May is here – the last month of the school year and the beginning of summer weather!
And, there are so many activities going on and so many ways to play in Wichita and the surrounding towns. So, we decided to share some ideas with you that also help you save money!
The Sedgwick County Moms Network will compile a monthly guide of free activities and free ways for kids to play and enjoy life around the greater Wichita area. Scroll down to see free activities provided by museums, awesome parks to check out, story times, free arts and crafts, amazing city and seasonal events with no admission price, and much much more!
Please check back often! We will be making updates. Make sure to follow the links of each event for individual updates and to check the COVID restrictions in place.
Arts and Fun Crafts
DIY Table- Take and Make | Monday, May 10 @6:30pm
Mulvane Public Library – Beautiful beaded keychains! Stop by starting on this date, to pick up the supplies you will need to make a keychain, perfect to update your purse or keys for the summer season. These take and makes are geared for adults, but teens and tweens (grades 4 & 5) are welcome to grab a kit as well.
Click here
Teen Afternoon of Crafts | Sat, May 15 @3:00pm
Newton Public Library – Request a free bag of craft supplies, then join a Zoom meeting to work on crafts together. Meeting attendance optional.
Click here
Mondays @ Rose Hill Library
Visit the library every Monday between 9-5 to grab an activity bag.
Click here for more information
Tuesdays @ Augusta Library
There will be weekly crafts available for pick up to accompany the online virtual story time each Tuesday. Supplies are first come first serve.
Click here for more information.
Tuesdays @ Great Plains Nature Center
Each week, we provide the materials for a craft in the lobby with a natural theme! During your visit, pick up these free craft materials to take home with you. Crafts are designed for elementary and younger children, but all are welcome. In order to limit the sharing of materials for your health and safety, we’re no longer doing crafts together in the lobby.
Click here for more information
Wednesdays @ Augusta Library
On Wednesday 4/3 and Wednesday 4/24 will have a take-home craft for teenagers as well.
Click here for more information.
Thursdays @ Derby Library
Every Thursday at 4:00 pm, Kindergarten through 5th graders are welcome to tune in on Facebook Live with their families for a weekly Quest through Adventure Land! Learn about the weekly take-home craft kit, hear about some great book recommendations, find out the weekly Ninja-In-Training Task, and see awesome artwork from the Art Quest!
Click here for more information
Andover Library
The library has a large selection of puzzles for use in the library. They help introduce letters, numbers, and simple concepts, promote literacy and learning. They included books, videos, and activity items. You can check them out for a 3 week period.
Click here for more information
City Events and Seasonal Events
International Museum Day | Tues, May 18 @10am
Wichita Art Museum – Come to WAM to celebrate International Museum Day 2021 with FREE admission. Organized by the International Council of Museums with the theme “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine,” this initiative recognizes the role museums play in the cultural experience and how museums are engaging with their communities in new and creative ways.
Click here
Farms and Farmers Markets
Food Truck Thursdays | Thursdays in June
Exploration Place – Chow down with Wichita’s finest food trucks, grab a drink from the bar, jam out to live music, play games, and more all while you enjoy our scenic view of the Keeper of the Plains. Plus, bring the whole family to check out our exhibits. *Free for members, $15 in advance, $20 per car day of.
Click here for more information
Kansas Grown Main Farmers Market | Saturdays from 7am-12pm
Union Station – Enjoy the different local farmers, craftsmen, and other small businesses at our very own Farmers Market. Gate entry is free.
Click here for more information
Kansas Grown Main Farmers Market | Saturdays from 7am-12pm
Sedgwick County Extension Office –Enjoy the different local farmers, craftsmen, and other small businesses at our very own Farmers Market. Gate entry is free.
Click here for more information
Kansas Grown Derby Farmers Market | Saturdays from 8am-12pm
Enjoy the different local farmers, craftsmen, and other small businesses in downtown Wichita. Gate entry is free.
Click here for more information
Harvey County Farmer’s Market | Saturdays from 8am-12pm
The Harvey County Farmer’s Market is open to all to sell their produce, meats, baked goods and homemade crafts.
Click here for more information
Old Town Farm and Art Market | Saturdays from 8am-1pm
Enjoy the different local farmers, craftsmen, and other small businesses in downtown Wichita. Gate entry is free.
Click here for more information
Second Saturdays | Support Wichita Small Shops in Downtown Wichita, Old Town, Delano, and the Douglas Design District
Click here for more information
Movies and Shows
Family Movie in the Park | Fri, May 14 @8pm
Military Park, Newton – Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a screening of “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” (PG), outdoors in Military Park. Please observe social distancing and wear masks when not sitting. The screening will be cancelled if weather doesn’t cooperate.
