Wichita has many 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 created 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:
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! Always make sure to double-check the days and times.
Monday Free Story Times:
- Machinists Union – Family Story Time
- 10:30 am – 11:00 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.
- 3830 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67217
- Alford Library Website
- Andover Public Library – Two’s Time
- 10:30 am – 10:50 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.
- 1511 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002
- Andover Public Library Website
- Goddard Public Library
- 9:30 am – 10:00 am
- Children listen to stories, sing, dance, and make a craft
- 201 N Main St, Goddard, KS 67052
- Goddard Public Library Website
- Derby Public Library – Family Night (First Monday Each Month)
- 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Family Night is an evening storytime designed for children age 3-7 and their families, but all ages are welcome. Come for a before bedtime sharing of books and music, followed by a family craft or activity.
- 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037
- Derby Library Website
Tuesday Free Story Times:
- Advanced Learning Library: Preschool Story Time
- 10:30 am – 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.
- 711 W 2nd St, Wichita, KS 67203
- Advanced Learning Library Website
- Advanced Learning Library: Baby’s First Storytime
- 10:40 am – 11:00 am
- Babies newborn to 18 months can come together to instill a love a learning with music, rhymes, activities and stories.
- 711 W 2nd St, Wichita, KS 67203
- Advanced Learning Library Website
- Walters Library – Family Story Time
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
- 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.
- 4195 E Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218
- Walters Library Website
- Derby Public Library – Preschool Story Time
- 10:00 am – 10:30 am
- Ages 3 -5
- Read, sing songs, finger play, and enjoy a puppet show.
- 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037
- Derby Public Library Website
- Naftzger Park Story Time – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month (May-October)
- 10:00 am
- Read along with stories on the big screen and enjoy music, snacks, free books, and an activity for the kids.
- Click HERE for More Info
- Andover Public Library – Two’s Time
- 9:30 am – 9:50 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.
- 1511 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002
- Andover Public Library Website
- Andover Public Library – Preschool Story Time
- 10:30 am – 10:55 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.
- 1511 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002
- Andover Public Library Website
- Valley Center Library
- 10:30 am – 11:00 am
- Infants through age 2
- 314 E Clay St, Valley Center, KS 67147
- Valley Center Library Website
Wednesday Free Story Times:
- Great Plains Nature Center – Critter Tales
- 10:00 am -10:30 am
- This program is designed for our littlest learners with age-appropriate storybooks highlighting the wonders of nature.
- 6232 E. 29th Street North
- Great Plains Nature Center Website
- Tanganyika Wildlife Park
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am
- Cub Club: Read a book, sing a song, and meet an animal
- Children ages 1-4. Must reserve your spot online.
- Tanganyika Cub Club Website
- Andover Public Library – Baby & Me
- 9:30 am – 10:00 am
- 1511 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002
- Andover Public Library Website
- Andover Public Library – Preschool Story Time
- 10:30 am – 10:55 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.
- 1511 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002
- Andover Public Library Website
- Botanica – Little Sprouts Storytime
- 10:00 am
- Ages 3-5
- You must pay general admission but story time is free with admission or if you are a member.
- Enjoy delightful stories, catchy songs, and creative activities in our cozy little library.
- 701 N Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
- Botanica Website
- Botanica – Little Sprouts Storytime
- 11:00 am
- Ages 3-5
- You must pay general admission but story time is free with admission or if you are a member.
- Enjoy delightful stories, catchy songs, and creative activities in our cozy little library.
- 701 N Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
- Botanica Website
- Park City Public Library: Baby Bookworms
- 9:30 am – 10:30 am
- Ages Birth – 2 years
- Bring your little ones to the Park City Public Library for a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, and interactive play designed for birth to two years old!
- 2107 E 61st St N, Park City, KS 67219
- Park City Library Website
- Park City Public Library: Tales for Tots
- 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- Ages 3-5
- A story time adventure for children aged 3-5! Each week, we’ll read a new book, sing silly songs, and take home a fun craft!
