It’s no secret that toddlers and preschoolers are busy little humans! Here’s a round up of Manhattan area activities geared toward these little minds.
Toddler & Preschool Activities in Manhattan
A&H Farm
A&H Farm offers a kid zone with a culvert area, tire area, rope maze, petting zoo and more. The Farm hosts frequent special events and themed weekends so be sure to check their website!
Hours: Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Admission: Age 3 & up: $10; Age 18 & up: $13.99
Discounts: Annual passes are available. Select Sunset Zoo Appreciation Days scheduled throughout the year get your free admission with your zoo pass! A&H Farm is a also a participating attraction in the Sunflower Summer Program.
Chick-Fil-A Storytime
Each story time also includes a craft or activity. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date information!
Hours: Select Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
Flint Hills Discovery Center
The Flint Hills Discovery Center offers fun for all ages and children will enjoy exploring the entire facility. Don’t miss the Prairie Playscape on the second floor. This play area is designed to encourage kids to explore the plants and animals of the tallgrass prairie.
Hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Admission: Age 0-2: Free, Age 2-17: $5; Age 18 & Up: $10; Military, College Students, Educators, Seniors: $8. FHDC participates in the Sunflower Summer Program. Memberships available.
Special Toddler and Preschool Programs
- Nature Together: Age: 18 months-3.5 years
A six-week, one-hour class for 18 months to 3.5 years old. Rates starting at $50
- Preschoolers in the Flint Hills: A four-week class for 3-5 year olds on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with rates starting at $50.
Flint Hills Discovery Center is a participating attraction in the Sunflower Summer Program!
Kansas State University Gardens
Open for public self-guided tours. Featuring a wild variety of plants and flowers, a butterfly garden, two fountains, paved paths, lots of open green space, and multiple photo opportunities. A self-guided tour pamphlet is available in the wooden “bird house” next to the welcome sign in the parking lot and to the right of the Visitors Center door. Please recycle the guide by returning it to the wooden guide holder.
Hours: Dawn to 10 p.m., Sunday through Saturday, March through November
Admission: Free
Leap Trampoline Park Toddler Time
Featuring fun and active entertainment for the entire family to enjoy including trampoline courts, dodgeball, foam pits, ninja course and climbing wall. For toddlers, check out the toddler time on Fridays.
Toddler Time Hours: Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon
Ages: 5 & under
Admission: Age 0-5: $4; Parent admission required: $3
Manhattan Gymnastics Academy Open Gym
Morning open gym sessions are open for children 6 and under and their parents to enjoy the gym. Parents must remain out on the floor at the open gym session. Car seats and strollers are not allowed out on the floor.
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-noon on select Fridays
Ages: 6 & under
Admission: $7 per child with supervising adult, $5 for members, infants & non walkers: FREE
Manhattan Parks & Recreation Activities
Each sport runs for four weeks and requires parent participation.
- My First Intro to Sports: fall season, ages 3-6, $36
- My First Soccer: spring season, ages 3-6, $36
- My First T-Ball: summer season, ages 3-5, $36
- Pre-Ballet: winter/spring season, ages 3-5, $65
- Swimming Lessons: offered at all three waterparks, Monday-Thursday for two weeks during the months of June & July, ages 3+. Parent participation required. $45-$66
Toddler Tide at CiCo Park Waterpark
Get swim time before the pool gets crowded. Season passes accepted. In-water accompanying adult required.
Hours: Fridays 10 a.m.-noon
Ages: 0-5
Admission: Age 0-2: Free; Age 2-5: $4; Adult: $6
Manhattan Public Library
Storytime in Tami Borck Storytime Room
- Baby Rhyme Time: Mondays, 11-11:30 a.m.; Thursdays 10-10:30 a.m.
- 18 months & Up Storytime: Mondays and Tuesdays 10-10:30 a.m.; Thursdays 11-11:30 a.m.
- 3 & Up Storytime: Tuesdays 11-11:30 a.m.
- Saturday Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m.
Open to the whole family!
Zoofari Tails Storytime with Sunset Zoo
Enjoy stories, songs, and learning about animals. This monthly story time alternates between the Manhattan Public Library and the Sunset Zoo.
Hours: Last Friday of the month, 10-10:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
StoryWalk Downtown
A self-directed walk as you read a story, starting at the north windows of the library at 629 Poyntz Avenue and traveling through downtown Manhattan. Be sure to return to the children’s desk at the library for a prize after completion.
MHK Play Studio
Open ended play focusing on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Memberships available with rates starting at $70.
Hours: Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Admission: Age: 0-15 $12; Age: 15 & up $3
Paragon Performance Sports Pre-K Playtime
Pre-K Playtime will allow your little ones to burn off some energy while can having fun, meet new friends, and make great memories!
Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Admission: $5 per participating child
Parents as Teachers Community Playgroup
A community group organized by USD 383 Parents as Teachers. Playgroups take place at at the Eugene Field Early Learning Center, 1700 Leavenworth Street.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Sunset Zoo
Although small, this is a mighty cool zoo! You’ll likely be able to see all the animals and visit the exhibits in just a couple of hours. Before you go, check out our Guide to Sunset Zoo.
Hours: April-October: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; November-March: noon-5 p.m. daily
Admission: Age 0-2: Free; Age 3-12: $4; Age 13 & up: $6
Annual family memberships start at $45 and include free or discounted admission to over 150 participating Zoos & Aquariums, including A&H farm, plus many other perks! Discounts offered on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, and Military Appreciation Day. Sunset Zoo is also a participating attraction in the Sunflower Summer Program.
Wonder Workshop
Pre-K STEAM: Each day, your child can expect fun activities with a greater emphasis on different themes. The themes will be art on Tuesdays, agriculture and animal science on Thursdays, and fun chemistry on Fridays for ages 3-5. Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 10-11 a.m.
