I like to have as much fun as anyone else, but sometimes, I’m on a budget. As a native Wichitan, I’m an expert at finding entertaining things to do in the city without breaking the bank. I challenge you to use this guide for a fun day in Wichita, Kansas, for $30 or less.
(The following day trip itinerary assumes you spend a day in Wichita from Monday to Friday. The cost of transportation is not included.)
How To Spend a Fun Day in Wichita for $30 Or Less
START THE DAY WITH LIGHT BREAKFAST
Bakesale Treat Parlor
You need your stamina for a full day of exploring Kansas’s largest city. Drive to Bakesale Treat Parlor (2000 N. Rock Road) for a muffin or scone before window shopping at Bradley Fair. If the weather is beautiful, stroll around the pond, stopping to take a photo with the waterfall or center fountain as a backdrop.
Pro Tip: The shopping center includes a Little Free Library on the sidewalk south of the courtyard. You can bring a book to donate before you take one of your own.
Cost: $4.00 plus tax
ADMIRE WORLD-RENOWNED ART IN A QUIET SETTING
Ulrich Museum of Art
Drive 10 minutes west to Wichita State University’s Ulrich Museum of Art (1845 Fairmount Street), where parking is free for visitors and admission is complimentary. The museum consists of 7,000 works of modern and contemporary art in inventory, so it’s permanent collection evolves and new exhibitions rotate regularly.
Established in 1974, the campus museum continues to wow each time I visit. After perusing its second-floor galleries, I highly recommend taking a walk on campus to discover 86 permanent works displayed in the Martin H. Bush Sculpture Collection.
The 330-acre campus is vast, so if walking its entirety isn’t possible, consider admiring the several installations surrounding the museum, including “Minnie” The Millipede by Tom Otterness.
Cost: FREE
STAND INSIDE THE BUILDING THAT BECAME THE LARGEST PIZZA CHAIN IN THE WORLD
The Original Pizza Hut Museum
Drive to the north side of the Wichita State Campus to tour The Original Pizza Hut Museum (2900 Innovation Boulevard), a tiny building where the first slice was sold by two college students, Dan and Frank Carney, in 1958. The unstaffed museum is open for self-guided tours and free or charge.
Promotional merchandise, the original pizza sauce recipe written on a napkin, and video displays will surely take you down memory lane. You can almost smell the pizza, can’t you?
PRO TIP: Feeling nostalgic? Scribble your thoughts on a napkin to pin to the Memory Wall.
Cost: FREE
ENJOY A MID-DAY MEMORABLE MEAL AT WHERE CRUMBLY IS BETTER®
NuWay Burgers
Cross town to NuWay Burgers (1416 W. Douglas Avenue) in the heart of the Delano District. A crumbly burger and fries. A frosty root beer float. There are many reasons to dine at one of Wichita’s longest-running eateries. I’ve eaten at NuWAY since I was a little girl. The food is a classic mainstay of the Wichita food scene.
The original owner Tom McEvoy was on to something when he made the burgers and root beer fresh daily. NuWAY’s slogan Crumbly is Better!®, is true.
The loose meat sandwiches prepared with mustard, onion, and pickle have drawn locals and tourists to the restaurant since 1930. A Classic Combo served with a housemade root beer will set you back $7.79.
PRO TIP: Cut costs by ordering the sandwich only with curly fries for $4.49.
Cost: $7.79 plus tax
WALK THE PATH THE COWBOYS TOOK ALONG THE CHISHOLM TRAIL
Historic Delano District
Douglas Avenue was a rowdy route during the 1870s when the neighborhood called Elgin was a stop on the Chisholm Trail. The place resembled a scene from a Wild West movie. Cowboys pushed cattle through town, stopping long enough to gamble in saloons and take up with ladies of the night.
Today, Historic Delano District‘s original buildings house retail stores, restaurants with patio dining, and a series of hand-painted murals illustrating scenes from the Chisholm Trail. Listen to the Wichita History Walk to learn about the city’s past suing the PocketSights app. The narrated tour is free.
PRO TIP: Stop to appreciate one of several Keepers on Parade, small scale versions of the city’s iconic sculpture, Keeper of the Plains. In the Historic Delano District, Credit Union of America and Hutton Construction display a Keeper on Parade.
COST: FREE
FEEL AWESTRUCK VIEWING WICHITA’S MOST ICONIC STATUE
Keeper of the Plains
When people visit Wichita, I take them to the Keeper of the Plains (339 Veterans Parkway). The 44-foot CorTen steel sculpture resembling a Native American standing with his hands raised to the sky is situated at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. A five-minute drive from the Delano District, it’s a must-see attraction.
Designed by Kiowa-Comanche artist Francis (Blackbear) Bosin, the pedestrian bridge leading to it resembles two bows and arrows.
PRO TIP: Find choice parking at Veterans Memorial Park (339 Veterans Parkway) east of the statue and walk to it.
