Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

FREE Swimming Days at Wichita Pools

I remember when I first heard about Wichita’s FREE swimming days! They have them for each of the city’s pools throughout the summer. Can you believe that? Also, this year you can Swim for Free every other Saturday at McAfee Pool. Also see: Where to Swim in Wichita 2026 Pool Season is: May 25 – […]

RiverFlix: Free Outdoor Movies at Exploration Place 2026

Riverflix at Exploration Place is a free outdoor movie series in Wichita. It will be held in the Exploration Place amphitheater right outside its downtown location, near the iconic Keeper of the Plains. The best part is that Riverflix is FREE. This outdoor event will be held in the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, where everyone is […]

Riverside Play Days: Free Summer Fun at the Wildlife Exhibit

Looking for a fun and FREE activity for kids this summer? Check out Riverside Play Days, a weekly summer program held at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit in Riverside Park. The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is one of Wichita’s hidden gems. Located next to Riverside Park, this free outdoor wildlife exhibit is home to native Kansas animals […]

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 […]

Derby’s Third Thursday Free Event: Music, Art, Food Trucks

Third Thursdays in Derby KS

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 […]

Lakes Near Wichita: Swimming, Camping & Kansas Beaches

Nothing says summer quite like a day at the lake, so I have put together the Best Public Lakes near Wichita. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach, a weekend camping trip, kayaking, fishing, or simply a place to cool off, there are several great public lakes within an easy drive of Wichita. Here’s a […]

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 […]

Mulvane, Kansas 4th of July Parade

Mulvane, Kansas, is known for its 4th of July parade, which celebrates our great nation’s independence. The parade is a long-standing tradition in Mulvane, drawing residents and visitors. Local businesses, organizations, schools, and community groups participate in the parade, showcasing floats, decorated vehicles, and themed displays. Mulvane, Kansas, is located approximately 15 miles south of […]

Best Patios in Wichita: Top 20 Best Outdoor Dining

Looking to enjoy a meal or drink under the Kansas sky on a patio in Wichita? There’s nothing better than sitting outside on a perfect night when it’s not too windy, chatting with your family or friends, and enjoying the outdoors. We have come up with a list of the best patios in Wichita. Top […]

Free Ice Cream Social & Birthday Celebration at the Wichita Historical Museum

Can you think of anything better to do when the weather is so warm than getting together with friends and neighbors for an old-fashioned ice cream social? Our grandparents really knew what they were doing when they invented this kind of gathering! And this summer, it comes with a birthday cake too! Visit the museum that […]

Kansas Aviation Museum Block Party

Gather up a big group of friends or relatives and squeeze everyone in the car! The Kansas Aviation Museum Block Party will be a summer day of Flight, Fun, and Family … and carload admission pricing! Sunday, June 28, 2026, our favorite art deco airport-turned-museum will host a family-friendly block party from 1-6 p.m. It […]

Lucky Strike in Wichita Deals on Bowling & Arcade

Lucky Strike in Wichita has gone through a few name changes over the years. It was originally known as The Alley, then transitioned into a Bowlero, and now it’s been rebranded as Lucky Strike, bringing with it some exciting new updates and fresh energy while keeping the fun local families love. If you’re looking for […]

Little Explorers Musuem of World Treasures

Little Explorers is a sweet, low-key way for Wichita Families with toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy the Museum of World Treasures without the crowds or overwhelm. This event is held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month and is designed for children ages 2–5. This relaxed, play-based program takes place during a quieter […]

Toddler Tuesdays at Towne East Mall: Free Family Event

Towne East Square Toddler Tuesdays will start this May. Bring your little one to the play area outside of Scheeld from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a free event each week. The mall has partnered with some local businesses to bring the community kid-friendly entertainment, hands-on crafts, and tasty snacks—all for free! Toddler Tuesday […]

The Big Float on the Arkansas River

The Big Float Wichita

The Big Float is a river float and beach party on the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. The goal of the Big Float is to build support for improving river access and creating a river habitat for Wichitans.  Because this is a fundraiser for the River’s water quality improvements and educational opportunities, refunds are not […]

Dave & Busters Deal: Half Price Games in Wichita

Dave & Buster’s is one of those go-to spots. With a mix of arcade games, food, and a lively atmosphere, it’s an easy option for everything from Family Outings to Date Nights, and even better when you know how to take advantage of the deals to make it more affordable. Looking for a fun night […]

Free Family Fun Night at Botanica

Looking for a fun and affordable family night out in Wichita? Mark your calendar for Free Family Fun Night at Botanica on Friday, June 26, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is one of those feel-good community events that combines beautiful gardens, family fun, and giving back all in one evening. A big thank […]

Shakespeare in the Park in Wichita 2026: Free

The Wichita Shakespeare Company is back for Shakespeare in the Park. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray to enjoy one of the many free performances at parks across the Wichita area. This September, Shakespeare in the Park returns with one of the most beloved plays of all time, As You Like It. The best […]

Riverfest Kids Free Without a Button: Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day at Wichita Riverfest is one of the best deals of the week. Kids don’t need a button to enjoy activities at Riverfest. Families can explore downtown Wichita and create lasting memories, all while supporting a tradition that brings our community together year after year. Children 12 and under get in FREE all […]

Wichita Duck Race at Exploration Place on the River: Win $10,000

This might be one of the most unique summer events happening in Wichita. Exploration Place is hosting the Wichita Duck Race on Friday, June 12, where thousands of rubber ducks will race down the river for a chance to win big prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize. The concept is simple and honestly pretty fun. […]

Walk with Wildlife at the Great Plains Nature Center

This is an activity that could easily become an annual family tradition. Get up close and personal with wildlife at the annual Walk with Wildlife at the Great Plains Nature Center here in Wichita on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Experience nature up close! Wildlife experts and enthusiasts from around Kansas set up around Chisholm Creek […]

City Crew Kids Club in Wichita is FREE: Free Events & More

Have you heard? City Crew (formerly known as Barry’s Crew) is a completely FREE program for kids to join. What is City Crew in Wichita? It’s a program for kids to connect with their community and learn more about city services. Managed by the City of Wichita, this program offers free activities, events, behind-the-scenes tours, […]

Family & Kid Yoga at Wichita Art Museum: Free

Looking for a fun and Free Activity to do with your little one in Wichita? The Wichita Art Museum offers a playful and relaxed yoga experience designed especially for young children and their grown-ups. Held every second Friday of the month, this free class is led by local instructor Christine Vumai and blends simple yoga […]

FR3EDM Music Series at Naftzger Park during Final Friday

If you’re looking for something different to do on Final Friday, head over to listen to FR3EDM MUSIC at Naftzger Park and catch one of the most energetic community jam sessions in town. Every Final Friday from April 24 through October, this local music studio turns up the volume with a free, open-to-all music experience […]