Family events in Wichita, KS

Enjoy a half-day of fun in the sun with water and sensory play on the playground. Kids should bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen, plus a dry set of clothes to change into afterward.

KidLyn Couture hosts a weekly participatory storytime that brings shopping and play together for moms and their little ones. Enjoy cozy readings, imaginative themes, and hands-on crafts that keep children engaged while moms can browse the boutique. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with opportunities to meet other moms and make new friends. Children can nibble on kid friendly treats, bring a favorite stuffed animal, and even wear pajamas for special mornings. Expect photo ready moments, activities that encourage creativity and confidence, and the perk of early browsing with access to deals. Led by Adina Nichols.

Enjoy an evening of casual outdoor chess with Wichita Chess Network at the RiverFlix Amphitheater at Exploration Place. All ages and skill levels are invited, whether you are learning the basics, looking for a friendly challenge, or just want to play a few games in a welcoming community setting. Boards will be provided, with casual matchups, puzzle challenges, and details about upcoming camps, classes, and tournaments in Wichita. Bring a friend, stop by for a game, say hello, and stay for the movie afterward.

RiverFlix screens Monsters Inc. at the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater during a free, family friendly outdoor movie night. Spread out on the turf with a blanket and any snacks you would like. Chairs are not permitted on the turf. A limited number of chairs will be available on a first come, first served basis, and an overflow area will accommodate guests who bring their own chairs. Strollers and wagons are not allowed. Pets are not permitted, and smoking or vaping is prohibited. Food trucks and concessions will be on site. Seating opens prior to the film. No registration is required. Overflow parking options are available. This event is supported by Boeing, Children's Mercy, Ward Law, Wichita Foundation, and Heartspring.

Live Music Nights at Chicken N Pickle bring together talented local musicians, tasty food, and refreshing drinks for a relaxed night out. Settle onto the patio to enjoy the music or soak up the energy by the game courts while the performances set the scene. It is a good fit for meeting friends, bringing the family, or enjoying a fun evening on your own. The atmosphere encourages unwinding and connecting with the community.

Now in its sixth season, this event features an outdoor farmers market alongside an indoor marketplace with over 35 local small businesses. Browse the market outside, then head indoors to explore a wide range of locally made products. Taking place at K-State Extension - Sedgwick County, it highlights community makers and local shopping.

Haysville Historic District Vintage Days features classic cars, live music, food, demonstrations, and local vendors. The car show at the library supports Grassroots Ministries and homeless veterans, with a $20 entry fee, same day registration, and awards. The Grassroots Trio performs at the gazebo. Il Forno Perfetto Pizza serves at the pergola. A raffle basket drawing is included. Blacksmith demonstrations, cowboy drama with a shootout performance, and cookie decorating at the library offer hands-on fun. Hometown Market vendors are on site, and the Masonic Lodge offers a $9 all you can eat breakfast.

Join this free 2nd Saturday bird walk to explore the birds that visit and live in Chisholm Creek Park. No birding experience is needed. Expect about 1 to 2 miles of walking on paved paths, and the walk will last around 90 minutes. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Great Plains Nature Center parking lot.

This marks the beginning of the Summer 2 Lil Thunder Intro to Hockey session, a welcoming program for young players eager to learn the game. Children build confidence with essential skills such as skating, stickhandling, passing, and shooting in a positive, supportive setting. The session is open to girls and boys ages 4 and up, whether new to hockey or continuing their journey, as long as they can skate on their own without assistance. If independent skating is not yet in place, starting with Learn to Skate Snowplow or Basic 1 is recommended before registering. Equipment rentals are available for participants. For details, email lilthunderict@gmail.com.

Young explorers can work toward becoming Junior GPNC Naturalists through a six-week series centered on the prairie. Designed for students in 3rd through 5th grade, each session is guided by a GPNC Naturalist and explores native plants, pollinators, birds, mammals, and other parts of the prairie ecosystem. Participation is free with registration. A parent or guardian must remain on the grounds for the full duration of the program. Space is limited to 20 students per date.

Scouts BSA ages 11 to 17 can work toward merit badges in a historic museum setting in Wichita. These workshops at the Museum of World Treasures follow official badge requirements and combine guided gallery exploration with hands-on activities. Youth participants are $15 and accompanying adults are $11. Registration is required in advance, and every scout must attend with troop leadership or a parent or guardian.

Settle in by the boards and enjoy the lively market vibe while you play a game, learn a few new tactics, make friends, or simply watch the action. Casual, drop-in games will be available all morning for kids and adults, welcoming both beginners and seasoned players. You can also find details on upcoming chess camps, classes, tournaments, and other community happenings around Wichita this summer. Make a move and connect with Wichita’s growing chess community.

Safe Streets in Wichita is hosting a community-focused effort to equip students for the new school year. Donations of school supplies are accepted on site, and monetary contributions can be sent via Cash App to $KansasLeapAOL. The goal is to help children start school with the essentials they need.

