Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

Citywide Neighborhood Garage Sales Wichita 2026

The most updated list! Here’s our list of 2026 Wichita-area citywide garage sales, which we update weekly (or more often, as necessary). This list is valid for spring, summer, and fall citywide sales surrounding Wichita. You’ll want to bookmark this page and return often, because we also add neighborhood garage sales, church and rummage sales, and […]

Splash Parks in and around Wichita 2026

Splash pads in Wichita are a big attraction during the summer months. These splash parks (aka water playgrounds, splash pads, or play fountains) are a great way to enjoy summer for free. They are cost-effective and require less maintenance. Therefore, several have been funded by the city in the past few years. In fact, a […]

Farmers Markets in Wichita

Farmer’s Markets in Wichita and surrounding communities with locally grown fresh food, plants, honey, handmade items, and more. Some markets offer kids’ activities and live entertainment; all offer an excellent opportunity to meet your neighbors, learn more about local produce, and share in the fun of discovering things produced right here in our own state […]

Free Swimming at McAfee Pool in Wichita

Great news, Wichita! The City of Wichita’s Park & Recreation Department just made your summer a little cooler (and cheaper). McAfee Pool is offering FREE swim every other Saturday all summer long! Whether you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, entertain the kids, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water, McAfee […]

Kids Summer Activities in Wichita

Welcome to my kids’ guide to summer!  Below are some ideas for inexpensive summer fun with kids in Wichita – summer activities for kids, fun things to do, and family-friendly ideas that will help keep them busy and happy all summer long. Be sure to also check out the NEW All Ages Checklist of Summer […]

Discounted Zoo Admission for Twilight Tuesdays in July 2026

You will want to mark your calendars for Twilight Tuesdays at the ZOO! On Tuesdays in July, the Sedgwick County Zoo stays open late and gives us a special admission discount. And yes – Cox Twilight Tuesdays at the Zoo are happening this year! This year, the concerts are back for Twilight Tuesdays at the […]

Summer Fest in Wichita: Live Music, July 25, 2026

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a summer day in Wichita, Summer Fest 26 promises an afternoon and evening packed with live entertainment, great food, shopping, and plenty of activities for all ages. The event will feature live entertainment throughout the day with a lineup of local DJs spinning music from a […]

Junior Football in Wichita

Tackle football in Wichita is back with the Wichita Junior Football League. If your kids are interested in football, this is a great opportunity to get involved in one of the Midwest’s most recognized youth leagues. The Wichita Junior Football League continues to be a strong program for developing young athletes while keeping costs affordable […]

Pizza Hut $3 Personal Pan Deal on Tuesdays

Pizza Hut is serving up Personal Pan Pizzas for just $3 on Tuesdays for a limited time. Pizza night just got a whole lot cheaper and easier! Pizza Hut is offering personal pan pizzas with one topping for just $3 each at participating locations. It’s a budget-friendly win for Wichita families looking to enjoy a […]

$1 Kids Movies at Regal Cinemas this Summer 2026

$1 summer kids movies at the Warren/Regal theaters in Wichita are back! This deal is called the Regal Summer Movie Express. During its Summer Movie Express, two G- or PG-rated movies are shown at 11 a.m. every Monday through Thursday. Both movies play on both days! List of movies and dates below. When school lets […]

Blue Star Museums: Free Admission for Military Members and Their Families

Blue Star Museums Wichita

This year, the Blue Star Museums program opened on Armed Forces Day (it often starts on Memorial Day) and continues to Labor Day. The Blue Star Museums program offers FREE admission to more than 2,000 museums across America for active-duty military personnel and their families. The free admission program is available for those currently serving […]

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 – […]

Wichita Summer Concerts 2026

One of the best things about summer is the music! When the weather warms up, Wichita puts on some great community gatherings with music as the focal point, and they’re almost always affordable, family-friendly, and outside! This is where we’ll keep track of the outdoor and free concerts we hear of. It will update automatically […]

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 […]

FREE Audacy Summer Concert Series 2026

Looking for something fun and free to do on Friday night in Wichita? The Audacy Summer Concert Series is back. It was previously known as the KEYN Summer Concert Series. Enjoy free concerts at Naftzger Park in the heart of downtown Wichita & at the Andover Amphitheater this summer! This concert series offers top-notch bands […]

FREE Automobilia Moonlight Car Show and Street Party

Automobilia Wichita

The Automobilia Moonlight Car Show and Street Party will return to Wichita, and the best part is that the outdoor car show is FREE to the public.  “Automobilia Car Show is One of the Largest Car Shows In The State of Kansas. They block off approximately 2 miles of Wichita streets. We have seven bands […]

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 […]

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 […]

Where to Walk in Wichita

Where to Walk in Wichita Kansas

When the weather is nice, not much is cheaper or more relaxing than taking a walk outside. Thankfully, there are some really great walking trails in Wichita that ensure we never get bored with the scenery. Following is a list of a few that are favorites of my own and those I’ve been told about […]

Wichita Summer Movie Deals 2026

Take a break from the heat by taking in a movie. Below is a round-up of the most budget-friendly summer movies in or near Wichita. If you’re looking for inexpensive movie options year-round, click here for Wichita Movie Deals. This is the ultimate guide to budget-friendly summer movie programs in and around Wichita. From $1 […]

Free Summer Meals for Kids: Summer Food Program 2026

This summer, kids can receive free breakfast and lunch at locations across Wichita. This wonderful Summer Food Program is back for 2026!  The program is open to any kid ages 18 and under. There are no qualifying guidelines or paperwork to complete—just a free meal provided by the WPS Summer Food Program.  Wichita Public Schools […]

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 […]

Wichita 4th of July: Red, White, and Boom: Downtown Wichita 2026

Celebrate the 4th of July with Wichita’s biggest Independence Day party, Red, White & BOOM, in downtown Wichita. This FREE event is open to the public. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m., and food trucks will surround the area of Century II. Then, enjoy the fireworks in downtown Wichita. This spectacular event, presented by […]

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 […]

Krispy Kream 4th of July Deal

Krispy Kreme is making Independence Day even sweeter with a FREE doughnut giveaway and a great deal on dozens. Whether you’re picking up treats for a backyard barbecue, fireworks, or a holiday party, these limited-time offers are worth checking out. Krispy Kreme FREE Doughnut on the Fourth of July FREE Original Glazed Doughnut on July […]