Here you will find an ongoing article that highlights some kid-friendly (and budget-friendly!) activities to do in Wichita. I have found there are many "hidden" treasures here. And some that maybe you knew about but maybe had forgotten. And some that you have heard about, but never checked them out. You get the drift.
I would also love your help! If you have some great ideas of little known Wichita fun, please share.
(July 20) An Indian, A Troll and a Great View! Have you seen the delightfully creepy Wichita troll that "unwillingly" resides near the Arkansas River? Definitely a Wichita MUST SEE! There is actually a wonderful walking tour you can take starting with the Keeper of the Plains, winding along the River and then streetside to pay a visit to the troll. Check out this link to get the full historical account of all you can see...print it out and take it with you to get the most out of your visit! And then, if you dare, check this link for a sneak peek of that lovely troll. I hope you go for a visit...my kids absolutely loved it!
(July 6) While technically not Wichita, the Sedgwick County Fair begins today in Cheney which is just a short drive west of Wichita! Go and enjoy the traditional fair food (can you say Pronto Pup??), Midway Carnival, 4-H competitions, Demolition Derby and More! And if you didn't get enough fireworks this week, there is a finale fireworks show on Saturday at 10pm. Because of the proximity to the 4th, the Carnival will only be partially set up Wednesday, but will be in full force by Thursday. For the full info, please check here.
Have never experienced Riverside, this is for you! Riverside Park is located between 13th Street North and Central off Seneca...there are signs once you get close to guide you in! It has 2 large playground areas, a large interactive fountain, numerous benches and picnic tables, a LOTS of awesome shade trees. And yes, also the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit that features over 25 species in 8 naturalistic cages. Animals include beaver, red fox, porcupine, mink, hawk, owls and more. Click here for more detailed info!
(June 15) Even though the official start of summer isn't until the 21st, the summer-like heat has definitely been with us. Each of the City Pools offers a free swim day this summer - FREE fun - my fav! (Harvest and Edgemoor free days have passed) Go here for location info.
- McAdams ~ Sunday, June 19
- Boston ~ Sunday, June 26
- College Hill ~ Monday, July 4
- Country Acres ~ Saturday, July 9
- Minisia ~ Sunday, July 17
- Orchard ~ Sunday, July 24
- Linwood ~ Sunday, July 31
- Aley ~ Tuesday, August 2
- Evergreen ~ Tuesday, August 2
Goddard also offers free swimming at their pool on July 2nd after the fireworks until midnight!
Know of any more? Please comment below!
Photo courtesy of Arvind Balaraman
(June 8) River Festival Fun! You only have a few more days to take advantage of the Festivities...and goodness are there a lot! For relatively little out of pocket - $5 button for ages 6 and up (5 and under do not need a button), you can get into most events and activities for FREE (some do have additional costs). In my opinion, the best deal for families seem to be the Cessna Kids' Korner at Exploration Place Park. Here is a list of the happenings: inflatables, carnival rides, educational games, art projects (a different one every day), clowns, face painters, Bubbleman, magicians and more! Go here for a detailed listing of Kids' Korner events by day. Exploration Place is also offering (with festival button) $1 Mini-Golf and $1 Cyberdome and Planetarium Shows! Go here for more details on that.
If you go - or have already been - please comment below and let us know how it is!
(June 1) First up, interactive water fountains! I can hear the delighted squeals now! These fountains are maintained by the city of Wichita and absolutely free. They are open from about 10AM to 8PM (times do vary) for children and adults - but no pets! So throw on your suits and enjoy!
~Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square - 205 E. Douglas
~Fairmount - 1647 N. Yale
~Lincoln - 1323 S Topeka
~Osage - 2121 W. 31st Street South
~Riverside Central - 720 Nims (this park also includes The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit featuring over 25 species in 8 naturalistic cages. Animals include beavers, red fox, porcupine, mink, hawks, owls and more.)
~Warren Old Town Plaza - 334 N. Mead
~And not a city run fountain, but I thought I would also mention the fountains at New Market Square! (Open from 10AM - 6PM)
Doc Greens Wichita- East and West location kids eat FREE age 10 and under Wed. (Dine in only 5-9 pm)
Know of any more fountains that are FREE and open to the public? Please share with everyone in the comments! Thanks!
