It’s no secret that the Wichita Public Library is an awesome resource for children’s books and storytimes. But some folks don’t know that the library also has a ton of fun things for kids to do in addition to reading.
A couple of play tables in the Children’s Pavilion will attract kids’ attention and encourage learning through play.
These events take place at various library branches around town, including the beautiful new Advanced Learning Library branch near downtown, which makes it really convenient to participate in kids’ library activities near you.
P.S. If you aren’t looking for kids’ or teens’ activities at the library, check out the library’s adult classes and events and the technology classes and workshops. You might be surprised at how many there are, and they are every bit as fun and educational!
All of these events for kids and teens are FREE unless otherwise noted.
Just take a scroll through all of the upcoming events. They’re in two sections: one for teens and one for kids. Make note of the ones that require registration so that you don’t miss out!
Events for Teens at the Wichita Public Library
Some of the adult and/or technology events at the library may be suitable for teens, so check those out too.
Geeky Terrariums: A Big Read Event
- Friday, November 22, 2019
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Create a terrarium with artificial succulents, but give it a geeky twist: 3D printed figures from your fav pop culture fandoms! Materials will be provided. Ages 12-17; registration is required either online or by calling 261-8516 beginning Nov. 8.
Drop-in Community Service Opportunity
- Sunday, November 24, 2019
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Help the library at this drop-in program by cleaning books, prepping materials for craft programs, and more. A completed volunteer application is required to participate. Find it at wichitalibrary.org/volunteer. For grades 6-12.
Teen Secret Book Club
- Friday, December 06, 2019
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Teen Secret Book Club is a group where we all read something different and enjoy a good time together. Exchange book recommendations, play board games, learn about new titles, and enjoy some bookishly good snacks. For ages 12-17.
December: Chilly weather calls for a hot drink with your reading. Decorate a mug you can take home!
TeenView Magazine
- Saturday, December 7, 2019
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Join us for the monthly launch of TeenView Magazine, a local digital publication created by teens, for teens. Be among the first to see the new issue of TeenView, listen to a panel of teen writers discuss featured articles, and learn more about how you can become involved. For teens ages 12-17.
Teen Harry Potter Yule Ball Escape Room
- Friday, December 20, 2019
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St.
A free teen escape room experience with a Harry Potter theme! For ages 12-17. Registration required; register online or call 261-3524 beginning Dec. 6.
Popcorn and Puzzles
- Monday, December 23, 2019
- 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Spend a cozy afternoon at the library doing puzzles, enjoying popcorn, and discussing books. For grades 6-12.
Events for Children at the Wichita Public Library
Related: The Ultimate List of Story Times in Wichita
The Advanced Learning Library’s Childrens Pavilion has books, computers, learning play areas, and comfy seating for both parents and kids.
Pretend Birthday Party
- Monday, November 18, 2019
- 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Happy Birthday to who? Pretend it’s your birthday at this group celebration and make a personal birthday cake, play games and read books. For ages 3-8 years.
Family Adventure Time
- Wednesday, November 20, 2019
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Families with children ages 3-8 will enjoy learning, creating, dancing, and fun! Each week we will explore either Art, Science, Music, or Games and engage in entertaining literacy-based activities together.
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers
- Tuesday, November 26, 2019
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
You’ll like the activities we have planned as we celebrate this year’s Kansas Reads to Preschoolers title, I Like Myself, written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. After enjoying the story and a game, preschoolers can create book-related art activities that are as unique as they are. For ages 3-5.
Strega Nona Puppet Show
- Thursday, December 05, 2019
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
A long time ago, there lived an old lady everyone called Strega Nona. All the townspeople went to see her if they had troubles, because she had a magic touch. Based on Tomie DePaola’s book. For ages 3-8.
Toddler Dance Party!
- Friday, December 06, 2019
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Stay after Nursery Rhyme Time and enjoy both group dancing and impromptu dancing as you and your child groove with the music. For ages 2 and under.
Hands-On Engineering
- Saturday, December 07, 2019
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Come-and-go hands-on engineering demonstration presented by a local engineer. Co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. For ages 5 and older.
CreateSpace
- Saturday, December 07, 2019
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Complete our LEGO® blocks challenges and wow us with your freestyle creations! At this event be prepared to share blocks and make new friends. For children ages 5-12.
Puppet Show: Winter History
- Monday, December 16, 2019
- 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Most of us know something that happened in the past. What about one of the most famous characters of the Winter season, Santa Claus? Join us as we find out with a series of stories designed for ages 2 to 5 and their families.
Winter Carnival
- Friday, December 20, 2019
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Experience a winter wonderland of stories, games and prizes at this winter carnival. For ages 3-8.
Boredom Busters
- Friday, December 27, 2019
- 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Are you getting cabin fever this winter break? Get out of the house and come join us for a variety of come and go activities that include board games, crafts, and video games. For ages 6-11.
Snowflake Tinker Tray
- Friday, December 27, 2019
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
Who says snowflakes have to be made from snow? See what you can build from our Snowflake Tinker Tray, and learn about Snowflake Bentley, one of the first known photographers of snowflakes. For ages 8-11.
Family Book Bingo
- Monday, December 30, 2019
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Compete with your family and friends during lively games of traditional Bingo. Will you be a champion and win a book? Listening for letters and numbers during Bingo is great practice for early readers and fun for all ages. For children ages 5 and up and their families.
Marshmallow Engineers: Bridge Builders
- Monday, December 30, 2019
- 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Test your engineering savvy by creating bridges out of marshmallows! How much weight will your bridge hold? For ages 8-11, registration required beginning 12/16. Please register online or call 688-9361.
Noon Day New Year’s Party
- Tuesday, December 31, 2019
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library
Let’s celebrate the New Year together! Join us for crafts, balloons, activities and fun! We’ll celebrate the New Year at noon and learn about celebration customs from around the world. For ages 3 and up with families.
Noon Day New Year’s Party
- Tuesday, December 31, 2019
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Let’s celebrate the New Year together! Join us for crafts, balloons, activities and fun! We’ll celebrate the New Year at noon and learn about celebration customs from around the world. For ages 3 and up with families.
We’ll try to keep this as updated as possible, but the library just keeps adding fun things to their schedule! Be sure to visit the WPL event calendar for more information and for future activities.
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