Posted in Kansas Hiking, Nature May 15, 2022 by

10 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Kansas That Are 1 Mile And Under

Hiking is something many Kansans do in their spare time, partially to explore our natural beauty and partially for health benefits. It’s a great way to get outdoors and stay moving no matter your age. However, sometimes children don’t want to be walking for long periods of time. With that being said, we’ve gathered the following 10 kid-friendly hiking trails near me that are easy to do and also not very long. They’re also some of the best hikes in Kansas.

1. Prairie Park Nature Center - Lawrence
Caroline Elizabeth/AllTrails
Just look at that view! This 0.9-mile loop trail around a small lake is the perfect activity for watching birds or just enjoying the beautiful outdoors with family.
Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA
2. Bittersweet Trail - Olathe
Tatiana Smith/AllTrails
This little trail in Ernie Miller Nature Park is only 0.4-miles long, which makes it a quick jaunt through the trees for any age. There are wildflowers, rocks, and plenty of deer if you know where to look.
Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center, 909 North, KS-7, Olathe, KS 66061, USA
3. International Sculpture Garden Trail - Overland Park
alltrails/Ericka La Madrid
This trail in the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is full of sculptures at every turn, which are great photo opportunities for anyone young or old. This is not only one of the best hikes in Kansas, but it is also a short trail — only 0.4 miles of walking if you don't stop to smell the flowers.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS 66013, USA
4. Ray Miller Trail - Wadsworth
Melissa Bower/AllTrails
This 0.8-mile trail in Ray Miller Park is well kept and perfect for feet of any size. You can even bring your bikes to change up the pace a little or bring your dog on a leash.
Ray Miller Park, 4103 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, USA
5. Alcove Springs Trail - Blue Rapids
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
Along this 0.5-mile trail is a little spring that sometimes trickles into a small waterfall, which is unique in and of itself.
Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA
6. Cedar Ridge Trail - Manhattan
James Elliott/AllTrails
There's just something about a little trail along a lake that's so irresistible. It provides great scenery of the lake and wildflowers, plus only 0.6 miles of walking. This short trail is also ADA accessible.
Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
7. Waterfall Pond Trail - Milford
James Elliott/AllTrails
This little 0.6-mile trail is great for a quick walk into nature when you don't want to spend all day here. It's perfect for small feet and is also very well kept.
Waterfall Pond Trail, 3612 State Park Rd, Milford, KS 66514, USA
8. Post Oak Self-Guiding Nature Trail - Independence
Darnel Seaton/AllTrails
This self-guided trail is only 0.7 miles long and it starts at the dam before leading you around the native timbers. It might be self-guided, but the trees and trail are easily marked. There's a wide variety of trees here, with some being more than 200 years old.
Post Oak Nature Trail, 76FF+5H, Independence, KS 67301, USA
9. Agave Ridge Loop Trail - Ransom
Robert Badgett/AllTrails
You'll find all sorts of wildlife and plant species on this 0.8-mile paved trail where you can explore the area around the lake and through the path.
Ransom, KS 67572, USA
10. Pawnee Rock Historic Site Trail - Pawnee Rock
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
This informative and historic trail is a great 0.4-mile hike for any sized person. It features plenty of wildflowers to look at while you're here. It's not so much a trail as it is a short loop, but you'll find that it's a great excuse to get outside.
Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, 631 N Centre St, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567, USA

Have you been lucky enough to hike any of these 10 kid-friendly trails? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, if you have a favorite Kansas hiking spot or a trail that you consider one of the best hikes in Kansas, please share that with us as well.

Address: Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA
Address: Post Oak Nature Trail, 76FF+5H, Independence, KS 67301, USA
Address: Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA
Address: Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, 631 N Centre St, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567, USA
Address: Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Address: Waterfall Pond Trail, 3612 State Park Rd, Milford, KS 66514, USA
Address: Ray Miller Park, 4103 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, USA
Address: Ransom, KS 67572, USA
Address: Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center, 909 North, KS-7, Olathe, KS 66061, USA
Address: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS 66013, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Kansas

May 20, 2022
Jennifer Young

What are three kid-friendly hikes around Kansas that are also some of the easiest?

There are many trails located throughout Kansas, including several that are perfect for a family adventure. Listed below are three easy hikes in Kansas to add to your bucket list.

1. Tomahawk Creek Trail

Located in Fox Hill Park near Leawood is Kansas’ Tomahawk Creek Trail. This kid-friendly trail is a 10.8-mile, point-to-point trail that’s accessible all year long. In addition to hiking, Tomahawk Creek Trail is also a popular spot for mountain biking, road biking, and birding. Note: Dogs are allowed on this trail. However, they must be leashed.

2. Antioch Park Trail

Kansas’ Antioch Park Trail is a 1.2-mile loop trail near Mission. Besides hiking, many people also enjoy using this trail for running, walking, and birding. Just like the Tomahawk Creek Trail, Kansas’ Antioch Park Trail is also open throughout the year. Don’t forget to bring along your canine companion because they’re allowed on this trail. Note: They must be leashed.

3. Chisolm Creek Trail

Located in Kansas’ Chisolm Creek Park is Chisholm Creek Trail, which happens to be a 1.7-mile loop trail near Bel Aire. Hiking, birding, and running are the most popular activities people enjoy when visiting this trail. The best time of the year to visit the Chisolm Creek Trail is April through September. Note: dogs are not allowed on this trail.

What scenic trail in Kansas is perfect for exploring no matter the time of year?

Kansas has lots of beautiful natural scenery, especially along its many trails. One of the most scenic hikes in Kansas is the Horsethief Canyon Trail. This trail is located in Kanopolis State Park near Ellsworth and is one of the best hikes in the U.S. While hiking this 1.9-mile trail, which has an easy level of difficulty, you’ll get to see some pretty unique rock formations. You’ll also get to experience a great view of Kanopolis Lake.

Address: Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA
Address: Post Oak Nature Trail, 76FF+5H, Independence, KS 67301, USA
Address: Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA
Address: Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, 631 N Centre St, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567, USA
Address: Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Address: Waterfall Pond Trail, 3612 State Park Rd, Milford, KS 66514, USA
Address: Ray Miller Park, 4103 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, USA
Address: Ransom, KS 67572, USA
Address: Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center, 909 North, KS-7, Olathe, KS 66061, USA
Address: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS 66013, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.