Manhattan · Riley County, KS

Free things to do in Manhattan

Scout analyzed 48 Manhattan places and surfaced the ones that actually fit free.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$40

Typical visit

1.3 hr

Scout-verified spots

Outdoors

Fairmont Park

Fairmont Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a family outing or solo walk. Expect to spend an hour enjoying the scenery, potentially pairing it with a picnic or other local activities.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Radina's on the Hill

Radina's is a local coffee shop good for a relaxed start to the day or an afternoon break. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and about $5-$15 per person for coffee and a pastry or light lunch item.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Bluestem Bistro

Bluestem Bistro is a good stop for a casual breakfast, lunch, or coffee, especially if you enjoy pastries or a Sunday jazz brunch. Expect to spend $10-$35 per person for a visit of about an hour.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$10–$35 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Taco Lucha

Taco Lucha is a great spot for a casual meal of street tacos and drinks, perfect for a lively lunch or dinner. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person.

FoodCocktailsSocial

$10–$25 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse is suitable for a casual family meal or a low-key birthday celebration. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and about $25-55 per person on food and non-alcoholic drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$55 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Bill Snyder Family Stadium

This stadium is ideal for attending Kansas State University football games, typically a several-hour event on a Saturday. Expect to pay for tickets, parking, and concessions.

SportsFoodOutdoors

$50–$150 typical3 hr visithard parking

Food & Drink

Nico's Little Italy

Nico's Little Italy is a solid choice for a casual dinner outing with family or for a date, typically lasting about 75 minutes. Expect to spend $20-$40 per person on a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Houlihan's

Houlihan's is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, whether for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-45 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$45 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Kite's | Bar & Grill

Kite's is a standard sports bar for casual outings with friends, best for catching a game or a quick burger and beer. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for an hour or two.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Bourbon & Baker

This is a good spot for an evening meal or drinks, pairing well with a walk around downtown beforehand. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for about an hour and a half.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area

Pillsbury Crossing is a free outdoor area good for a 1-2 hour nature walk and exploring a scenic waterfall. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a short stop on a longer road trip, offering a chance to see wildlife.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Konza Prairie Kansas Valley lookout point

This lookout point offers scenic prairie views, ideal for a short stop during a drive or a relaxed outdoor moment. Expect to spend about an hour, and it costs nothing for admission.

HistoryViewsOutdoors

$0 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

McCain Auditorium

McCain Auditorium is ideal for a cultural evening, enjoying live performances like concerts, theater, or comedy. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $25 to $100 per person.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$25–$100 typical2.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

CiCo Park

CiCo Park is ideal for a few hours of family activity, offering playgrounds, sports fields, and a pool. Expect to spend a few dollars for pool entry or snacks, but otherwise it's free, making it a good option for an active, low-cost outing.

OutdoorsSportsWellness

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

The Chef

This is a casual spot for a breakfast or brunch outing, pairing well with a relaxed morning stroll. Expect to spend $10-25 per person and about an hour for a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Shopping

The Dusty Bookshelf - Manhattan

This is a good spot for a quiet hour browsing books and enjoying a coffee. It can be a relaxed stop on a weekend outing or a destination for a cheap solo adventure, typically costing $5-30 per person.

FoodShoppingArts

$5–$30 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Wine Dive + Kitchen

Wine Dive + Kitchen is suitable for a dinner outing, possibly paired with drinks beforehand or after. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-$70 per person for a meal and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Tallgrass Tap House

This brewpub is good for a casual meal or drinks, especially with its rooftop patio. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-$50 per person on food and beverages.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is a casual chain steakhouse good for a family dinner or a relaxed outing with friends. Expect a lively atmosphere and American fare, with a typical visit lasting just over an hour and costing $20-40 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Frank Anneberg Park

This large city park with fields and trails is suitable for a free, active family or solo outing, taking an hour or two depending on activity. It's a good spot to get some fresh air or let kids play.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Little Grill

Little Grill is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, offering Caribbean food and tropical drinks in a vibrant setting. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Manhattan City Park

Manhattan City Park is ideal for a relaxed, free outdoor activity that can last 1-2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby coffee run.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Radina's Bakehouse

Radina's Bakehouse is suitable for a quick breakfast or coffee break, often paired with errands or a stroll. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 per person for pastries and drinks.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Tuttle Creek State Park

This state park is ideal for an all-day outdoor adventure, offering a variety of activities like hiking, swimming, and camping. Spend can range from free entry to $20 for day-use permits or activity rentals, making it a flexible option for families or solo outings.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking