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

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.

2. Bittersweet Trail - Olathe

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.

3. International Sculpture Garden Trail - Overland Park

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.

4. Ray Miller Trail - Wadsworth

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.

5. Alcove Springs Trail - Blue Rapids

Along this 0.5-mile trail is a little spring that sometimes trickles into a small waterfall, which is unique in and of itself.

6. Cedar Ridge Trail - Manhattan

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.

7. Waterfall Pond Trail - Milford

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.

8. Post Oak Self-Guiding Nature Trail - Independence

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.

9. Agave Ridge Loop Trail - Ransom

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.

10. Pawnee Rock Historic Site Trail - Pawnee Rock

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.

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.