Challenge your inner trivia whiz at a free, family friendly pop up market where each vendor booth turns into a classroom of fun. Browse local makers, artists, and small businesses while tackling trivia questions, mini games, and hands-on challenges, then collect stamps and compete for prizes as you move from booth to booth. Interactive activities run throughout, welcoming kids, teens, and adults to shop, play, and test their smarts together. It is school themed without the stress... no homework, no grades, just games, prizes, and plenty of great finds.

Celebrate the local author community at the Wichita Advanced Learning Library. Attendees can meet area writers to talk about their work and inspirations, explore books for adults and children across a range of genres, and purchase signed copies directly from the authors. The event welcomes avid readers, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in supporting local voices. Due to limited space, author participation is managed through an application process, and submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Preference is given to authors who live within 20 miles of the Wichita city limits. Applicants will be notified of their status by email, and those who do not receive a response should contact the library.

Front Porch Faith Apparel Co. hosts a community celebration of World Breastfeeding Week at K-State Extension Sedgwick County, 4-H Hall. The event honors and supports breastfeeding families with local vendors, community resources, and photographers offering opportunities to capture the breastfeeding journey. All are welcome, including mothers, babies, partners, children, and supporters. A group breastfeeding photo will be part of the festivities to recognize motherhood, nourishment, and community strength, with exact timing to be shared closer to the event. Vendor spaces are fully booked, and only non-profit and resource booths remain. Preregistration is available for photography, including a micro-mini session with the group photo for $25.00 or the group photo only at no cost. Whether you are currently breastfeeding, expecting, have breastfed within the past year, or simply wish to support breastfeeding families, this family friendly gathering offers connection, encouragement, and fun.

Celebrate the start of the school year at Riverside Tennis Center with a free, family-friendly tennis carnival. Children can discover the game through playful stations and challenges, moving at their own pace and visiting activities in any order. Highlights include Target Smash, Walk the Dog, an obstacle course, Card Shark, balloon tennis, racquet catch, a decorate‑a‑racquet craft, big ball mini matches, and a prize and photo stop. Upon arrival, participants check in to receive a ticket, complete the stations, then return the finished ticket at the front desk to collect a prize. This drop‑in format encourages kids to stay active while trying tennis in a welcoming setting. Pre‑registration is required, and space is limited. Admission is free.

Participants meet at GracePoint, then head into the neighborhood to clean and refresh the front entrance areas of several schools, partnering with them to address a real need. Childcare is available for children from birth through PreK. This service day is part of a reimagined rhythm that balances times of worship and teaching with days devoted to serving the wider community beyond the building. No building, just people caring for their neighbors in practical ways.

On Sundays, Cowtown offers choose-your-price admission made possible by a generous gift from Colby Sandlian. Visitors can contribute any amount that works for them and enjoy their visit.

Free Sunday admission is available at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. Support from the Ruth Spooner Stone Charitable Trust, INTRUST Bank makes this possible. The museum occupies the original City of Wichita City Hall in downtown Wichita and presents dozens of exhibits with thousands of artifacts that illuminate local history. The Museum Store features books, gifts, and Wichita souvenirs. On other days, regular admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children, and members are always free. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Regular hours are offered Tuesday through Sunday.

Paintapalooza and Dough Camp is a creative art day camp where kids can try a variety of painting and dough-based projects. Across the three days, participants will make process art using techniques like bubble dough, absorption art, foam finger painting, paint popsicles, wax resist, fizzy paint, and more. Each day includes take-home homemade play doughs and new creations, with hands-on activities designed for little artists.

Join a hands-on class where kids can mix cooking with science experiments. Over three days, students will learn simple food science concepts, cook up tasty dishes, and then enjoy the results. The program runs Monday through Wednesday at The Art Park.

Enjoy a family-friendly reading experience at Naftzger Park where stories are shared on a large screen. The outing includes music, snacks, free books to take home, and a fun activity designed for kids. This program is presented in partnership by Storytime Village and Wichita Park & Recreation.

Pokémon fans can gather for casual League freeplay with chances to meet others, battle, and trade. Attendees may receive a promo pack while supplies last, and can be among the first to pick up the newest Pokémon stock.

This weekly storytime features PBS Kansas Kids and provides a regular opportunity for children to enjoy read-aloud stories.

The Sweet Since '86 Roadshow Tour marks four decades of Andy’s Frozen Custard with a celebration filled with treats, prizes, and surprises. Highlights include $2 regular sundaes with one topping, limited-edition tour merchandise, a spin-to-win prize station, and giveaways happening throughout the event.

This toddler program at the Museum of World Treasures welcomes children ages 2 to 5 with their grown-ups to explore a rotating theme through hands-on fun and storytime. Participants create a themed craft, spend time playing in Ivan’s Playhouse, and finish with a shared story. The pace is gentle and suited to young explorers, encouraging curiosity at every step. Children five and under are free, admission for others is $7, and members are free.

Cheer on the Wichita Turbo Tubs as they face the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park during a special night benefiting ICT SOS. When tickets are purchased through the event link, $5 from each one is donated to ICT SOS to support its mission and community impact. This is a welcoming outing for families, friends, coworkers, and baseball fans who want to enjoy the game while contributing to a meaningful cause.