F is for Fall, Festivals, and Family Fun! It’s also for Frugal. International Frugal Fun Day is the first Saturday in October; this year falling on October 3rd. The goal is to keep activities under $5 a person, or even better, free! Having a family with kiddos, frugal finds are always a win to save us some cash. As we know, getting out with the entire fam can be quite pricey. I’ve compiled a list of exciting, yet thrifty, ways to celebrate locally during the month of October!
This is my third year writing this post, and it looks much different this year due to COVID. Be sure to continuous check with local spots to see their restrictions and opening status.
Frugal Fun Events in Wichita – October 2020
Woofstock, a fundraiser for the Kansas Humane Society is taking place Sept. 28-Oct 3rd. Check out the free virtual events during the week, and participate in the drive through event on Saturday the 3rd for only $10 per vehicle. Have fun and help pets on need of homes!
ICT Bloctober Fest is October 2-3rd with free admission to the grounds. Soak in some German family fun. *additional costs for food and beverage.
Bethel College’s Annual Fall Festival is held October 1st-4th features a several events in person and online including the college football game, exhibits, and nature walks. Admission is free to most events!
Inktober on the Trail The annual Art on the Trail has a new spin on it due to COVID. The Great Plains Nature Center created daily art challenges to encourage the community to get outside and create ink masterpieces. Grab art supplies, step out, and follow along with the fun!
Winfield’s Art in the Park Festival on Oct. 3rd features dozens of artists showcasing their work and food venders to enjoy. A $2 suggested donation is admission price.
Stearman Field hosts their annual Pumpkin Drop on October 24th from 1pm-3pm and is free to enjoy the show. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the air-pumpkin drop!
Other Frugal Fun Around the Community
- Enjoy the beautiful temps and pack a picnic! Find a great local place using our Best Picnic Spots in Wichita guide. Bring along a football or baseball and glove for a game of catch.
- Pack up for an overnight camping trip at an area campsite, or in your own backyard. Don’t forget the S’mores!
- Visit the Keeper of the Plains, see its Ring of Fire, and take a stroll along the Arkansas River.
- Hunt for an urban legend, The Wichita Troll. It’s located in the area of 777 W. Central Ave in an underground lair. Can you find it?
- Go fishing. There are many great area fishing holes to enjoy. Find a list of them here.
- Create a scavenger hunt to do at a local park. You can find some great fall themed scavenger hunt printables online.
- Visit a pumpkin patch. Yes, some can be pricey, but there are a few that offer low cost admission such as Meadowlark Farm, for only $2 per person to enjoy the grounds. Under age 13 is free! Or try Marietta Farms, only $5 to enjoy the grounds, with free admission for 2 and under. Grab a pumpkin for the kiddos to paint or carve!
- Head to Riverside Park to see the free Kansas Wildlife Exhibit.
- The Wichita Art Museum offers free admission on Saturdays and features many exhibits!
- Visit a farmer’s market to sample some local goodies before they close up shop for the year. Use our handy Wichita Farmer’s Market Guide.
- Head to the Advanced Learning Library that offers something for all ages!
- Head out for a meal at one of these local places where kids eat free and cheap.
- Take a tour of Wichita’s Delano, Old Town, Douglas Design District, and Clifton Square by riding the free trolley: The Q-Line.
- Take a short road trip to Yoder, and immerse the Amish culture.
- Head to Lindsborg, Little Sweden, USA.
- Indulge in a sweet treat from a local shop such as Milk Float, Little Lion, Cocoa Dolce, or College Hill Creamery.
- Visit one of ICT’s pop up parks, Gallery Alley for some local artwork and music. Be sure to find the giant spider while you’re there.
- Take a family bike ride around the neighborhood or to a local park.
- Do some good for your soul and for others by volunteering at a local organization. Be sure to connect with them prior to arrival.
I hope you enjoy your frugal family fun around the ICT!
