Manhattan has fun opportunities for your whole family to enjoy that don’t have to cost anything! This guide includes our favorite family friendly, free activities.
20+ Free Things To Do in and around Manhattan with Kids
- Learn the local history at the Beecher Bible & Rifle Church in Wamego. Tours are scheduled by appointment only, but feel free to check out the church during a normal Sunday service!
- Blue Earth Plaza is full of so many options including local shops and events. When the weather is warm, check out the splash pad and lazy river. When the weather turns cold, enjoy the Festival of Lights with the giant tree and take a turn visiting Santa! Watch for other events such as Purple Power Play to even a real live dog show!
- Check out all the murals around town and learn their history as well as learning more about the artists!
- Chick-Fil-A offers a story time as well as craft option for your kids!
- Learn about the history of the Custer House on Ft. Riley.
- While visiting Ft. Riley, learn more about the history of the area at the First Territorial Capital.
- Travel a little west to Junction City and check out the Geary County Historical Society.
- The Greyhound Hall of Fame in Abilene is always a big hit for the kids!
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the day outside at the Konza Prairie Biological Station.
- Enjoy a morning hike at the Manhattan Hill with your younger kids.
- Manhattan Public Library offers so many different free events! See if you can make a new friend at story time!
- Visit the Manhattan River Trail which is better for older kids.
- Enjoy a tour at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art to learn about some very interesting art!
- Take a trip to the Milford Nature Center and learn about animals and fish in the area! Check out their super fun park that features a giant eagles nest and a dancing spider!
- Parents As Teachers offers amazing local resource for families with small children! Check out their Community Playgroups on Monday – Thursdays!
- What a better way to spend the day than outside at the Tuttle Creek Reservoir
- The Rec Centers are the perfect indoor spot for a rainy day!
- Maybe find your new family member or just enjoy the friends at Reptile World.
- Learn about Riley County’s local history at the Riley County Historical Museum.
- SNW Art Gallery always has something beautiful to find!
- Check out the fountain and the flowers at the KSU Gardens.
- Set a time to visit the KSU Insect Zoo to learn about the local insects.
- Have you taken your crew to the giant, castle library in town? Check out the KSU Library and see if you can count all of the books!
