When most of us think of Aggieville, we think of college students bar hopping, but it can be a great place to spend time as a family. Here are our top picks for families in Aggieville.
Family Friendly Guide to Aggieville
Eats
While Aggieville is not short on coffee shops, Bluestem Bistro takes the top spot. With both a full coffee and dining menu as well as a an outdoor space, Bluestem is family friendly no matter your children’s ages! With a special kids menu and fun kid friendly drinks, even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love such as a ham and cheese sandwich and a hot chocolate.
Worried about being too loud with your crew while you eat? Encourage the noise instead at Goolsby’s! Grab a game of duck bowling or have a dance party with the music, kids and parents of all ages enjoy this family friendly game atmosphere.
Nico’s Little Italy is of course on our top of the list favorites. “Specializing in unpretentious Italian cuisine” Nico’s is always willing to go to extra mile to make your dining experience worth the trip out. We have always had great service and great food at Nico’s and personally enjoy some of the basic Italian staples such as the Fettuccini Alfredo and the Spaghetti Marinara.
Would Aggieville be Aggieville without Taco Lucha? Sister stores with both So Long Salon and Rock-A Belly Deli, Taco Lucha gives the most family friendly vibe out of this delicious trio. With an outdoor space to dine and the option to order smaller portions such as a Black & Blue taco, fellow diners won’t be bothered by the sound of a smaller voice nearby. Of course, almost every table will be snacking on the Chipotle Raspberry & Black Bean Dip while they wait on their food.
Treats 
For something just a tiny bit different that you’re sure to enjoy, try Pandora Rolled Ice Cream! The ice cream comes rolled up and is a neat way for kids to get to eat it vs the regular scoop. Try a standard flavor like the Strawberry Cheesecake or go a little more bold and try the Fairy Floss or the EMAW.
Join the quick-moving, but long line at Varsity Donuts! With so many wonderful flavors to try, get a big box and try the maple bacon or go traditional with a chocolate-chocolate!
Shop
For fun shopping, check out ACME Gift! With local gifts featuring Manhattan, the Midwest, Kansas and K-State, it’s a fun place for your children to practice their shopping skills.
Campus Barbershop tops our list for the best place to take both men and boys. Around since 1983, the Campus Barbershop is a little old school charm and a lot of fun! Men can enjoy a straight razor shave while children can enjoy a morning out with daddy and perhaps a lightening bolt in the side of their hair.
Almost everyone’s favorite local bookstore is the Dusty Bookshelf! After a fire in 2017, the store closed for two years, only to resurface to cheers across Manhattan. The Dusty Bookshelf has been in business since 1898 and is a family friendly spot to take your children to encourage their love of reading.
On the Wild Side is a great place to let them explore. Open to all people and all walks of life, On the Wild Side has great little treasures to sure as items for disc golf and hacky sack as well as clothing and jewelry and even home decor.
As you are looking for your game day jerseys, check out Rally House for K-State, Chiefs, Sporting KC and Royals apparel. Rally House is also unique because they carry apparel for other local shops that you cannot find anywhere else in town such as Auntie Mae’s, Manhattan Brewing Company, Wizard of Oz, Rock-A-Belly and Pizza Shuttle!
Sisters of Sound makes our list as the only Indie Record Store in the area. What a neat experience to talk with your kids as they explore vinyls, CDs and DVDs.
If you need a custom made shirt quickly, Thread is your spot! With no minimum order, you can order a single shirt or you can place a bulk order as well. Thread also has already printed shirts for K-State, KC gear, local and seasonal items.
Play 
With a minimum age of 10 to join in the fun, Axe to Grind can be a fun place to spend an afternoon as a family. They will have the K-State game playing, and you’re even welcome to bring in your own food.
With a minimum age of 5, your children can get their ears pierced at Catalyst Piercing! Catalyst has a great reputation for their clean, professional and friendly environment.
Sun Yi’s Academy has classes specifically for children, Takewondo lessons are a great skill to develop and increase your confidence as well as your strength!
Enjoy a special family painting party at Uncorked Inspiration where they offer specific children’s painting classes. All classes and ceramic painting are always open to children who are accompanied by and adult!