Click here for more information
Brown Bag Concert | Tues, May 18 @12pm
Coutts Museum, El Dorado – The Brown Bag Lunch Concert series is a free concert offered to the public during the lunch hour on the third Tuesday of every month. So, bring your lunch, sit down, and enjoy the show! Featuring local and regional artists as well as national and international artists.
Click here for more information
Museums
International Museum Day | Tues, May 18 @10am
Wichita Art Museum – Come to WAM to celebrate International Museum Day 2021 with FREE admission. Organized by the International Council of Museums with the theme “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine,” this initiative recognizes the role museums play in the cultural experience and how museums are engaging with their communities in new and creative ways.
Click here
Clock Tower Carillon Concert | Fri, May 28 @12pm
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum – This is a fun experience! The best place to listen will be from outside the museum. The new carillon is located on the museum’s 5th floor, away from public view.
Click here
Don’t forget about your family memberships to the local museums, zoos, and wildlife parks we have in the Greater Wichita area. Although the initial fee isn’t free, the rest of the year is! Memberships are a great way to really explore Wichita’s history, culture, and science.
Our family has an annual membership to Exploration Place and Sedgwick County Zoo and we go to both at least once a month.
Click here to see a list of the museums and zoos we have in the Greater Wichita area (and surrounding towns).
Ulrich Museum of Art
Admission is always free. Click here for more information.
Fridays from 10am-12pm @Kansas Aviation Museum
Every Friday morning children 1-12 get in for *FREE* and one adult per child is free. offer a special deal for moms and tots to head on out to the Kansas Aviation Museum. Start off your morning by letting your child explore the museum, see real airplanes parked on the ramp. “Fly” off to faraway places in one of our cockpits, or test their skill on the computer simulators! Enjoy STEAM-based activities, informative kids movies, books, coloring pages, and much more! Stay as long as you like, just as long as you are here before noon!
Click here for more information
Saturdays @Wichita Art Museum
All visitors to the museum receive free general admission on Saturdays. Free Saturday general admission is made possible by Colby Sandlian, Sandlian Realty.
Click here for more information
Sundays @Old Cowtown Museum
Free admission to all ages all day long. Come out and visit with our townspeople and maybe even catch a gunfight! Saloon hours 12-4pm, last admission at 4pm.
Click here for more information
Other Free Events
May the 4th Be With You | Mon, May 4 @7:oopm
Newton Public Library – Join us for an online meeting with the 501st Legion, a Star Wars fan club whose members up storm troopers. Join via Zoom or watch on Facebook LIVE.
Click here for more information
Mother’s Day at the Zoo | Sun, May 9 @9:00 am
Sedgwick County Zoo – All moms are admitted FREE with an additional paid admission. Members get in free with membership card and photo ID.
Click here for more information
Yoga in the Art Garden | Sat, May 15 @9am
Wichita Museum of Art – Join guest instructor Kelsea Wright from Limitless Yoga of Wichita for an all-levels flow class for ages 16 and older. This class provides a great workout, stretching out common problem areas in the body, and connecting your breath to your movements. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
Click here for more information
Mondays at 4:00 pm @Newton Library
Join other tweens and teens on a Zoom call for games and chatting.
Click here for more information
Mondays at 7:00pm @Chicken N Pickle
Join forces with Trivia Night every Monday at Chicken N Pickle. Playing is fun, but eating is the price of the menu.
Click here for more information
Tuesdays at 4:00 pm @Derby Library
Every Tuesday at 4:00pm, 6th-12th graders are invited to tune in on Facebook Live as we travel through time in Fall 2020! Every week our teen librarian will discuss the weekly take home craft, recommend books, and host trivia events. Certain Tuesdays will be followed by a special Zoom Game Aftershow where teens can play a themed game on Zoom!
Click here for more information
Tuesdays at 3:30pm @El Dorado YMCA
Join El Dorado YMCA for its POWER UP program. This FREE program will offer kids social and physical activities with friends and offer the opportunity to try new activities all under appropriate supervision. Kids can experience DIFFERENT SPORTS/ACTIVITIES each week including field days, dodgeball, flag football, pickleball, soccer, spike ball, basketball and more.
Click here for more information
Wednesdays at 3:30pm @Mulvane Library
Every Wednesday, teens can meet online for art, books, movies, and gaming.
Click here for more information
Thursdays at 3:30pm @El Dorado YMCA
Join El Dorado YMCA for its POWER UP program. This FREE program will offer kids social and physical activities with friends and offer the opportunity to try new activities all under appropriate supervision. Kids can experience DIFFERENT SPORTS/ACTIVITIES each week including field days, dodgeball, flag football, pickleball, soccer, spike ball, basketball and more.
Click here for more information
Fridays at 10:30am @Mulvane Library
Bring a blanket or chairs for your family to use while we sing, tell stories, and dance in our spots! These story times are weather permitting, so if it is below 50 degrees or raining, we will cancel in person and have a virtual story time on Facebook Live. Storytime geared for ages 3 and under and their care-givers.