- 2107 E 61st St N, Park City, KS 67219
- Park City Library Website
Thursday Free Story Times:
- Barnes & Noble
- 10:30 am
- Crafts or activities will follow the reading of the newest best book for kids
- 2441 N. Maize Road Suite 601, Wichita, KS 67205
- Barnes & Noble Website
- Derby Public Library – Baby Story Time
- 10:00 am – 10:20 am
- Birth – 12 months
- Each week parents and caregivers and their babies will share board books, rhymes, bounces, and action songs that are consistent with infant development.
- 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037
- Derby Public Library Website
- Derby Public Library – Building Blocks Read and Play
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Toddlers will follow the Montessori method of education.
- 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037
- Derby Public Library Website
- Derby Public Library – Adventures @ the Library
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Grades K-2
- Explore and discover new things after school at the library with this literacy-based program for grades K-2. Program typically includes books read aloud, a craft, a short video, and snack time.
- 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037
- Derby Library Website
- Evergreen – Cuentos Bilingües/Preschool Storytime
- 10:30 am – 11:00 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.
- 2601 N Arkansas Ave, Wichita, KS 67204
- Evergreen Library Website
- Aroma Coffeehouse – Preschool Storytime
- 10:30 am – 11:00 am
- Bring your preschoolers for stories, fun and a snack! Parents deserve a coffee break too!
- 7348 W 21st St N Unit 110, Wichita, KS 67205
- Aroma Coffeehouse Facebook
- Haysville Public Library – Sing & Rhyme Storytime
- 10:30 am
- Ages 0-5
- Read stories, sing songs and have fun!
- 210 S Hays Ave, Haysville, KS 67060
- Haysville Library Website
- Valley Center Public Library – Preschoolers
- 10:30 am – 11:00 am
- Ages 5 and under
- 314 E Clay St, Valley Center, KS 67147
- Valley Center Library Website
Friday Free Story Times:
- Advanced Learning Library: Nursery Rhyme
- 10:30 am – 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.
- 711 W 2nd St, Wichita, KS 67203
- Advanced 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
- 10:00 am & 11:00 am (Spring & Fall)
- Ages 1 -3
- Books, musical instruments and flannel board stories.
- 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037
- Derby Public Library Website
- Mulvane Public Library – Wee Reads
- 10:30 am – 11:00 am
- Ages 0-3
- Storytime is filled with songs, rhymes,lap bounces, scarves, and bubbles.
- PLUS! Stay after for “Chat and Play Cafe” where the kids can play with toys provided by the library while you get some socialization in with a cup of coffee from Jane’s Landing.
- 408 N 2nd Ave, Mulvane, KS 67110
- Mulvane Library Website
- Mulvane Public Library – Wee Reads
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Ages 0-3
- Storytime is filled with songs, rhymes,lap bounces, scarves, and bubbles.
- PLUS! Arrive early for “Chat and Play Cafe” where the kids can play with toys provided by the library while you get some socialization in with a cup of coffee from Jane’s Landing.
- 408 N 2nd Ave, Mulvane, KS 67110
- Mulvane Library Website
- Wichita Art Museum
- First Friday of each month 10:30 am – 11:00 am
- Enjoy engaging stories and related activities to make works of art come to life for your young learner.
- Admission is free, and you can also explore PLAY, WAM’s interactive space for families, afterwards!
- 1400 West Museum Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67203
- Wichita Art Museum Website
Saturday Free Story Times:
- Watermark Books
- Weekly free storytime on Saturdays from 10:00 – 10:30 am
- 4701 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218
- Watermark Books Website
- Mulvane Public Library – Family Story Time
- Monthly on the 4th Saturday at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- A chance for families with children of all ages to enjoy storytime together.
- 408 N 2nd Ave, Mulvane, KS 67110
- Mulvane 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
