Did you know Manhattan has many hiking trails that are good for the whole family? This guide highlights our top picks for hiking with kids in the Manhattan area!
Kid Friendly Hiking Trails in Manhattan
Bishon Loop Extension
Bison Loop Extension in Washington Marlatt Memorial Park is a 1.3 mile loop that takes about 32 minutes to completed. Rated an easy trail, the path features a hilly terrain with several creek crossings. Be sure to either wear waterproof shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet! Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Cottonwood Trail
Cottonwood Trail in Tuttle Creek State Park is a quick .6 miles but does go down and back instead of a loop. Each direction will only take about 11 minutes but be sure to leave time to stop and explore the River Pond area.. This easy rated trail also features educational information stations along the way. This would probably be the best trail for both the really young and your older family members. Dogs are also welcome on a leash.
Eagle Pass Trail
Eagle Pass Trail in Tuttle Creek State Park is 1.6 mile long which features a down and back trail. Each way of the trail takes about 29 minutes. This secluded trail is rated easy and great for bird watching and hiking. The best time to visit this hiking trail is July – October. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop
Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop is one of the more popular trails in the area. This 2.7 miles loop trail will take about 1 hour 3 minutes to complete. This moderate rated trail would be best for kids a little bit older unless you want to carry your younger ones for a bit. The trail will take you along the timber-lined banks of Kings Creek before entering into the rolling Flint Hills tall grass prairie. You will also be able to stop and visit the Hokanson Homestead. There are no dogs or bikes allowed on this trail.
Linear Trail
Linear Trail is also one of the most popular trails in Manhattan. This 16.9 miles long trail has many starting and stoping points within town. Sections of the trail are more kid-friendly than others. If you would hike the whole trail, it would take you around 5 hours without any stops. The moderately challenging route keeps pretty busy due to this additional features of fishing and mountain biking. The trail is open and beautiful to visit year round. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Prairie Loop
Prairie Loop in Washington Marlatt Memorial Park is a 1.6 mile loop trail that is great for hiking and walking and stays pretty secluded. This is a very kid-friendly hiking path. The 34 minutes trail is best to visit between April and November.
Tuttle Creek Canyon Trail
Tuttle Creek Canyon Trail in Tuttle Creek State Park is a .9 mile out and back trail. Rated as an easy trail, this trail will take around 17 minutes to complete. The short trail travels along the canyon’s edge with excellent views of the narrow sliver of the park’s reservoir which is unearthed by the 1992 flood water flowing over the spillway. The path is easy to follow as it leads from the parking area on Riverpond Road to the bottom of the dam.
Warner Park Loop
Warner Park Loop is a 1.7 miles loop which will take about 38 minutes to complete. The trail is considered easy and is great for children in addition to hiking running and walking. This trail stays pretty secluded. The best time to visit is February through May. Leashed dogs are welcome.
