Welcome to Part 2 of our two-part series on Free or Low-Cost things to do in Salina, Kansas.
We rounded up this helpful list for those of us who are looking for ways to have more fun without breaking the bank.
Salina is a veritable treasure trove of inexpensive opportunities for having fun and creating memories with your friends and family.
There’s no reason to feel bored or uninspired when there are so many things to do here, even if you don’t have loads to spend.
Adn you never know — you may end up enjoying and learning from the free activities just as much!
Part 1 of our series was all about things you can do in Salina on rainy or cold days. Click here for that list of INDOOR free or low-cost things to do in Salina.
If the sun’s out, or if you enjoy a little time outside when the weather’s brisk, read on for a list of free or low-cost OUTDOOR things to do in Salina.
Pickleball, Tennis, or Disc Golf
When it comes to pickleball, tennis or disc golf, Salina’s absolutely got you covered! With 10 new pickleball courts in Oakdale Park, 12 state-of-the-art tennis courts at the Salina Tennis Facility, and 4 disc golf courses at various locations around town, you’ll always find a spot for a little friendly competition with friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to try something new, Salina has facilities for:
Pickleball: Outdoor AND indoor courts are available. Click here for a deep dive into the Pickleball scene in Salina.
Tennis: Grab a racket and head to one of the public courts. Click here to learn all about Salina’s tennis culture and where to play.
Disc Golf: Check out Lakewood Park, Thomas Park, Berkley Family Rec Area and K-State in Salina for fun disc golf courses.
Salina's world class tennis complex
Bridge over creek at Jerry Ivey Park in Salina Kansas
Hiking Trails
Maybe you didn’t know this, but Salina, and its surrounding area, is brimming with walking, hiking and biking trails, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and the natural beauty of the area.
Go for a quick walk after dinner, or plan to make a day of it, pack a picnic lunch and set out on the Levee Trail which takes you miles around Salina.
What to Do:
Take a scenic hike and enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Hills region.
Choose from wide open, flat paths like the Levee Trail or winding, wooded paths like the River Woods trail.
Click here to read our two-part series on the numerous trail options available in and around Salina.
SculptureTour Salina
Did you know that our beloved town of Salina is actually an open air art gallery? Well, it is! Enjoy SculptureTour Salina frequently, as the installments change every year. What’s even more fun is the fact that you can engage with this outdoor exhibit by voting on your favorite. The sculpture receiving the most votes will be purchased by the City of Salina and will remain in our community permanently. How fun is that!
Pick up a voting ballot at any downtown Salina establishment. The ballot will include a map of the current year’s sculptures.
Highlights:
Enjoy the blend of art and the outdoors amidst the charming backdrop of downtown Salina’s many shops, businesses and restaurants.
A great way to engage kids for a fun afternoon, and a fun little break from being cooped up in a vehicle if you’re simply passing through the area.
Voting ballots can be dropped off in silver boxes located near sculptures and intersections.
Sculpture titled "Going Home" by Sondra Jonson of Nebraska
Mural titled "A Story Without Words" completed in 2022 by artist Telmo Miel
Boom! Salina Tour
In addition to an open air sculpture museum, Salina is also home to a sprawling outdoor mural art gallery. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the event, you can catch these amazing masterpieces coming to life right in front of you.
Funded through private and crowd-sourced donors, the Boom! Salina Festival is an annual event that brings street artists and muralists from around the world to enhance Salina’s visual landscape.
Pull the map up on your phone and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant street art of the Boom! Salina Tour.
Highlights:
Admire large-scale murals created by renowned artists during Salina’s annual Boom! Festival.
Perfect for photo ops and family outings.
Click here to view the official Boom! Salina map to guide your adventure.
Numerous Local Parks
Since there are multiple parks spread all throughout Salina, you’re sure to discover one that meets your vibe on any given day.
From the lovely Oakdale Park, home of gorgeous botanical gardens and our annual Smoky Hill River Festival, to the Jerry Ivey Park, with its basketball and tennis courts, to the Magnolia Soccer Complex, with its beautifully maintained soccer fields and colorful, fun playground, Salina parks have the perfect spot for you.
Click here to access the Salina Parks & Recreation’s full list of parks, with addresses and lists of amenities.
Walkway near botanical garden in Oakdale Park, Salina, Kansas
With so many options for free and low-cost things to do in Salina, you’re sure to find an activity that fits your mood (and your budget).
If weather ISN’T cooperating, click here to see our lineup of free and low-cost things to do in Salina INDOORS. Whatever your interests, Salina has plenty of free and low-cost things to do — rain or shine!
Need more ideas for things to do in Salina? Check out our Calendar of Events to stay updated on local happenings. There’s always something fun happening in Salina!