Wichita has a plethora of free indoor story times to fuel your child’s imagination and keep you out of the ever changing Kansas weather. We have scoured the city and come up with the Ultimate List of Free Story Times in Wichita and the surrounding area!
(We also have a great big list of other free and cheap things for kids to do, as well as a whole page of free and inexpensive indoor places to play.)
Now if you’re like me, you probably already have lots and lots of children’s books at home or you’re thinking ‘Why do I need to go to a story time? I can just check them out at the library?’ While that may be true, story times are about so much more than just reading a book. There are the silly songs, the dancing, the excitement of having someone new read the stories and the interaction with the other kids. Story times are a great, inexpensive way to get out of the house. Most storytimes are 30 minutes to an hour long.
If you’ve never been to a storytime, here is a brief breakdown of what happens. For the most part, children and parents sit together on the floor on reading mats or carpets. The storyteller starts off with interactive rhymes, silly songs or even a dance. Then he or she reads a main story and maybe one or two other books to get the kids excited about reading. Depending on the story time location, there may even be a small craft too. At the end of the story time, you will have the chance to browse other books to check out at the library or to purchase if it’s at a bookstore.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive day-by-day list of local story times to get your children interested in reading at an early age. Also, see below for links to the many public libraries that offer regular ongoing children’s story times and activities. We’ve also listed special storytime events that are happening soon.
Don’t forget to share this list with your friends and family! Tell us in the comments below: What is your favorite storytime location?
Weekly Story Times in and Around Wichita:
Updated August 2023
Calling all parents and caregivers in Wichita – Get ready for story time! Enjoy special free story time sessions with your littles ones and learn all about the wonderful world of books. Start a lifetime of reading and make cherished memories today!
Monday Free Story Times:
- Alford Library – Family Story Time
- 10:30 – 11 am
- Share a love of stories and learning with children in these storytime sessions aimed at engaging the broad range of developmental stages between ages 0-6.
- Alford Library Website
- Andover Public Library – Two Time
- 10:30 am
- Two’s Time: This early literacy program is specially designed for two-year-olds. Fun activities include rhymes, songs, puppets, action activities, and stories. The 20-minute program is followed by coloring and activity sheets.
- Andover Public Library Website
- Goddard Public Library
- 9:30 am
- Children listen to stories, sing, dance, and make a craft
- Goddard Public Libray Website
Tuesday Free Story Times:
- Kansas Learning Library: Preschool Story Time
- 10:30 – 11:00 am
- Children ages 3-6 will develop literacy skills through active listening, singing, movement, and sharing a love of stories in a group setting.
- Kansas Learning Library Website
- Walters Library – Family Storytime
- 11:30 – Noon
- Share a love of stories and learning with children in these storytime sessions aimed at engaging the broad range of developmental stages between ages 0-6.
- Walters Library Website
- Derby Public Library – Preschool Storytime
- 10 am (Spring and Fall)
- Ages 3 -5
- Read, sing songs, finger play, and enjoy a puppet show.
- Derby Public Library Website
- Naftzger Park Story Time – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month (May-October)
- More info
- 10 am
- Read along with stories on the big screen and enjoy music, snacks, free books, and an activity for the kids.
- Andover Public Library – Two Time
- 9:30 am
- Two’s Time: This early literacy program is specially designed for two-year-olds. Fun activities include rhymes, songs, puppets, action activities, and stories. The 20-minute program is followed by coloring and activity sheets.
- Andover Public Library Website
- Andover Public Library – Preschool Story Time
- 10:30 am
- Preschoolers can exercise their imaginations and get ready for reading with fun rhymes, songs, puppets, movement activities, and stories. The 25-minute program is followed by a craft time that coordinates with the weekly theme.
- Andover Public Library Website
- Angelou – Family Pajama Storytime
- 6:30 pm – 7 pm
- Join us for stories and songs before bedtime. Don’t forget to dress in your jammies and bring along your favorite stuffed toy for snuggles and fun! For children ages 3-8 and their families.
- Angelou Library Website
Wednesday Free Story Times:
- Great Plains Nature Center
- 10 -10:30 am
- Critter Tails
- 6232 E. 29th Street North
- Great Plains Nature Center Website
- Barns & Noble
- 11 am
- Crafts or activities will follow the reading of the newest best book for kids
- Barns & Noble Website
- Tanganyika Wildlife Park
- 9 – 9:30 am
- Cub Club: Read a book, sing a song, and meet an animal
- Tanganyika Cub Club Website
- Andover Public Library – Preschool Story Time
- 10:30 am
- Preschoolers can exercise their imaginations and get ready for reading with fun rhymes, songs, puppets, movement activities, and stories. The 25-minute program is followed by a craft time that coordinates with the weekly theme.
- Andover Public Library Website
- Rockwell Library -Preschool Storytime
- 10:30 – 11 am
- Children ages 3-6 will develop literacy skills through active listening, singing, movement, and sharing a love of stories in a group setting.
- Rockwell Library Website
Thursday Free Story Times:
- Botanica
- 10 am
- You must pay general admission but story time is free with admission or if you are a member.
- Botanica Website
- Derby Public Library – Baby Story Time
- 10 am (Spring and Fall)
- Birth – 12 months
- Books, rhymes, and action songs
- Derby Public Library Website
- Evergreen -Cuentos Bilingües/Preschool Storytime
- 10:30 – 11 am
- Whether you want to expose your children to another language or they already hear it in the home, enjoy a unique storytime presented in both English & Spanish for children ages 3-5.
- Evergreen Library Website
- Aroma Coffeehouse
- Derby Public Library – Building Blocks Read and Play
- 11 am (Spring and Fall)
- Toddlers will follow the Montessori method of education.
- Derby Public Library Website
- Andover Public Library – Preschool Story Time
- 1:30 pm
- Preschoolers can exercise their imaginations and get ready for reading with fun rhymes, songs, puppets, movement activities, and stories. The 25-minute program is followed by a craft time that coordinates with the weekly theme.
- Andover Public Library Website
Friday Free Story Times:
- Kansas Learning Library: Nursery Rhyme
- 10:30 – 10:50 am
- Children ages 2 and under will develop a love of learning as they sing, dance, and enjoy simple stories. Caregivers will learn tips to encourage their child’s early learning development.
- Kansas Learning Library Website
- Kansas Wildlife Exhibit at the Riverside Zoo. (Summer – Mid-October)
- 11 am
- Stories come to life, and most days, they have free popsicles.
- Stay for the noon aminal feeding.
- Derby Public Library – Toddler Time
- 10 am & 11 am (Spring & Fall)
- Ages 1 -3
- Books, musical instruments and flannel board stories.
- Derby Public Library Website
We did our best to list all the story times above, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Here are links to some of the more popular libraries.
- Wichita Public Library
- Andover Public Library
- Derby Public Library
- Goddard Public Library
- Haysville Community Library
- Mulvane Public Library
- Valley Center Public Library
Related articles:
Free or cheap things to do with kids in Wichita
Indoor Play Places and Activities for Kids in the Wichita Area