K-State is so much a part of Manhattan, and there are plenty of ways to explore all the university offers without being a student. Check out our guide to K-State fun for future Wildcats.

K-State Gardens

The Kansas State University Gardens is an outdoor botanical oasis, displaying an array of beautiful flowers all year long. Our boys love to walk around, learn about their favorite flowers, and look at the reflection pond. The gardens are free to explore, and the grounds are a wonderful backdrop for family photos. Check out their Facebook page for events and flower sales.

Insect Zoo

The Insect Zoo (located within the K-State Gardens) features many exhibits of live insects. The Insect Zoo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1pm until 6pm. Check out our guide here.

Call Hall Dairy Bar

Grab the locals’ favorite, Purple Pride ice cream, at The Call Hall Dairy Bar! The shop is connected to Call Hall, on the northwest corner, adjacent to the Call Hall Dairy Plant. In addition to their 16 ice cream flavors, the Call Hall Dairy Bar offers a variety of fresh milk and cheeses. You can also purchase eggs from the KSU Poultry unit (free range access with hormone and antibiotic free diets), and select cuts of lamb, beef, pork and poultry from the KSU quality meat labs.

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Do you have an art lover in your crew? If so, definitely plan a visit to The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. The Beach Museum includes a variety of regional art, student art, and cultural art from around the world! Did I mention that admission is FREE?

McCain Auditorium

Consider taking your crew to see a show at The McCain Auditorium. McCain is a center for the live performing arts and hosts numerous campus and community entertainment events. The events range from concerts to comedy shows. Take a look at their upcoming schedule here.

Wabash Cannon Bowl

For a “strike-ingly” fun experience, get together at the Wabash Cannon Bowl! Host a bowling party, shoot pool, and grab a bite to eat. The bowling center has something for everyone with bowling lanes, billiards, and more. Sign up to be a Junior Wildcat member and receive a 10 percent discount! Check out their bowling specials here.

K-State Sports Game

Put on your purple and head to a K-State sporting event! My boys absolutely love to cheer on our Wildcats and are down to attend pretty much any sports event that is ongoing during a given season. K-State competes in the NCAA Division 1 and are part of the Big 12 Conference. That means we play host to many prestigious sports teams from across the country, and our teams are constantly in the mix for playoffs, tournaments, and championships. Check out our guides for attending baseball and football games! And consider signing up your crew for the Junior Wildcats Club program so they can receive free admission to soccer, volleyball, baseball, and women’s basketball games!

Mom Tips:

• Keep your eyes open for some fun events hosted by K-State like the popular K-State Open House.
• K-State offers various athletic camps for youth throughout the year and many of them are more affordable than you think.
• Grab a bite to eat at one of the various restaurants in the Student Union or check out one of the Radina’s located across campus. Do make sure to check the hours as many places are only open during the week.