COST: FREE
ENJOY AN ICE CREAM SUNDAE AT A SODA FOUNTAIN
Old Mill Tasty Shop
Diners of all ages have enjoyed ice cream sundaes and authentic drinks at Old Mill Tasty Shop‘s (604 E. Douglas Avenue) old-fashioned soda counter since 1932.
Take a step back in time and order one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, an turtle sundae. Watch a consistent flow of customers arrive and listen to the shake machine whizz as you sit at the marble counter enjoying each bite of your sundae.
COST: $4.50 plus tax
SNAP A PHOTOS AT A HISTORIC LANDMARK
Wichita Railway Sign
Document your day trip with a selfie photo in front of the Wichita railway sign at Union Station Plaza (701 E. Douglas Avenue). The historic sign served as a welcome for passengers traveling by train dating back to 1914 when Union Station was a hub of activity.
Imagine arrive to the largest city in the state, where Mayor W. J. Babb once addressed a opening day celebration proclaiming, “Wichita is the best city by far of any in Kansas, and of which the state is justly proud.”
Cost: FREE
APPRECIATE THE ARTISTRY ALONG DOUGLAS DESIGN DISTRICT
Mural Tour
The Douglas Design District is a beautiful array of color in all directions thanks to the installation of over 100 murals by local artists. Since 2015, oversized paintings draw the eyes of onlookers from Uptown to east of Oliver Street.
PRO TIP: Some smaller mural installations appear on doors, also referred to as the Alley Doors Project.
Cost: FREE
END A DAY OF EXPLORING WITH A DELICIOUS MEAL
Meddy’s™
You’re within a short drive of some of Wichita’s best Mediterranean food. A locally owned and operated restaurant, Meddy’s™ (120 S. Washington) serves a fast-casual menu promising to exceed your expectations. I’ve eaten at the downtown location numerous times, including on my birthday because I love it so much.
Each meal is prepared to order using fresh ingredients, and if you ask me, they serve the creamiest, most delicious hummus in town. It’s consistent food quality and service is why I also included it in a blog post about the city’s thriving Lebanese food scene.
A Big Bowl with a choice of protein served on steamed rice with vegetables is a full meal with complimentary warm pita bread and olive oil.
Cost: $10.99 plus tax
I hope this post inspires you to explore my hometown with a new sense of discovery. Finding fun things to do in Wichita doesn’t require a big budget. I’ve written two books about the city, a place that continues to inspire my curiosity.
BONUS IDEAS: If you’re someone who appreciate adding exercise to one’s travel plans, consider this blog post 5 Ideas for Exploring Wichita While Staying Active. Art lovers will appreciate an additional blog post Sit Back and Enjoy the Beauty of Wichita’s Painted Park Benches, a no-cost activity.
Bonus Date Ideas: Other romance-inducing adventures include 
Visitors of all ages will appreciate the on-site activities, including the Magical Forest Ice Skating Trail and Glacier Slides Snow Tubing. You don’t have to be athletic to participate in either one. Schedule your arrival time, sign the waivers, and give it a go.
Although I’m not much of an ice skater, it was fun to try it. Finding a pair of skates that fit me was a bit of a challenge, but it was worth the experience once we snapped photos as the sun set and the holiday lights became aglow.
We watched families defy gravity at Glacier Slides Snow Tubing, which offers two options for ascending to the bottom: a kid-friendly “bunny hill” and a 30-foot-tall slide.
Participants screamed with glee as they slid downhill, and kids often begged their parents for a second run. Chris loved the speed and thrill of the descent.
Afterward, we listened to a pianist play and sing holiday tunes inside the Bah Humbug Sing-A-Long Piano Bar. I sipped spiked cider and, yes, found myself singing popular jingles. I felt the Christmas spirit.
We perused vendor booths before entering the second floor’s Tipsy Tree Lounge; we enjoyed another cup of holiday cheer while watching families explore the park below.
The festive experience concluded after selecting an ornament for our tree from the gift shop, a memento of our date night experience.
PRO TIP: Upgrading your tickets to include the VIP Pass is worth it, providing access to lounges, fast pass lanes, a welcome drink, a $10 gift certificate, and a to-go swag bag. 
We made a beeline for a tented room where Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome families. To my surprise, we had them to ourselves, so we chatted joyfully about their holiday duties before I requested a photo with them. A jolly time, indeed.
The Renaissance-themed holiday fun continues throughout the park as hobbyists perfect their craft.
Knights of Lights is designed to be a fantastical experience. 
You may love it so much that you’ll want to return when all vendors are available during the 
PRO TIP: Planning a date night? Purchase a 
A directory of apparel stores includes brands such as Kate Spade, J. Crew, Michael Kors Outlet, and dozens more. During a recent visit, we purchased three pairs of sneakers at Adidas for under $100.
Not only do many of the stores advertise low prices, but some offer additional coupons and clearance merchandise.
Specialty shops such as Gamestop, Claire’s, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory make shopping for kids a breeze. I never miss a chance to shop for seasonal gifts at Home Goods.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite for holiday shopping, stop for a meal at one of over 20 
It’s our tradition to stop at the massive Christmas tree for a photo for our holiday card. Bringing kids? They can drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox at AMC Legends 14 Theater.
