We are well into summer break, and perhaps you're becoming bored with the pool, the mall, or your Netflix binge watching, or perhaps you're watching the number on your bank account statement get smaller and smaller. Well, have no fear! Here are seven FREE things to do in Wichita this weekend, so grab a friend and prepare for adventure.
1. Old Cowtown Museum
Did you know that now through October Wichita's Cowtown Museum is free every Sunday? If you want to go back in time, learn about some of Kansas' history, and talk with knowledgeable and fun volunteers, then this museum is for you!
The Old Cowtown Museum's Sunday hours are from 12:00-5:00.
2. Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum (WAM) is free every Saturday, year round! It is always displaying new exhibits, and right now the museum is showing "Ritual and Desire: Contemporary Glass Art" in addition to the regular exhibits (which include paintings and sculptures.) The Glass Art will be on exhibit until September 10th.
While you're visiting the museum, be sure and make time to explore the grounds surrounding it! The Art Garden brings nature and art together in a beautiful display!
Saturday hours for WAM are 10:00-5:00.
3. The Keeper of the Plains
4. Shakespeare in the Park
My English-Major heart felt a thrill when I discovered this. Every summer and fall, the Wichita Shakespeare Company gives free performances in various parks around Wichita. This summer they are performing Henry V, and there are only a few shows left! This Friday, June 23, they will be performing at Central Riverside Park, and Sunday they will be doing a special indoor performance in Wichita's beautiful Scottish Rite. Both performances are at 7:00 pm and are about an hour and forty-five minutes long.
Also, be sure and stay updated on the September performances of Twelfth Night!
5. The Burrow
Celebrate your geeky side at this quaint gift shop designed specifically for nerds and geeks. Check out gifts and collectibles from just about any fandom you could imagine. The shop is run by Derrek Burrows and his family, so it has a homey, welcoming feel, and they invite people to head back for some fun in the "Geekeasy" to play from a selection of the games The Burrow offers. Whether it's a casual game night with friends or an intense tournament, the Geekeasy is the perfect spot for it. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can buy a bottle of Butterbeer (or other geeky snacks) before you head back for your game night.
On Fridays and Saturdays The Burrow is open late so the fun can continue: 12:00-11:00 pm.
6. Ecclesia Coffee Shop
Just as their name suggests, Ecclesia is all about community. This shows in the way they constantly offer free events, usually in the form of live music. Also, every Monday in the summer (I know, it's not the weekend, but it's worth mentioning) they have game night from 7:00-9:00 P.M. Check out their social media for specific performances and times!
7. Wichita Murals
A newly popular free thing to do in Wichita is track down all of the murals around town and take pictures! What a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening with a friend or loved one. Plus, driving around Wichita on your hunt can help you discover many more new and fun places you've never been to before!
So many people claim Wichita is boring, but a simple Google search or a drive around town can bring you to much more adventure than you might expect! Get out there and enjoy our city!
BONUS!
These are not in Wichita, but they are amazing places if you're willing to make the drive.
8. Kanopolis State Park
Hiking the trails in beautiful Kanopolis is relaxing AND free. It is about 1.5 hours from Wichita (near Salina), but Horsethief Canyon will make you feel like you've wandered much, much farther from home.
9. Elk River Hiking Trail
One of my personal favorites to do every summer is the 15-mile Elk River Hiking Trail (don't worry, you don't have to hike all 15 miles if you choose not to.) Forested areas and cliffs surround this trail, immersing hikers in one of the most beautiful places in Kansas. Voted one of the top hiking trails in the nation, the Elk River Hiking Trail is a definite must-see. It is about a two-hour drive from Wichita, but worth it.
Happy adventuring, Wichitans, and don't forget your camera!
