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Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Wichita Open Golf Tournament at Crestview: Tickets start at $10

The Wichita Open is a four-day golf tournament at Crestview Country Club. I’ve attended this event and had a fantastic time watching the grandstands and caddy races. Walking the golf course and enjoying the outdoors made the experience even more enjoyable. This year’s Wichita Open Golf Tournament will be on June 25-28, 2026 The Wichita […]

World Cup Food Deals, Watch Parties & How to Watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events in history, and for Wichita-area soccer fans, the exciting part is that the action is just a few hours up the road in Kansas City. For the first time ever, the World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across the […]

Chicken N Pickle on a Budget & Free Events

Want to visit Chicken N Pickle Wichita but on a budget? We have made it easy for you. Below is a list of what you can do at Chicken N Pickle that’s completely free. What days and times can you get the best deals on court times, Happy Hours, and more? Chicken N Pickle is […]

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 […]

FREE Summer Gym Membership: Planet Fitness Teen Summer Challenge

Planet Fitness just announced the return of its FREE Summer Pass for teens in high school. This has been a great summer program where teens can get a free gym membership. Starting June 1st, high school teens ages 14-19 can work out FREE all summer at participating Planet Fitness locations in Wichita and around the […]

Brick Street Bazaar Augusta, KS: Free Event

Brick Street Bazaar in Augusta, KS

Downtown Augusta, Kansas, will be the place to be for shopping, food, and drinks on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with the Brick Street Bazaar! Visit the Red Brick District for a day of food, fun, and shopping for the whole family. Over 70 vendors and downtown businesses will be participating in this event, so you […]

Wichita Riverfest in Wichita Guide: May 29- June 6, 2026

Wichita River Fest is the biggest festival in the Wichita community. This massive event is the region’s largest, longest-running, and most anticipated festival. The Wichita Riverfest is an annual festival held in Wichita, Kansas, celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and community. When is Riverfest 2026? It will start May 29 – June 6, 2026.  There’s […]

$2 admission to the Sunflower Balloon Festival in Anthony, Kansas

The annual Sunflower Balloon Festival in Anthony, Kansas, is happening this May. Admission is $2, and they have fun activities planned for everyone. If you have ever wanted to experience a hot air balloon festival without spending a fortune, the Sunflower Balloon Fest in Anthony, Kansas, is worth the drive. This small-town festival has become […]

State Park Passport: Save on Kansas State Parks

The Kansas State Park Passport might be one of the best Outdoor Deals in Kansas. If you renew your vehicle tags in Kansas, there is a good chance you have seen the option to add the Kansas State Park Passport. If you have ever skipped past it, you might want to reconsider because it is […]

Wichita area Summer Camps & Summer Activites for Kids 2026

Are you looking for a Wichita summer camp for your child? We get many requests from parents for inexpensive summer camps in Wichita, so we’ve put together a list of resources for you to explore. Prices for Wichita Summer Camps vary, so we listed them all so you can pick what works best for your […]

Open Streets ICT NoMar 2026

Open Streets ICT event in Wichita is a family favorite of ours. The City of Wichita has planned a fun and FREE community event, Open Streets ICT NoMar, for Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2026, in the North Market neighborhood. This event is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and it’s FREE to attend. […]

Boats & Bikes – Rent Kayaks, SUPs, bicycles and more on the Arkansas River

Boats and Bikes is an outdoor rental company located at River Vista on the Arkansas River and operated by WSU’s Shocker Rowing. You can cool off on the river by renting a kayak, SUP (stand-up paddleboard), or pedal boat, or you can work up a sweat on the sidewalk with a bike, scooter, or trikke. They […]

Learn to Swim: Affordable Lessions & Swimming Scholarships

If you’ve been thinking about swim lessons in Wichita but weren’t sure about the cost, this is worth looking into. Wichita Park & Recreation offers already affordable swim lessons starting around $35, and I recently learned they also have scholarships that can make them completely free for qualifying families. Learning how to float, tread water, […]

Midwest Bicycle Swap

Is it time to get that bike out of the garage? Or maybe buy a new-to-you bicycle? Or maybe you just need a cool bell or basket for your bike! Buy, sell, or browse bikes and bicycle parts at the annual Midwest Bicycle Swap on April 19, 2026. They’ll have all types of bicycles, parts, bicycle-related […]

Open Street ICT at WSU and Shocker Neighborhood 2026

Open Streets ICT is back this spring in the WSU and Shocker neighborhood, and it’s one of those events I always look forward to. They shut down nearly two miles of 17th Street just south of Wichita State, turning it into a completely car-free space where families can walk, bike, scooter, and just enjoy being […]

Free Junior Golf Day Event at Tex Consolver

If you are looking for a fun and FREE Activity for Kids in Wichita, this is a great one to add to your calendar. Junior Golf Day is happening at Tex Consolver Golf Course, and it is all about getting kids excited about golf in a relaxed and fun environment. This free community event is […]

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 […]

Wichita Junior Golf Foundation Summer Program for $25

Junior Golf Summer Lesson in Wichita

The Wichita Junior Golf Foundation will offer an eight-week summer program for beginning golfers ages 9-18. The eight weeks only cost $25, making it a very low-cost way to get your kids started with golf. This eight-week summer program is held in June and July. Registration for Junior Golf opens on April 1. This popular […]