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 […]
Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine Kansas
The Bartlett Arboretum is located in Belle Plaine, Kansas, and offers a beautiful escape from the city, featuring gardens and special events. This is truly a hidden gem in Kansas. It has 20 acres of gardens and is located approximately 30 minutes south of Wichita. Fun Fact: Robin and Ken own the Arboretum. Robin was […]
Botanica the Wichita Garden Tulip Festival
Make plans to attend Botanica’s Tulip Festival every day from March 27 to April 26, 2026. 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 during the week, and on the weekends, they will have […]
Exploration Place Parkrun
Wichita’s Parkrun is an excellent event for outdoor enthusiasts and a fantastic free activity for our community. This event is every Saturday at Exploration Place. Parkrun welcomes both runners and walkers for an organized and enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a free, active weekend activity in Wichita, this is for you! Joining a group […]
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 […]
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 […]
Wicked Island at OJ Watson Park
Wicked Island, the haunted attraction at Watson Park. It’s back every Friday and Saturday in October for another wicked season! Enter the Island if you dare…you’ll find spooky scenes, ghosts, ghouls and more! Look forward to an ever-changing treacherous. Walk through a wooded island where nightmares become a reality. Plan ahead and purchase tickets online […]
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 […]
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 […]
First Day Hikes on New Years Day in Kansas, Wichita
Take a hike on the first day of the year to start your new year off right! Numerous Kansas State Parks – and a Wichita city park – are offering First Day Hikes, which are guided hikes on New Year’s Day, January 1. Bring the family – bundled up, of course, and wearing comfortable, sturdy […]
All aboard: Watson Park Christmas Express Train Ride 2025
Watson Park has a fun and affordable Christmas train ride experience in Wichita. Explore the magic of Watson’s Christmas Express in two fantastic ways! Opt for the VIP package by registering in advance to indulge in EVERYTHING, or join them during the general admission timeframe without any registration and tailor your perfect experience. Whichever option […]
Winter Wonderland Event at Naftzger Park: Free Event
Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park is a FREE event courtesy of Wichita Park & Recreation. It is the best FREE event with s’mores, Santa, hot cocoa, holiday lights, and more. This event is crafted to spread holiday joy throughout the community. Wander through the park while enjoying the brilliant lights and whimsical decorations. Immerse yourself […]
Candy Crawl at the Park in Wichita: Free Trick or Treating
The Candy Crawl at Planeview Park (which used to be at Clapp Park) is a family favorite. This free, family-friendly event encourages everyone to dress up, grab a candy bag or bucket, and visit park and recreation staff, local businesses, and organizations for candy and prizes. This free, Family-Friendly Halloween Event takes place on October […]
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 18, 2025 called Art on the Trail. This annual event gives those with an appreciation for art and wine an opportunity to enjoy both in a beautiful outdoor setting. This is one of the many great Fall Events in […]
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 […]
Woofstock Wichita: October 4, 2025
Wichita-area dogs are invited to bring their humans to Woofstock is the annual dog-friendly fundraising event that benefits the Kansas Humane Society and the pets they care for. Join thousands of pet lovers and animal enthusiasts at KHS’s biggest fundraising event and festival—Woofstock! As one of the largest events of its kind in the Midwest. […]
Monarch Migration in Wichita this September
Every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies take flight on a remarkable journey, leaving the United States and migrating to the mountains of central Mexico. This remarkable migration usually passes through Wichita in early September, with the butterflies traveling up to 3,000 miles in search of warmer climates. The best part is that it’s FREE—just keep […]
The BEST Places to Fly Kites in Wichita
There’s nothing quite like the tug of a kite catching a breeze and pulling up into the sky. Kite flying is a fun and cheap thing to do in Wichita and anyone can do it when you have a little knowledge, a little wind, and a great place to fly your kite! To help you […]
College Hill Pool Dog Swim: Dog Days of Summer
Are you a dog lover like I am? College Hill Park is hosting Dog Days of Summer, where the doggies can swim in the pool. Wichita Park & Recreation and the Kansas Humane Society are teaming up to throw a paws-itively fun event for Wichita dog lovers and it’s happening Monday, August 11, 2025, at […]
Wichita Summer Checklist: Things to Do in Wichita This Summer
Here is our ultimate Summer Checklist of things to do in Wichita this Summer. This list includes all ages summer activities in Wichita. Our city is filled with many things for residents and visitors to do this summer. There is much to explore, from fan-favorite events to some of our Summertime Free activities. Bust the boredom […]
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 […]
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 […]
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! […]
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! […]
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 […]