Take a day trip to the charming town of Clay Center, Kansas. Clay Center is a little more than 30 miles away from Manhattan, making for a quick and easy destination that is perfect for a day trip outside of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Check out this guide for a fun day in Clay Center!
Tasty Pastry Bakery and Coffee Shop
Start your day at Tasty Pastry Bakery and Coffee Shop and indulge in one of their famous nut rolls. You have an option to get them filled, and I say… just go for it! They are to die for and worth the drive to Clay Center alone. They also sell delicious cinnamon rolls (my boys’ favorite!), donuts, cookies, and other bakery treats made fresh from scratch every day.
Mom tip: Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid long lines and to make sure you have a full selection to choose from!
Utility Park and Zoo
Check out the animals and play at Utility Park and Zoo. Did you know that this park and zoo is supported and operated entirely by the Public Utilities Commission as a gift to the citizens of Clay Center? How cool is that! The park is well kept, with beautiful flower beds and pathways and a fun playground.
The zoo is small but keep your eyes open to their Facebook page, as there are constantly new animals, buildings, and changes that make every visit a new experience. My boys loved seeing the baby cheetahs along with the bears.
Mom tip: Pack a cooler with a picnic snack/lunch to enjoy in the park!
Mural Movement Clay Center
See the mural movement happening in Clay Center. There are 25 beautiful murals to see all over town (Don’t miss the peacock mural and a cheetah mural in Utility Park and Zoo) Check out this interactive map to plan your mural tour. We love to swing by Happy Hippie and grab some iced coffee and smoothies to enjoy during the drive. Do note that you can see some murals well from the car, but some are better seen out of the car and up close.
Mom tip: Use your phone to scan QR codes at the murals to read information on the artist’s work.
Rex Theatre
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie in this beautiful, renovated art deco theatre! Seating 299 people, the Rex Theatre regularly shows movies, but also provides a venue for live theatre productions, musical concerts, and much more. Make sure to check out their showtimes and events page before heading over.
Mom tip: They have fun “I LOVE THE REX” t-shirts available for purchase near the concessions.
Dexter Park
Dexter Park offers a Safari Run playground that will provide lots of play opportunities for your crew. They will have fun running through the big wooden play structure, climbing up a small ropes course, sliding, and swinging. There are also multiple covered picnic areas and a band shelter.
Mom tip: Don’t forget to check out and snap a picture of the M60 Tank Monument!
Clay Center Aquatic Park
When the weather is warm, get wet at the Clay Center Aquatic Park. Whether it’s taking a casual ride around the lazy river, sliding down the family slide, or going down two large water slides, there is something for everyone!
15-24 Brewhouse
15-24 Brewhouse is a locally owned Brewery and Restaurant serving great food and beer, with friendly, small-town services. Keep in mind that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays though so do plan accordingly. Along with ordering a local beer of course, order some pizza and burgers for your crew. You will not be disappointed!
Mom tip: For some fun for the adults, they offer their beer to go in their growlers so you can take some home with you to enjoy later (like after bedtime!)
Special events in Clay Center
Although Clay Center is a small town, they sure do know how to host some fun events for the community. Mark your calendars for Independence Day in Clay Center, Clay County Fair, the Piotique Festival, and Christmas in Clay Center.
