Onaga is a small town in northeastern Kansas with a population of just over 1,000 people. The town is located in the Flint Hills region of the state and is surrounded by rural farmland. Despite its small size, Onaga has a variety of kid-friendly activities to keep youngsters entertained. The town’s parks and recreation department offers a number of youth sports leagues and programs, including baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. There are also several public playgrounds and a swimming pool. Outside of town, kids can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby Perry Wildlife Area. Families can also take a short drive to the bustling city of Topeka, where there are several museums, attractions, and restaurants to choose from.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Onaga, Kansas
1. Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site: This site commemorates the historic Supreme Court case that outlawed segregation in public schools. Visitors can tour the schoolhouse where the plaintiffs in the case studied, see exhibits on the case and the Civil Rights movement, and participate in educational programs.
2. Take a hike at Konza Prairie: Konza Prairie is a large nature preserve with miles of hiking trails winding through tallgrass prairie and woodland habitats. Visitors can see native plants and animals, including bison and elk, and enjoy views of the Flint Hills.
3. Go fishing at Tuttle Creek Lake: Tuttle Creek Lake is a large reservoir with ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also several camping areas and hiking trails in the nearby Tuttle Creek State Park.
4. Watch a race at the Kansas State Fair Speedway: The Kansas State Fair Speedway hosts races throughout the summer, featuring both cars and motorcycles. Visitors can also enjoy fair food and rides, as well as other attractions at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
5. Have a picnic at Riverside Park: Riverside Park is a large city park with a playground, picnic shelter, and walking trails along the river. Visitors can also rent paddleboats and go fishing from the park’s dock.
6. Visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library: The Eisenhower Presidential Library is a museum and research center dedicated to the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The museum houses artifacts from Eisenhower’s childhood, military career, and Presidency, and the research center holds a vast collection of documents and records related to his life.
7. Play golf at the Manhattan Country Club: The Manhattan Country Club is a private club with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pool. Non-members can play golf by paying a daily fee.
8. See a show at the Wareham Opera House: The Wareham Opera House is a historic theater that hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, ranging from concerts and plays to comedy shows and movies.
9. Go shopping at the Manhattan Town Center: The Manhattan Town Center is a large shopping mall with over 100 stores, including anchor stores like JCPenney and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The mall also has a food court and a movie theater.
10. Visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center: The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a museum devoted to the history and culture of the Flint Hills region. The museum has exhibits on the area’s Native American history, pioneer settlers, and the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Visitors can also take a ride on the Discovery Center’s observation tower for panoramic views of the Flint Hills.