Free or Nearly Free Activities in the Wichita Area

Brunch is that perfect time of the day to indulge in your favorite breakfast and lunch foods on a whim. In the bustling city of Wichita, the options for weekend brunch are broad and diverse, ranging from Southern-style comfort food to popular American recipes. If you're on the hunt for a late breakfast to early midday meal, here are a few top Wichita locations where you can satisfy your weekend brunch craving. Dempsey's Biscuit Co. If you're hitting the town for comfort food cuisine, Dempsey's Biscuit Co. has a menu serving up traditional favorites locals just can't get enough of. Stop by for weekend brunch between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and sample classics like chicken and Belgian waffles with bourbon maple syrup, shrimp and smoked gouda grits, or made-from-scratch biscuit sandwiches filled with French toast, crispy pork belly, or Nashville hot chicken. If meat isn't your thing, Dempsey's also has a variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options to choose from. more Redrock Canyon Grill Wichita Drive toward the Bradley Fair shopping center to uncover the culinary delights found at Redrock Canyon Grill. The restaurant is open for brunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and dishes out house specialties like a scrambled egg and sausage breakfast quesadilla, sweet cornmeal Johnny cakes with maple syrup, or savory rotisserie chicken pot pie. Don't forget to add a starter like the spinach artichoke dip or a side of iron skillet cornbread to complement your meal. Plus, take advantage of drink specials like $3 mimosas or $6 double mimosas before you head out. Doo-Dah Diner A popular joint for hungry patrons, Doo-Dah Diner has some of the best comfort food in all of Wichita. Join the $20 Sunday brunch buffet crowd from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and take your pick from a blend of appetizing house options. These range from lump crab cakes with hash browns, fried bologna and egg sandwiches, or a hearty serving of the Bat Out of Hell meatloaf. You can also scan the dessert section for malts and shakes, caramel-coated Fat Boy biscuits, or gluten-free banana bread French toast. Beautiful Day Cafe Beautiful Day Cafe caters to a seasonal menu of farm-to-table dishes backed by organic and non-GMO ingredients. You can taste this freshness in every bite thanks to varied options such as the banana buckwheat pancakes, sweet potato curry, and the vegan-friendly tofu scramble breakfast burrito or veggie pita wrap. Also, be sure to try out one of the cafe's signature drinks during your visit. These include the organic half-and-half coffee with honey and agave, sweet and spicy cinnamon iced tea, or the refreshing iced lattes. Plus, breakfast items don't go away once the clock hits noon; they're served all day Saturday and during Sunday brunch hours until 2:30 p.m. You don't have to settle for only breakfast or lunch when you go out to eat, especially when you're craving a mix of both. If you're visiting Wichita, you'll see a thriving restaurant scene that caters to both breakfast and lunch delights throughout the day. As you look for your next dining location, be sure to pencil in a trip to these popular weekend brunch spots. Image via Flickr by ralph and jenny

