Everyone is looking to cool off in the heat of our Kansas summers. There are two free spots to get out and cool off in downtown Manhattan. The first is located in our Manhattan City Park. The Splash Park is located in the park's southeast corner and has various water features for the children to play in. An easy way to find the splash park is by looking for the statue of Johnny Kaw. He is located right next to the playground and the splash park. Standing at 24 feet tall, he is tough to miss. This area of the park has been updated and also includes restrooms to make the area more user friendly.
In between the Splash Park and the playground, there are covered picnic tables if you would like to pack snacks or even enjoy lunch while at the park! The splash parks are open from 10 am to 8 pm and stay open as weather permits. For more information, you can check the city site here.
Manhattan City Park-Splash Park
Splash Park Picnic table and Restrooms Adjacent Playground
The second Splash Park is located in Manhattan's Blue Earth Plaza. This splash park has a lazy river and a large water feature with laminar jets. They spray water that has been music-synchronized. This area also provides the public with covered picnic tables for public use. A local landmark for this splash park is the Flint Hills Discovery Center, this building is located right across the street. There is ample parking along the street or in the parking area just past the discovery center.
Blue Earth Plaza-Splash Park
Covered picnic tables Lazy River
Blue Earth Plaza works great if you have family and friends in from out of town. The splash park is located in between two hotels and is within walking distance of several restaurants. For those not familiar with the Flint Hills, a tour of the Flint Hills Discovery Center is another fun place to spend some time in. Visitors can learn about the science of the Tallgrass Prairie or check out their current exhibit while cooling off inside!
The Blue Earth Plaza is host to several events in town throughout the year. It has been coined the centerpiece of our downtown redevelopment. Some of the events held through the year are community fundraising events, historical celebrations, and the plaza transforms during Christmas time into the Festival of Lights!
Manhattan's downtown redevelopment allowed the community to create an eclectic mix of shopping, restaurants, and so much more for everyone to enjoy. The downtown is a favorite spot for locals throughout the year!
