Free, cheap fishing events (and prizes) for kids Saturday

The Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita has a day of free activities for kids.

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the nature center and the Kansas Wildscape Foundation will host an O.K. Kids Day event at the center, near 29th and Woodlawn. Breanna Sayers, event coordinator for the center, said events will include fishing at nearby Island Pond, birdhouse building and other outdoors events.

Sayers said most of the events are designed for kids and are free. All needed gear is furnished. A $2 lunch will be available. For information, call 316-683-5499.

Also Saturday, in Arkansas City, the city and several civic groups will hold the 12th annual Sgt. Jerry Mills Jr. Fishing Derby. Mills was an Arkansas City resident killed while serving in Iraq in 2005. Kids are asked to bring their own fishing rods and reels, but volunteers will be on-hand to help those who need assistance. There’s a $5 charge which includes lunch, with chances to win prizes. All kids who fish usually win at least one prize. Prizes include free fishing gear and meals to local restaurants.

Fishing begins at 9 a.m., but arriving a half-hour early is advised if not pre-registered. The event is for kids 5-15. Those 5-8 must be accompanied by an adult.

The fishing derby is at Veteran’s Lake, near 6th and and Lincoln, in Arkansas City. For more information call 620-441-4301.

This story was originally published June 2, 2017 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Free, cheap fishing events (and prizes) for kids Saturday."