We’ve rounded up a list of favorite things to do and free and affordable activities to keep the kids busy and active during the cold winter months. From the best indoor spots in Wichita to free museums and so many great local libraries to explore, there’s an activity for your family any day of the week!
Every month we round up the best family friendly activities and events around Wichita so you can see them all in one place! Some are free to attend! Also be sure to check out our 3 Best Things to Do This Weekend posted every Thursday on our Instagram account.
Indoor Play Areas
Wichita Art Museum is FREE every day! Their updated PLAY space. Great for kids of all ages with a special toddler corner with toys and books for younger kids.
The PBS Kansas Children’s Education & Discovery Center helps children develop skills in STEM and targeted for children 2-10 years old with interactive displays, arts and crafts, and toys. Open 10-4 Monday-Friday with story time every Wednesday at 10:30 and last Wednesday of the month bilingual story time!
0-2: FREE
3-5: $3
Ages 6-Adult: $4
Chick-fil-a Playground – all Wichita (including Derby) locations besides the east side Greenwich location, have a play place. This is simply a go-to for parents with younger kiddos.
Scheels Indoor Playland – located in the children’s section and great for kids under 5. It’s completely enclosed so little ones can run free! *Bonus: you get to go by the aquarium, and honestly this keeps little ones entertained for a bit!
Towne East Play Place – this one is located right outside of Scheels.
Special Storytimes & Libraries
Moxi Junction hosts story and craft time every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:30am.
Advanced Learning Library (has a great outdoor stem learning area too) | Downtown Wichita
Andover Public Library | Andover (near two really great outdoor parks as well)
Ford Rockwell Branch | East Wichita – newly remodeled with imaginative play area for young children
Westlink Branch Library | West Wichita
Free / Affordable Winter Family Events
- Glow-in-the-Dark Sledding: Hit the snow under the stars as a live DJ keeps the energy high.
- Dazzling Light Show: Immerse yourself in a vibrant winter glow that transforms the night.
- Live DJ: Enjoy upbeat music throughout the event.
- Food Trucks: Grab delicious eats from a variety of local vendors onsite.
- Fire Pits: Warm up and relax with friends and family between runs.
Other Free / Affordable Activities
Make ICT has free access to their makerspace every other Monday.
Sedgwick County Zoo has Winter Wednesdays with $5 admission!
Home Depot has a free Kids’ DIY workshop on the first Saturday of every month. February 7th is the next one – a penguin mailbox.
Great Plains Nature Center has so many wonderful FREE options for family programming! Naturally Crafty on Tuesdays (kids can make a craft), Critter Tales on Wednesdays (story time), and Sprout Scout (offers hands-on learning, creative crafts, and guided outdoor exploration) on every third Wednesday.
Discounted Movies on Tuesdays at Regal Warren Theaters– Loyalty members can get discounted movie tickets to any standard movie on Tuesday for $5.99 and 50% off popcorn!
Wichita Children’s Theater Once Upon a Time Series (performances for ages 2 and up and includes lunch if you pay an extra $2) $9 or $11 with pizza.
Chicken N Pickle Sunday Bingo – FREE to play Bingo and packed with fun for all ages. Starts at 11am. Pair your Bingo fun with Sunday brunch buffet.
Museums
Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum – Free Admission Sundays – experience dozens of exhibits featuring thousands of artifacts illuminating our unique local history. *The areas of this museum our kids love: Before Settlement, a Child’s World, and Wichita the Magic City.
Little Aviatiors at the Kansas Aviation Museum is free for ages 12 and under / $5 teens & adults. Little Aviators is a come-and-go program every Friday morning at the Kansas Aviation Museum for children ages 1-12 between the hours of 10 am and noon. You and your child will have access to the entire museum (including the Boeing: Science, Math, and History Center & Lattner Learning Hanger) as well as the ramp outside!
