April is this weekend! Can you believe it? April happens to be one of my favorite months – the crisp, cool breeze, the peacefulness of early spring, the flowers blooming, being able to take my jacket off in the afternoon!
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
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.
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
Fridays
Saturday, April 17
Newton Public Library
Get a bag of supplies from the desk, then meet up on a Zoom call with other local teens.
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
Sunday, April 3 at 9am @Sedgwick County Zoo
*The event is free, but you will need to pay entry to the Zoo if you don’t have a Zoo pass. This isn’t your average Easter egg hunt … the Easter Bunny has hidden giant Easter eggs around the Zoo and you have to help us find them! As you make your way around the Zoo, count how many eggs you see and receive a prize on your way out.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 10am @High Park in Derby
Hunt candy and visit with the Easter Bunny! Participants divided by age groups to hunt eggs. Age 0-3 yrs start at 10am; Ages 4-5 yrs start at 10:20am; Ages 6-7 yrs start at 10:40am; ages 8-10 yrs start at 11am. Don’t forget to bring your basket. Covid precautions will be in place.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 10am @Empower Martial Arts
A FREE event for members and the public alike. There will be Games, Prizes, Music, Egg Hunt, Basket Contest, Specials, Mini martial arts class, and a special appearance by Sensei Cottontail of the Bunny Kai Dojo!!
Ages 7 and under @ 10:00 -11:30 am
Ages 8 and over @ 11:30 – 1:00 pm
East Campus: 314 N Rock Road (Behind Freddy’s)
West Campus: 13303 W Maple St. (Dillon’s Shopping Center)
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 10am @Hap McLean Park in Park City
The Easter egg hunt starts at 10:15 and will be divided by age.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 11am @Mulvane downtown
This year, the Mulvane Community Foundation, the Mulvane Assembly, the Mulvane Chamber of Commerce, and the First Baptist Church are all coming together, combining their events to put on an amazing community activity. We’ll have a designated area for the tiny ones (one area for 0-3yr & another for 4-6yr olds), lots of easy to find multi colored eggs full of candy and prizes for everyone, and don’t forget those 40 Golden Eggs that are extremely well hidden and worth up to $100 in cash & prizes. Mask up or spread out in this 3-4 block event so that we can bring you community events all season long.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 11am @Chicken N Pickle
Join us for an Easter Celebration on April 3rd from 11 am – 1 pm. We will have an Easter Egg Hunt, Balloon Artist, Easter Bunny, Snow Cones, Cotton Candy, and Egg Decorating! Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11:30am and goes in waves by age.
Ages 2-4 | 11:30am
Ages 5-7 | 11:45am
Ages 8-10 | 12:00pm
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 1:30pm @Newton Recreation Commission
An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 3 on the lawn at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 1:30pm @My Gym Wichita
Join us for an Egg Hunt! We’ll have games, rides, songs, dances, and more! Make sure to bring a basket for all the eggs and goodies they find around the gym. Space is limited! Reserve your spot today.
1:30pm to 2:30pm – ages 3 to 6
3:00pm to 4:00pm – ages 0 to 2
4:15pm to 5:15pm – all ages 0 to 10
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 3 at 2pm @Idlewild Park in Derby
Hunt candy and visit with the Easter Bunny! Participants divided by age groups to hunt eggs. Age 0-3 yrs start at 2pm; Ages 4-5 yrs start at 2:15pm; Ages 6-7 yrs start at 2:30pm; ages 8-10 yrs start at 2:45pm. Don’t forget to bring your basket. Covid precautions will be in place.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 25 at 11am @Madison Avenue Central Park in Derby
Spring into Art
Enjoy live entertainment, art for sale, art kits to go, lunch and snack options, Kansas Grown Farmers Market and more.
Click here for more information
Sunday, April 25 at 1pm @Naftzger Park in Wichita
Youth Orchestra Concert
Click here for more information
Thursday, April 22 – Saturday, April 24
Bel Aire City Wide Garage Sale Weekend
Click here for more information
Friday, April 30 at 7pm @Naftzger Park in Wichita
Jam Session
Join us for these free family-friendly jam sessions at the Evergy Pavilion in Naftzger Park with Fr3edm Music! A variety of styles will be played live and by a DJ during these low-key evenings, but the crowd’s vibes will help guide where the music goes!
Grab your blankets and chairs, as well as snacks and drinks! No alcohol. Social distancing squares will be setup in the park for families. We ask that masks be worn when moving throughout the park and only removed when you are in your family’s square.
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
Saturday, April 10 at 11am @Kansas Sate Fairgrounds
Although we may not have a full fair this year, numerous vendors and music performances will still be open and happening. There is no gate charge, but you will have to pay $5 for parking. There is free parking on the North side of State Fair Road and free handicap parking by Gate #5. Vendors will be charging for food.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, April 18
SWE Engineering Expo 2021
The online event is free and open to the public. Past in-person expos have hosted thousands of students across Wichita. This year the expo experience will be a little different than years past due to COVID-19, however, the new virtual platform will still provide free high quality, hands-on activities for kids in K-8th grade. Activity videos and other great content will be available to all participants. Material kits will be available if requested, while supplies last, but most activities will use normal household items ensuring all kids can participate in this virtual Expo! Registration is only required if requesting a free material kit in advance and will open on March 1st. To register, please see the event webpage listed below and click “2021 Expo Kit Signup”. The activities are intended for girls and boys in grades K-8.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, April 18
Sleep Out ICT
WHAT IS SLEEP OUT ICT? Everyone deserves access to basic needs like a warm, safe place to sleep, but it’s easy to take them for granted. Sleep Out ICT is taking place on Saturday, April 17, providing an opportunity to take a moment of gratitude for our home comforts while raising awareness, compassion, and funds to support the approximate 600 people who are homeless in Wichita on any given night .