There's nothing like a good cup of coffee to kick-start your day. As you go through your day, you may need to sit back and relax for a short while, and coffee once again fits the bill. Coffee is more than a beverage today, it has become an imperative part of the American culture, with coffee shops popping up all over. Here are three of the best coffee spots in Wichita to fulfill your appetite for caffeine. Reverie Coffee Roasters With fresh coffee beans brought in from around the world and experienced baristas to brew them perfectly, Reverie Coffee Roasters is the place in Wichita for coffee enthusiasts, with several locations around town. Their brewing methods include pour overs, craft espresso beverages, cold brews, and drip coffee. Each cup is lovingly prepared by hand and takes a little longer to make, however, the baristas love to share their knowledge and experience with customers as they go through the different steps. more The ambiance includes the amazing coffee aromas when you walk through the doors and the friendly staff. Also on the menu are expertly crafted breakfast and lunch options to accompany your coffee. Reverie also hosts a Happy Hour from Monday to Friday from 4-8 p.m., where wine and draft beer also are served. Fresh Roast Coffee Company Fresh Roast Coffee Company is only open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to midday at the interesting, orange warehouse called The Ffarquhar. Every Friday, the coffee roast, along with its description, is posted on the website so that customers know what to expect on Saturday morning. Brewed samples of different coffees are also available for customers to try before buying. The owner was fortunate enough to have learned his coffee evaluation and roasting skills from Alfred Peet of Peet's Coffee & Tea, a coffee aficionado who started roasting coffee in the late 1960s. Moxi Junction This little gem is far more than a coffeehouse. Although it serves as a great coffeehouse, bakery, and art gallery, there is yet another reason to support them. Moxi stands for Mothers of Exceptional Individuals. The business was started by the moms of special-needs teens and adults. After watching their kids struggle to find employment, these moms founded Moxi Junction, which trains and employs special-needs young adults. With their coffee, tea, and small menu, the business has developed a reputation for caring and for having great fare. The lines of people ordering their coffee are a testimonial to its success and add to the happy atmosphere. Signature lattes include the MOXI, S'more Mocha, and Laren Lot-A. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur, someone who simply needs to relax with a good cup of coffee, or someone who wants to support a great cause while enjoying a cup of coffee, there's a good coffee spot for you in Wichita. Try out one of these coffee shops and if you love the coffee, you can even buy a packet or two to enjoy at home. Image via Flickr by adactio

When you're in the Wichita area, why not kick back at one of these barcades? Grab a drink, play some games, and spend time with friends or family at one of these great hot spots. more The Arcade Wichita The slogan for The Arcade is, "Where the Game is Never Over." This is a fitting saying since the venue is full of diverse entertainment options. Try the legendary "Asteroids" game or "BurgerTime," "CongoBongo," "Dragon's Lair," "Galaxia," "Ms. Pac-Man," "Star Wars," "Tetris," "Turtles," and many more. Also available are pinball machines with different themes, like "Austin Powers," "Star Trek," and "Hook." Altogether, there are over 13 pinball themes and 77 arcade machines. The Arcade Wichita is a superb place for a rest stop or party. You can make reservations for birthdays, private groups, and corporate events. Headshots Bar and Grill The layout of Headshots Bar and Grill is unique, containing plentiful seating, tables, and couches, and around the circumference, many exciting arcade games. The venue allows for large groups as well as leisurely hanging. Also, Headshots Bar and Grill offers various models of Nintendo, with games like "Mario Kart," "Disney Infinity," "Sonic Lost World," and more. There is also Xbox and PS4. There are even board games up for grabs. Don't miss out on Thursday night karaoke and many more events taking place at Headshots. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Grinning Goblin Gaming Tavern For adults who like to select from a large bar, the Grinning Goblin offers a range of liqueurs, as well as games you can enjoy with friends. Specialty cocktails include interesting mixes like the Pac-Man for $9, which has amaretto, vodka, lime juice, and sour mix, and The Cake is a Lie, for $7.50, which has vanilla vodka, cranberry, and grenadine. There is also a food menu with a variety of snacks, from burgers to deviled eggs. There are board games, GameCube, and more. The Alley Indoor Entertainment The Alley is, first and foremost, a bowling alley, and yet it also offers lots of conventional arcade games, laser gaming, and the new and exciting escape rooms. Enter into an escape room for an hour and see if you can make it out with the help of your friends. It's a great activity that puts your teamwork to the test. The Alley offers opportunities for birthday parties as well. Or, for an enjoyable night with adults, come to Cosmic Bowling Night, which takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. There is also Late Nite at the Alley on Monday nights, where you can access unlimited bowling, Go-Karts, Laser Maze, and Pool for $10. AJ's Sports Grill is located adjacent to the Alley for your dining and drinking needs. There's a ton of fun to be experienced in Wichita at a variety of enjoyable arcade venues. Whether stopping by late at night with friends, treating your kids in the daytime, or planning an incredible birthday party, there is a great venue for everybody. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gvarep/10085131083/sizes/l Image via Flickr by c.strange CC by SA-2.0