PRO TIP: Participate in the 
I recommend ordering two breakfast burritos per person, and the carne asada burritos are excellent. If you’re extra hungry, consider ordering the Torta Memo, a stuffed bread sandwich with peppers, grilled steak, and cheese.
PRO TIP: The green salsa is mild, and the orange salsa is extra spicy.
I recommend ordering the shareable Poke Nachos for an appetizer, which our server told us is the restaurant’s most popular request. Layers of marinated ahi tuna, peppers, truffle sauce, and Asian-inspired ingredients sit atop crispy wonton chips.
For lunch, I chose the Baja Shrimp Taco and Vampire Taco with a side house salad, a delicious balance of spicy seasoning and fresh ingredients. Our table also enjoyed a juicy Truffle Cheeseburger with truffle fries, a decadent combo.
Yard House is an excellent choice for dining, especially if you want to watch the game from a bar television.
For over 25 years, guests have ordered seafood stuffed po’boys, crawfish étouffée, and plates of pasta swimming in Creole-spiced cream sauce.
We sat at the bar to avoid a wait at the hostess desk, where two bartenders introduced themselves and told us about the three-piece live jazz band playing on the second floor. Expect live music every night of the week starting at 6:00 pm.
I ordered Shrimp & Scallops Pontchartrain, which was so rich in flavor and seasoning that I mopped up every bite of the tequila cream sauce with complimentary baguette bread. A bite of my boyfriend’s seafood fettuccini proved too spicy for my palette but so tasty.
PRO TIP: Although it’s not a sports bar, Jazz bartenders confess it’s a great place to enjoy a meal during a televised Kansas Chiefs football game because there is never a wait.
As an IHG Hotel Rewards member, I expect the hotel’s comfortable amenities, including a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and high-speed free Wi-Fi.
PRO TIP: Pack earplugs and a sleep mask for a guaranteed night’s slumber.
I’m a big fan of the 
But there’s more! If you extend your holiday vacation in Kansas City, Kansas, consider reading my blog posts 
PRO TIP: Pack hiking shoes. If weather permits, take a nature walk along the Tallgrass Trail, a scenic 1.5-mile loop with views of a pond and natural prairie. Walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations.
PRO TIP: Bring binoculars if you plan on driving designated roads to view waterfowl on a good weather day in the Cheyenne Bottoms.
Koch Exhibit Hall includes 3,500 square feet of walk-thru displays with hands-on visual and auditory stations. Birdwatchers will appreciate the Bob Gress Wildlife Observatory for spotting native songbirds, deer, or turkey.
The collection includes birds, wild animals, and Kansas native species. His collection of owls is particularly amazing, especially when in contrasted with big cats in close proximity.
Fossils, rocks, minerals, dinosaur bones, and aquariums with snacks, frogs, and bugs make touring the museum an immersive experience for all ages. A native Kansan, I loved the artifacts found in the Sunflower State, including massive geodes and crystals.
PRO TIP: Animatronic dinosaurs and life-size taxidermy may frighten the museum’s youngest visitors, so prepare your self-guided tour accordingly.
Ignite your curiosity on a self-guided tour of mammal skulls and taxidermy ranging from Arctic animals and the Rocky Mountains to the rain forest and the Kansas prairie.
Open year-round, Kansas nature centers offer visitors an opportunity to learn about native plants and animal species.
Bonus: Cross the Missouri border to experience 
K18 Café
Bonus: Although the following restaurants are not located at an airport, each restaurant’s interior is designed with aircraft in mind: 
I’m always eager to learn about new-to-me aviation-themed restaurants in my home state, so if you know of one I didn’t include in this post, please drop the name in the comments.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the high-quality selections as you peruse the bookcases. Of course, my eyes darted right to the cookbooks and travel guides, but I also found myself gazing at the rest of the gently-used books. The backend of the story is dedicated to the littlest shoppers, while the rest of the store stocks books for all ages.
The store is organized and managed by a small group of volunteers who are eager to help you find your next read. Open six days a week, book lovers can peruse well-stocked shelves for every genre from non-fiction to true romance. They make searching out a new book easy, too. The volunteer workers have painstakingly categorized the books and created thoughtful displays.
Open since 2015, the store is operated as a non-profit with the hope of connecting people with the resources they need. Within moments of my visit, I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the kids’ section devoted to their reading needs.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
Decorative ravens cut from paper dangle from string overhead as shoppers choose their next read. Like any good indie bookstore, a couple of curious cats are known to greet customers.
Shoppers can expect fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not find elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover hand-made gift wrap, stationary for sale, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet as a small group. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with access to free Wi-Fi. Other areas of the coffee house were dedicated to families with kids, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
I particularly appreciate their local interest and Kansas history books, a modest section located on the second floor. In 2021, I was proud to see they stocked my first book and encouraged me to sign them when visiting.
In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events and book talks.
