So you want to hang out with your friends, but “there’s nothing to do in Wichita,” right?
Well, you would be surprised. There are so many fun, free, and cheap things for teens and young adults to do in Wichita. Here are some of our top picks, compiled by a Wichita teen!
The list includes fun and really cool ideas and none of them are very expensive. (Plenty of the activities for teens listed here are completely FREE!) We included the usual suspects like cosmic bowling, arcades, mini golf and roller skating, but some other ideas are day trips to waterfalls or sunflower fields, thrifting, trivia night, live entertainment and more! Honestly, weāve found so much stuff for teens to do in Wichita you probably wonāt have time to try them all.
Be sure to scroll down to see a listing of events teens and young adults may enjoy.
Free and Cheap things for teens to do in Wichita
Wichita has so many fun, free, and cheap things for teens to do in Wichita. Here are some of our favorites (written by a teen in Wichita for teens)!
Visit a Local Coffee Shop
This is my favorite thing to do when I want to catch up with a friend or take some really cute pictures of my coffee. Coffee shops not only provide the beautiful smells, cute aesthetics, and jittery excitement, they also allow for good conversation or good concentration.
Go Thrifting
Thrifting is all the rage these days, and there's a good reason why. Finding clothes or decor items that you love, for cheap, is thrilling!
The Arcade
Ā Want something to do with your friends at night in Wichita? Look no further than Wichita's home of retro classic games and pinball: The Arcade.
The Arcade is filled with fun, classic games that you can play the whole night through!
Mini GolfĀ
Mini golf is a really fun outdoor or indoor activity! Grab some friends and head out to play mini golf in Wichita. Be warned, you'll find out which friends are competitive really quickly. š
Ā Bowling Specials in Wichita
Whether it is polishing up that perfect 300, or just goofing off with friends, bowling is a super fun activity for everyone.
Dave & Buster's
Dave and Buster's is a labyrinth of fun. Filled with popular games like Guitar Hero, Skee Ball, and Dance Dance Revolution. Dave & Buster's is a great place to hang out.
They offer 1/2 price games all day on Wednesdays!
If you sign up for their rewards program, they will give you $10Ā freeĀ game play with $10 game play purchase just for joining.
Live MusicĀ
Sometimes, it's just nice to kick back and listen to some live music! This has been one of my favorite activities for a long time; Wichita has great performers that we can support. Right now, Hurricane Sports Grill has live music.
Skating
Sometimes, all you need is to strap on some skates and skate the day away; whether you wear roller skates, ice skates, or roller blades, Wichita has a place for you.
- Carousel Skate Center, 312 N. West St
- Wichita Ice Center, 505 W. Maple St
- Roller City, 3234 S. Meridian Ave
Take a Walk
This summer, my friend and I set out on several different walks, in several different parks. Our favorite was Pawnee Prairie Park: this park had so many different hiking trails that led us deeper and deeper into the lush green "forest" of the park.
We've also been walking at plenty of other parks too!
Check out where to walk in Wichita.
Chicken N Pickle
This restaurant has so much to offer. Whether you go to play Pickleball, or one of the oversized yard games, Chicken N Pickle is a great experience. Not only do they have fun games, but they have delicious food too. Chicken N Pickle seems to always have fun and free events like trivia, yoga, or even live music!
Work Out!
Heading to a free or inexpensive fitness class is actually such a fun way to spend an hour or so. My favorite is hot yoga, but there are so many to choose from!
Farmers Markets in Wichita
Head out to a farmer's market to shop local! Farmer's markets are full of locally grown or locally made foods and goods that are so fun to explore and experience.
The Top FREE Things to Do in Wichita, Kansas
Whenever I am at a loss for something to do I refer back to this article. My favorite? Walking around the Keeper of the Plains to find the troll!
Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Kayaking in Wichita is one of the best ways to spend some time outside, and you don't even need your own kayak to do it! I also love renting Stand Up Paddle Boards in Wichita. Those are good shoulder workouts and tests of balance. Kayak and SUP rentals usually start at $10 an hour.
Starlite Drive-in
One of the last drive-ins in America is located in your own city. Starlite Drive-in is the TOP outdoor activity to do in Wichita. Watching a movie at the Drive-in is a great group activity, date night, or something you could experience by yourself.Ā
Sedgwick County Zoo
As a Kansas native, this option seems like a no-brainer. The zoo is a great way to get outside and walk while looking at and learning about all different types of animals.
Hit the Garage Sales
Garage sale-ing, junking, whatever you call it, checking out garage sales is a fun and affordable way to spend some time.
Kansas Road Trip: Chase State Fishing Lake and Waterfalls
Okay, is there anything more fun than piling in a car with your best friends and going on a roadtrip? Interestingly enough, Kansas has some really beautiful destinations about an hour and a half away! One of my favorites is the Chase State Fishing Lake and Waterfalls.
A waterfall! In Kansas! How cool!
Go Fishing
There is probably nothing more exciting than feeling your line dive into the water and start to swim away. Fishing is a great group activity that you can do in Wichita; experience the pull of the line, we promise you'll be hooked.