tasty food and drinks. Also, enjoy […]
Art in the Park at Naftzger Park
Naftzger Park will host the Art in the Park. This is going to be a fun, family-friendly morning. Join us for live performances, art-making, and fun in the sun! Celebrate Wichita’s brightest young talents as they showcase their work from the GenSTEAM Summer Apprenticeship! Enjoy live performances, hands-on art activities, and a first listen to […]
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 Admission to America’s National Parks 2025
Here’s a big deal: The National Park Service offers five fee-free days in 2025. 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 […]
Storytime at Naftzger Park in Downtown Wichita
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 […]