Free Things to Do in Wichita Falls This Summer

The city of Wichita Falls offers a variety of free activities to the general public this summer. Escape the heat with the many summer reading activities at the library or the North Texas History Museum. If you can take the 100-plus degree heat, celebrate with the infamous Hotter 'n Hell bike race and the city's 4th of July Celebration.

All the activities listed below welcome the public free-of-charge.

Summer Reading Club for All Ages (May 29 - July 31): The Wichita Falls Public Library (WFPL) is once again sponsoring the Summer Reading Club. Kids, teens, and adults can get on board with summer reading and receive free prizes, such as gift certificates. People are welcome to register anytime during the summer, but the club concludes on July 31.

North Texas History Museum's "The Need for Speed" Exhibit (June 1 - July 31): From June 1 to July 31, the North Texas History Museum will present "The Need for Speed," an exhibit featuring Eddie Hill, the fastest man on land and water. The North Texas History Museum is located at 720 Indiana in Wichita Falls. Admission is free, donations accepted.

Red River Rodeo Parade (June 7): Downtown Wichita Falls will host the Red River Rodeo Parade on June 7. The parade starts at 4:15 p.m. and will feature horses and wranglers. Call (940) 592-2156 for more information.

Brother Sharp in Concert (June 12): South Weeks Park will host country and western group Brother Sharp in concert on June 12. Brother Sharp's music plays cover songs from Pat Green and Canadian Ragweed and original favorites. Family-friendly, people are reminded to bring lawn chair, blankets, and pets on a leash. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.

Prairie Moon in Concert (June 26): All ages are invited to the outdoor stage in South Weeks Park to enjoy the cowboy music of Prairie Moon on June 26. Family-friendly, people are reminded to bring lawn chairs, blankets and pets on a leash. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.

City-Wide 4th of July Celebration (July 4): On July 4, the Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC) will host the Wichita Falls' fireworks this year. Music begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk. Be on the lookout for lots of kid-friendly entertainment. Admission is free. Food is available for purchase.

Hotter 'n Hell Consumer Trade Show (August 23, 24, 25): Admission is free to the United States' largest bike-related consumer trade show. National and local bicycle resources, Hotter 'n Hell merchandise, and community organizations will be on hand. The show will be open August 23, 24, and 25. The Hotter 'n Hell Consumer Trade Show is in located at the Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC).

Book Discussion Group (All Summer): The Wichita Falls Public Library (WFPL) offers a free book discussion group for adults. The book list for this summer includes Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross, Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, and Devil in the White City by Eric Larson. The book discussion group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:45 to 8 p.m. in WFPL's Conference Room.

Wichita Falls Parks (All Summer): The Wichita Falls Parks offer a variety of hiking and biking trails - there are more than 10 miles of paved trails in the city. Spend a day at Lucy Park to check out the popular falls or cool off in Lake Wichita - lots of shaded spots for picnics. The Wichita Falls Parks & Recreation Department and also offers a wide variety of classes for children and adults for a small fee. Activities range from swimming lessons to canine training to guitar lessons. Call the Wichita Falls Parks & Recreation Department at (940) 761-7490.

There's no need to go broke or bored this summer in Wichita Falls.