Outdoor Events
Young Lions Obstacle Course | Sat, May 8 @9:00am
OJ Watson Park – Bring out your Young Lions and Ninja Warriors this amazing event! The event will be a 1 mile course with 15 crazy fun and challenging obstacles! We will have lanes appropriate for the very little ones as well as the older crowd as well. Ages 5-17.
Click here for more information
SHiNe Dance Fitness | Sat, May 15 @10:00am
Naftzger Park – Enjoy a unique workout rooted in traditional jazz, ballet and hip-hop.
Click here for more information
Kite & Bike Festival | Sat, May 15 @1:00pm
High Park, Derby – Join us for the reinvented Kite & Bike Fest! Build your own kite and have a change to fly it, play games, bike races, and eat some fun food. All ages welcome.
Click here for more information
Party at the Net: *FREE* Summer Kick Off | Sat, May 22 @4:00pm
Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center – Kick off summer at the Riverside Tennis Center with open/free tennis and pickleball play on our new courts! Enjoy music, dinner provided by a food truck (TBA) and new court lighting for evening games. Our staff and USTA will be on site to provide information on programming and summer activities. Event is free, open to the public and for all ages!
Click here for more information
Tuesdays at 9am @Bradley Fair
Get moving out in the fresh air with your little one during this fun and playful class led by My Gym. There is no registration required for this class.
Click here for more information
Wednesdays at 6pm with Bike Walk Wichita
These will be hour-long walks that are free and open to anyone to join. Each Walking Wednesday event will be held at 6 p.m., but each will be at different locations around the community. What a great way to not only get active, but explore different parks in Wichita.
May 5 – Riverfront Stadium
May 12 – Union Station Wichita
May 19 – Bradley Fair
May 26 – Old Town Farm & Art Market Square
Click here for more information
Thursdays at 10am @Great Plains Nature Center
There is no better space for kids to learn than the outdoors and there is no better play resource than nature. Naturalists and volunteers will be your guides to model interaction with nature; preschool children will provide the imagination. Come and go.
Wellness in the Gardens @Botanica
*You must either pay admission or have a membership.* There will be signs throughout Botanica to invite you to add some fresh activities in being mindful, and some soft yoga, and more. And, every Wednesday at 10am, there will be a community Wellness Wednesday with guided meditation and yoga, nature journaling and healthy refreshments.
Storytimes
Mondays
Goddard Public Library
Storytime is offered every Monday at 9:00am on Facebook.
Click here for more information
August Public Library
Each week, story and song time will be posted to the library’s facebook page. Typically there will also be a take-home craft to accompany the story time. Make sure you register at Augustabeanstack.org.
Click here for more information
Tuesdays
Haysville Public Library
Haysville Library is back to in-person story times on Tuesdays at 10 and 11. But, to accommodate social distancing and COVID restrictions, masks are required for anyone older than 2 and a limit of 7 families per session. So, you will need to register to attend.
Click here for more information
Wednesdays
Derby Public Library
Every Wednesday at 10am is Virtual Preschool Storytime. This will be on Facebook.
Click here for more information.
Mulvane Public Library
10:30 outside our library for story time geared towards children age 3-5. Bring a blanket or chairs for your family to use while we sing, tell stories, and dance in our spots! These storytimes are weather permitting, so if it is below 50 degrees or raining, we will cancel in person and have a virtual storytime on Facebook Live. You can also stop by the library and pick up a take-home craft that has to do with the week’s theme, while supplies last.
Click here for more information
Valley Center Public Library
Every Wednesday at 10am, Valley Center library hosts a virtual story time on their facebook page.
Click here for more information
Great Plains Nature Center
Every Wednesday at 10am, they will be having a virtual story time for little ones on their Facebook page. Discover new natural children’s books and learn a thing or two about our world.
Click here for more information
Thursdays
Bradford Public Library
They have online reading challenges. Every Thursday is an online Toddler Time story time.
Click here for more information
Fridays
Bradford Public Library
They have online reading challenges. Every Friday is a Preschool Storytime.
Click here for more information
Derby Public Library
Every Friday at 10am is a Virtual Toddler Time Storytime. These will be on Facebook.
Click here for more information.
Mulvane Public Library
Every Friday at 10:30 join on Facebook Live for story time for kids 2-4. It also includes songs and movement.
Click here for more information.
Saturdays
Barnes & Noble Bradley Fair
Join B&N’s National Facebook page at 11am on Saturdays for a virtual storytime.
Click here for more information
Andover Library
Although Virtual story time won’t be available until June 1, their website has plenty of fun stories, songs, and other children’s activities linked on their website.
Click here for more information.