Guide to Monthly Events in Wichita :: January 2016

January Family Events in Wichita | Wichita Moms Blog

It’s here! Wichita Moms Blog is excited to unveil a monthly guide to events in and around Wichita. We know it can be tedious trying to find ways to entertain your crew – we are here to help by rounding up some family-friendly activities going on in the upcoming weeks.  We realize a few events may have flown under our radar, so please add any suggestions under Comments and be sure to check our Family Calendar for even more activities!

January 5: The days are dwindling away; this is your last chance to check out the Design Zone exhibit at Exploration Place. See how architects, engineers, video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers and more use math and science to create their crafts.

January 5: The film ” The Mama Sherpas: Midwives Across America” will be screened at WSU Hughes Metroplex followed by a panel discussing the pivotal role of midwives.  The moving documentary highlights collaborative care among physicians and nurse-midwives in hospital settings.  The event is free and open to the public.

January 6, 13, 20, & 27: Swing by the Sedgwick County Zoo for Winter Wednesdays. Super reduced admission price ($2.50 per person) and time well-spent outside to rid yourself and kiddos of cabin fever.

January 7: The first Thursday evening of every month is Family Night at the Museum of World Treasures from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Enjoy extended hours and reduced admission at the Museum! Cost to enter is only $5 per person, children under four are free.

January 8: Drop your kids off at the Kansas Humane Society for Furry Film Friday. Children ages K-5 watch animal movies, snuggle with a friendly animal, and munch on pizza and popcorn for a few hours. $20 per child ($10 sibling discount). Registration required.

January 9: Fresh ground coffee and princesses equals the best afternoon for moms and kids! Stop by Reverie Coffee Roasters for a free meet and greet with some of your favorite princesses.

January 9: Spending the morning making a winter tree college at City Arts. Their Adult & Me program is free and offered the second Saturday of each month.

January 15-16: What is 12 feet tall and weighs over 10,000 pounds? A Monster Jam truck! Monster Jam is roaring at INTRUST Bank Arena for two days of an exhilarating family experience.

January 15-17: If you have a car enthusiast in the family, you won’t want to miss Starbird-Devlin Rod & Customs Charities Car Show. Three fun-filled days featuring unique cars, a Kids Zone, food, music, magic, and much more!

January 16: Its a Winter Wonderland Playdate hosted by Wichita Moms Blog and Whole Foods. Join us for a morning of winter crafting, hot cocoa, story time and mingling with Elsa, Anna, and the Snow Queen from the Nutcracker. Limited spots available so register soon!

January 16: The Kansas African American Museum will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration weekend. This year’s celebration features an MLK Parade, community outreach project with Union Rescue Mission and the Annual Community Celebration. See website for schedule of events.

January 22: Chris Baker, founder of INK 180, will be here as part of a special presentation regarding human trafficking in Wichita.  INK 180 provides free cover-ups & tattoo removals for trafficking survivors and former gang members. The evening will include a screening of the award-winning documentary about INK 180, commentary afterward by Chris and a panel of local professionals working in the Wichita area to fight trafficking.

January 23-24: The Great Train Show is rolling in to town. This event will feature operating Model Railroads, hundreds of table trains, and a train for kids to ride. Visit the website for tickets and a coupon for advance purchase.

January 23: Have a Family ArtVenture at the Wichita Art Museum featuring the first-ever Ice Carving Contest in the Jayne Milburn Sculpture Plaza. Families can create their very own special ice sculptures and snow globes and sip hot cocoa. Warm hearts and ice magic happening at the museum.

January 30: Gershwin’s Magic Key concert will be at Century II Concert Hall. Gershwin’s Magic Key tells the story of a chance meeting on the streets of New York City between a poor newspaper boy and the great American composer, George Gershwin.

January 30: They only get eight seconds; a thrilling ride and a thrilling night at the Professional Bull Riders BlueDEF tour.  You’ll be sure to spend the evening on the edge of your seat at INTRUST Bank Arena.  Saddle up!

January 31: The Children’s Dance Festival at Wichita State University is an annual event for area dancers. The festival features young dancers in an exciting and collaborative performance from local dance studios. Tickets for this event are $5.00.

January 31: Bring the family for 45 minutes of yoga, fun, and games! The Kids Yoga Class: The Young and the Restless is geared for children ages 4 and older. You must register in advance. $10 per person/$15 for 2 people.

family events in wichita

Tomi Dechant
Tomi is a mover, shaker, and baby maker - which means she enjoys a good dance party in the kitchen and is a mom to two monsters of her own creation. Tomi is from Kansas and is currently a Political Science instructor and author of the children's book, How to Make a Monster Smile.