Here Are 13 Awesome Things You Can Do In Kansas…Without Opening Your Wallet

Do you know the saying "the best things in life are free?" Do you believe it? (Yeah, me neither...) What if I told you that Kansas is home to several fun and unique activities that you can do for FREE?! Intrigued? Good! Read on as we cover 13 awesome things you can do in Kansas without ever opening your wallet.

1.) Experience different cultures, foods, and events at local festivals

The sunflower state is home to several fun and unique festivals throughout the year including Oktoberfest (Hays), Prairie (Salina), and Washunga Days (pictured; Council Grove) -- check around to find the one nearest you!

2.) Sip on local wines

What's better than sipping delicious wine? Sipping delicious FREE wine, of course! Enjoy complimentary wine tastings at several local wineries, including Grace Hill in Whitewater (pictured). Fair warning: Local wines are the best so you will more than likely be heading home with a bottle...or seven.

3.) Admire unique works of art at the Mulvane Art Museum

Explore local artists and create your own works of art at this hands on Museum and ArtLab (located in Topeka).

4.) Explore history

Kansas is home to many National Historic Sites, including the town of Nicodemus, the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.

5.) Take a hike!

Who says you have to travel west to hike? Kansas is home to several scenic areas just waiting to be explored -- for free, of course! (Pictured: Table Mound Hiking Trail)

6.) Watch the 'Keeper' at his most majestic

If you haven't experienced the Keeper of the Plains (located in Wichita) lighting the night with his famous "ring of fire," then you haven't really experienced it.

7.) Unplug and simplify your life

The Amish settlement of Yoder (located 10 miles southeast of Hutchinson) offers wholesome family fun including shopping, petting farm, and much more.

8.) Enjoy lunch outside

What better way to enjoy your lunch than by nibbling amongst nature? Pack a picnic and head to your local park, reserve, or lake -- it's a great (and inexpensive) way to break your routine!

9.) Wish upon a star

Western Kansas has some of the clearest, most pristine skies in the country (if I do say so myself), so fill your truck bed with blankets and pillows, cozy up with your sweetheart and do a little stargazing.

10.) Walk in the footsteps of pioneers past

Walk the "longest continuous stretch of clearly defined Santa Fe Trail rut remains in Kansas," located just outside of Dodge City.

11.) Deck the halls in Wakeeney

This is obviously a seasonal event, BUT it is still worth noting as it is the "Christmas City of the High Plains" (featuring several fun and free Christmas events and foods)!

12.) Sip, snack and savor

In addition to festivals (mentioned earlier), Kansas is also home to several regional art walks. Whether you're in Topeka, Pittsburg, or Hays (pictured), you can discover, appreciate, and admire numerous art mediums from local talent.

13.) Satisfy your sweet tooth

Russell Stover is dangerous...not only do they serve up some delicious chocolate, but they serve up some delicious FREE chocolate (in the form of samples). Yum!

Which of these things do you plan to do first (I'm stuck between the wine tasting and Russell Stover's samples..)