Winter Break fun in Wichita: free and cheap things to do with the kids

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The holidays sure can put a dent in your wallet, but don’t let that ruin your Christmas break fun! There are lots of free and cheap things to do during winter break in Wichita that will keep the kids from getting bored!

These are a few of our favorites but feel free to add your own in the comments.

If you ae looking for childcare for winter break sign up for Kids Konnection or Winter Break Specialty Camps for fun, safe, and structured programs through Wichita Park and Recreation.

When is Winter Break for Wichita schools?

Wichita Public Schools will be out for winter recess from December 23 through January 3, 2024 according to the district calendar online.

Winter Break Activities in the Wichita Area

We’ve gathered up some great winter break activities to help you keep the kids busy and having fun!

Besides the fun places listed below, be sure to keep scrolling until you come across the day-by-day list of events and things to do during Christmas break! There are some really fun ones.

Sedgwick County Zoo Discounts During Winter Break

The Sedgwick County Zoo offers $3 admission on Winter Wednesdays, so that’s a great day to go during winter break.

Chicken N Pickle Ice Pond

The Chicken N Pickle outdoor Ice Pond has opened for the season.

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum offers FREE Winter Programs at the Historical Museum.

Kansas Aviation Museum

KAM has plenty of free and discounted fun over the holiday break, including discounted admission for all ages, and a couple of VERY special guests to hang out with the kids. Check out our article, Winter Break Activities at Kansas Aviation Museum.

Wichita Botanica Winter Activities

Don’t forget that Botanica Illuminations continues throughout December and into the New Year. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit it yet, walking through the winter wonderland of lights, riding the carousel, and enjoying concessions and festivities is the perfect thing to keep your holiday break feeling like the holidays.

Winter Break Activities at Exploration Place

The Wichita Science Museum, Exploration Place, offers extended hours during the holiday season, so you have much more time to play over the break! Bring out-of-town relatives for a visit to show off some of our fun. Read what’s going on here. Enjoy the current exhibit, be amazed by a live science show, play in the castle, take in a Dome movie, and consider getting or renewing a membership to EP this year!

While you’re visiting Exploration Place during winter break, check out Design, Build, Fly!

Wichita Art Museum

Get FREE admission at the Wichita Art Museum. If you have little ones, visit PLAY, a designated kids’ area within the museum, and it’s FREE! You and your kids can make art and enjoy fun in the museum.

2025 Exhibit: Visit the Robert Peterson – Somewhere in America exhibition that will be open until January 5 , 2025.

Great Plains Nature Center Winter Break Kids Programs

The Great Plains Nature Center is open during winter break from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, but they will be closed for Christmas and New Year’s. Admission is always free. The holidays may disrupt some of their regularly scheduled crafty events and story times. Be sure to stop at the gift shop for fun and unique gifts.

Carousel Skate Center Winter Break Schedule

Carousel will be open with extended hours during winter break, so you’ll definitely be able to keep the kids busy and having fun. Carousel also has a great big indoor play area (for an additional charge) that the kids will probably love, especially when they need a break from skating.

Hours will vary depending on the day of the week, but generally Carousel Skate Center  is open daily except for holidays. Check Carousel’s holiday schedule and price options before you go.

Holiday Light Displays

Nothing is more thrilling than driving around and seeing the Best Christmas Light Displays in Wichita. The best part is that you don’t even have to change out of your pajamas for most of these! Grab some hot cocoa and go make memories that last a lifetime.

Field Station: Dinosaurs Winter Break Fun

Field Station: Dinosaurs will continue its Holly Jolly Jurassic Holiday ($12 admission) through the end of the year, and right now there’s a membership deal that will make your visits in 2025 even cheaper.

Wichita Public Library Activities

The library has extensive resources for kids, teenagers, and families, including STEAM to Go kits, Early Learning backpacks, Playaway Launchpads, the Family Place, and – of course! – you can check out some great books and movies for your winter break. One of my favorites (as an adult) is the free ebooks and audiobooks I can check out as a Wichita Public Library cardholder. Some events for the youngsters are available at different library locations aroud town. The best way to find them is to do a search of the Library’s event calendar filtered by your kids’ ages.

Watson Christmas Express

All aboard the Watson Christmas Express for an adventure to the North Pole. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas just like the boy in the book, for ages 2 and up.

Wichita Ice Center Winter Break Skating

The Skate Center has a variety of open skates and special seasonal/holiday events. To see the skate center schedule, check out their Facebook page.  You can also get an early bird discount on ice skating lessons in the new year if you purchase them before December 31.

Great Plains Transportation Museum

Also known as Wichita’s train museum, GPTM is only open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The holiday break might be a great time when kids aren’t too busy on their weekends. Admission is $5.25 for ages 4-12, $8.75 for everyone 13 and older, FREE for kids 3 and younger. See their website for more information. Great Plains Transportation Museum

Related Events:

Wichita Attractions on the Cheap
Wichita Christmas Lights
Visit Santa
Free and inexpensive things kids can do in Wichita, KS
Spreading Kindness with Painted Rocks

Past Events

All Star Wichita has daily specials during winter break with a different deal or bonus each day; some are better than others, and offers may vary depending on location. Be sure to check the specials/promos on their website before you decide which day you’ll go.