Sleep Out ICT is challenging the Wichita community to give up their bed for just one night. You might choose to camp in the yard with your family, build a fort in your living room or sleep in the garage in a sleeping bag. Wherever you sleep out (or in), HumanKind is here to make your night fun and informative.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 24 at 11am @Wichita Art Museum
Family ArtVenture: Art Groove
Participants will groove to music, and be inspired by artwork from African American Art in the 20th Century, a Smithsonian American Art Museum exhibition featuring blues and jazz themes. WAM’s Education Team has developed several creative solutions to safeguard your good health, and the best pandemic protocols will be in place for this family program.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 24 at 1pm @Ulrich Museum of Art
Family Fun Day
Bring the family for an afternoon of outdoor hands-on art making, stories, and fun discoveries in the Outdoor Sculpture Collection. All activities will observe social distancing, mask wearing, and hand-washing requirements.
Click here for more information
Farms and Farmers Markets
Fridays from 4-6pm @Elderslie Farm
Meet the baby goats at Elderslie Farm. Pet them, take pictures, and enjoy the farm. For $2, you can purchase a bottle of goat milk to feed the kids. Home fresh food and cheese will be for sale as well.
Click here for more information
Saturdays from 7am-12pm
Kansas Grown Main Farmers Market
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
Saturdays from 8am-12pm
Kansas Grown Derby Farmers Market
Enjoy the different local farmers, craftsmen, and other small businesses in downtown Wichita. Gate entry is free.
Click here for more information
Saturdays from 8am-1pm
Old Town Farm and Art Market
Enjoy the different local farmers, craftsmen, and other small businesses in downtown Wichita. Gate entry is free.
Click here for more information
Movies and Shows
Friday, April 9 @Military Park in Newton
Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to watch Disney’s Princess and the Frog. Masks and social distancing will be required.
Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 10 at 7pm @Capitol Federal Amphitheater
Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to watch Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Social distancing will be required.
Click here for more information
Museums
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.
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
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
Tuesday, April 27 at 10:30 @Sedgwick County Zoo
Tot Tuesdays
**If you already have a family pass to the zoo, this event is free.**
Enjoy fun and interactive educational activities for your kids on Tot Tuesdays! Educational activities are designed for children age 3-5 and their participating adult.
Click here for more information
Other Free Events
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 7pm @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
Monday, April 27 at 5:30 pm @Wichita Library
Join other teens via Zoom playing Dungeons and Dragons. Make sure you register.
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
Thursday, April 8 at 10am @Derby Recreation Center
Preschool Game Day at the Indoor Pool
Ages 2-6 are welcome to join us for a 45 minute swimming session. No registration is required. Come slide down the slide, play in the mushroom waterfall and practice those swimming skills. A Parent of Guardian ages 16 and older must accompany child in the water.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 3 at 9:00am @OJ Watson Park
Honk and Hop Along
Enjoy an Easter activity with social distancing. $5 per child and preregistration required.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 17 @Mulvane Library
On the third Saturday of every month teens can meet up at the library to play D&D. They have a room stocked with Dungeons and Dragons supplies. Playing mats with dry erase markers, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, Monster Manual, and Player’s Handbook will all be available for you to use.
Outdoor Events
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.
Saturday, April 17 at 10am @Naftzger Park
SHiNE Dance Fitness
Enjoy a unique workout rooted in traditional jazz, ballet, and hip-hop.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 17 at 10am @Stone Creek Disco Golf Park in Derby
Disc Golf Clinic
Spend an hour learning then play a round of disc golf on our local course. Disc golf has the same premise as golf but uses a dis (frisbee) in place of a ball. During the clinic, you will learn the fundamentals of the game, starting with the drive and ending with the putt as well as etiquette and safety. All ages welcome.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 24 at 8am @Dr Glen Dey Park in Wichita
Wichita Wild Walks
All ages. 1 hr. Discover something new! Explore the winding trails of the Wichita Wild Parks and other green spaces alongside an experienced naturalist who can provide a unique lens on the nature at our doorstep. Registration is not required.
Click here for more information
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 on Facebook Live for story time geared towards children age 3-5. *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.*We will continue to meet virtually until it is safe to meet in person
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 age. 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
Thursday, April 8
Wichita Public Library
Register to join a Zoom chat with other teens talking about books you love and don’t like.
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.
Saturday, April 3
Newton Public Library
Join other teens on a Zoom call to discuss The Book Thief.
Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 10
Wichita Public Library
Read a story together as you stroll around the Rockwell Courtyard. This outdoor come-and-go event will be available during library open hours and does not require registration, but social distancing rules must be observed.
Click here for more information
Saturday, April 24
Mulvane Public Library
Enjoy a story time geared toward the whole family.
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.