2016 Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in Wichita This Summer {+Free Printable}

Wichita Summer Bucket List FBThank you to Wichita State University Community Education for sponsoring our Summer Bucket List and for providing classes we stand behind and are excited to bring to this community of moms. things to do in wichita

WSU Community EducationThere are so many things to do in Wichita this summer, and we can hardly WAIT to get started on our bucket list items! First on our list is to learn something new this summer with our partners at Wichita State University. Introduce your child to a new language with Spanish for Kids, or have them develop their chess playing skills with a class for beginners or advanced players. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do together they also offer a hair braiding class that would be perfect for a budding babysitter or your little one with long hair, and a Fun with Balloons class where you and your child can learn the art of balloon twisting! Classes meet once a week for 2-6 weeks, and you can register online.


This year’s bucket list offers 100 ideas of things to do this summer for every budget, interest, and age. Think you’ve done it all in Wichita, think again! (Please note to check each event/business website for the most up to date information.)

Local Lovers
Things to do in Wichita

For the Tots

Outdoor Adventurers 

Things to do in Wichita
Photo Credit: Wright Focus Photography

Cinema Seekers

  • Pack a blanket and lawn chairs and head to Chick-fil-A’s Outdoor Movie Night.
  • Attend Family Movie Night at New Market Square on the last Saturday of the month, all summer long.
  • Check out the kid-friendly classics at The Palace‘s summer movie program.
  • Go on a movie date on $5 Wednesdays at The Warren.
  • Load up the blankets and folding chairs for a movie marathon at Starlight Drive In.
  • Catch a family-friendly classic in a historic theater setting at The Orpheum.

Things to do in WichitaFestival and Concert Goers

Water Splashers

  • Head to your local YMCA (you can purchase one day passes or use your membership) for pool time – select locations have slides and a lazy river.
  • Teach your baby to swim.
  • Turn on the hose and run through the sprinkler.
  • Splash around in one of our Wichita’s splash parks.
  • Check out the newest splash park at Buffalo Park (word on the street is it opens this summer).
  • Go down the speed slide or take a raft ride with a friend at Rock River Rapids.
  • Make a homemade slip and slide out of plastic tarp.

Foodies

  • Skip weekend takeout and head to ICT Popup Park or find one of the ICT Food Trucks for a tailgate picnic party. Things to do in Wichita
  • Put the kids to bed for 30 seconds, then run in and tell them it’s time to get in the car and go get ice cream – we love Churn and Burn (especially their new renovations and patio).
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy free wine tastings at Wheat State Wine Co. vineyard in Winfield.
  • Have a delightful morning at the Bramble Cafe at Elderslie Farm, complete with a farm fresh breakfast and ride around the farm.
  • Pick one of these 200+ date night ideas and plan something fun with your significant other.
  • Dine al fresco on one of our favorite Wichita patios.
  • Head to Stearman for dinner on the patio, while watching the planes and listening to a live band.
  • Spend the morning supporting local farms and artisans at one of Wichita’s Farmer’s Markets.
  • Go on a Wichita Food Tour in Historic Old Town.
  • Pack a picnic and go berry or peach picking. things to do in Wichita

Supporters of the Arts

  • Work alongside your little artist, where everyone gets to create a work of art, in a Mini Masterpiece Class at Monart School of Art.
  • Attend this year’s Alice in Wonderland Ballet in the Park with Ballet Wichita, June 9th-12th (Times and Locations TBD).
  • On the second Saturday of each month, join City Arts for a free Adult & Me art project.
  • Enjoy a “tale as old as time” with Beauty and the Beast at Music Theater Wichita, June 29-July 3.
  • Learn to play a new instrument with School of Rock.
  • Support the arts and browse the galleries on a Final Friday summer evening.
  • Spend a summer day with Wichita Art Museum for Hot Art for Cool Kids (ages 6-12).

Sports and Fitness Lovers

Homebodies

  • Host a cookout with friends.
  • Build a garden bed and grow a vegetable garden.
  • Host a splash party with a water fight.
  • Roast marshmallows for s’mores.
  • Camp out in your backyard.
  • Make summer treats and deliver them to your neighbors.
  • Host an outdoor movie party.
  • Have a lemonade stand.
  • Build a fort in your living room.
  • Have a backyard picnic.
  • Spend the evening catching fireflies.

And to make things even easier for you to find things to do in Wichita, we’ve made a PRINTABLE Wichita Summer Bucket List for you! 

Wichita Summer Bucket List Printable

>>-Click-here-for-th” style=”text-align: center;”>>>> Click here for the PDF printable download <<<

What Wichitawesome ideas would YOU add to this list? 

Angela Green
Angela is the founder of Wichita Mom, the premier parenting website and digital guide for families as they navigate life in Wichita, KS. She is a wife, business owner, avid reader, proud gymnastics & dance mom, Peloton lover, and is always planning her next trip.

9 COMMENTS

  1. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Urban Air holds Toddler Time during the Summer months (or anytime local public school is out). But I wish they did!

  2. I love this list and am excited to try some new things. I did want to let you know that the Urban Air jumperoo doesn’t occur during the summer or any school holidays. I wish it did, but it doesn’t.

    • Thanks so much Marci! We just heard back from them today, and you are correct. Thanks for sharing this info!

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