Free, family-friendly activities and events in Wichita this Memorial Day weekend
As the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day is filled with opportunities for you and your family to explore the Wichita area while also honoring our veterans.
There are museums to explore, grueling workout challenges to make you sweat and family-friendly 5K races to run.
To help you plan, we’ve compiled a list of free and fun activities offered over the three-day weekend.
Blue Star Museums
Active duty military and up to 5 family members can visit participating Blue Star Museums for free from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Wichita museums include:
- Botanica
- Exploration Place
- Kansas African American Museum
- Kansas Aviation Museum
- Old Cowtown Museum
- Wichita Art Museum
- Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Visit the Blue Star Museums website for a full list of participating museums and answers to frequently asked questions.
Flags of Freedom
Take a moment to remember our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice at a grand display of more than 600 American flags, available at IAM District Lodge #70, 3830 S. Meridian Ave., anytime of day through Memorial Day. The display is hosted by United Way of the Plains and IAM & AW District Lodge 70.
Murph Workouts
If you’re looking to sweat, the Murph workout might just be for you. Be prepared to run a mile, then do 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run all while honoring Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after serving in Afghanistan.
D1 Training East Wichita is hosting a free Murph workout at 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at 12938 E. 21st N. Suite 120. The event is open to everyone in the community.
F3 Wichita is hosting its own Murph challenge at 9 a.m. Monday at the Park Centre Fitness Court, 2138 E. Beaumont St. in Park City. The free event will include modified options to the workout, and the fitness center will provide coffee, water and fruit.
5K Run or Walk
Nonprofit organization wear blue: run to remember is hosting a free family 5K run or walk starting at 9 a.m. Monday at Wilbur Middle School, 340 N. Tyler Rd. Participants who register may honor a veteran they know personally or they may receive the name of a fallen service member.
“Each step taken becomes an act of remembrance, ensuring no sacrifice is forgotten,” the organization said in a news release. All abilities are welcome to participate in the race, and those who cannot attend in person can participate virtually.