Flint Hills Discovery Center

There are so many educational displays in this discovery center. They really make it fun to learn about tallgrass prairies. I thoroughly loved all of the displays, the view of Manhattan from the rooftop, and the educational and enjoyable immersive theater. Do not miss the 15 minute theater experience where they engage all of your senses to learn about the Flint Hills. It's worth visiting Manhattan just to explore this place.

We stopped here briefly on our way in to Manhattan to check out the children's portion on the second floor. It had a lot of fun things to do- a slide, large light bright type toy, pretend saddles, and a toy train area. The kids really enjoyed this area. It is pretty small compared to other children's museums we've been in, but the children's portion is just one part of it! The building seems pretty new, and the staff were friendly as well. There is a nice gift shop when you enter as well. It's worth a stop in! It's also a part of the sunflower summer app and I've been stopping a lot of places we wouldn't ordinarily because of it.

Great way to spend a few hours and quite affordable. The 4D film so much fun. Each floor has entertaining and educational activities. My high school ages student even likes it. Put this on your much see list

Great resource for homeschool kids. My son loves it. I like that they change out the upper room with different them see every so often. It's always clean & tidy when we come in. The downstairs has a very cool small Kansas museum that has a lot of information. The roof even has a beautiful native flower garden. We go several times a month and bring friends. Great place, great atmosphere for kids and the staff is wonderful. They even have a room in the front that has tons of resources for attractions in Kansas! I was quite surprised they had so many locations I didn't know about. There were a ton of kid friendly ideas.

This museum is really well designed and engaging. The introductory film in particular goes way above and beyond the usual looping films you might see at a tired nature museum. I was impressed that the film combined some cool showy effects with a punchy well done musical score and managed to convey some depth of thought. The kids will probably find it just entertaining enough because of the effects but at least some of the adults will be thinking about the short film long after it ends. The first floor houses most of the permanent exhibits and while they aren't explicitly catering to children, there isn't a ton of depth to any one subject and the interpretive signs etc are all just a few paragraphs at most long.The 3rd floor leads to the rooftop garden and a terraced trail with some native plantings and explanatory signs as it winds down to street level.This is an attractive modern facility with a few stand out features that will fill kids and many adults desire for an introduction to the ecosystem of the Flint Hills but information hounds might find it a little lightweight.

The flint discovery museum was a detour stop, was very educational along with all the hands on and virtual affects and toys to play with. Definitely a place to bring the kids, not so much adults. We did however stay for both movies, which we found to be very knowledgeable on the echo system in which Kansas prairies rely on.The 1830 Indian removal act. Exact replica of the tragic event that cast out natives into concentration camps, were they were raped murdered and forced to conform by colonists. We no longer consider the holiday known as "thanksgiving" a day to remember a mass murder of innocent families.. we may have lost the culture completely but we now devote the day of thanks as Indigenous Day! HOOAH

Every time I visit Manhattan, Kansas I visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center. On the last visit I got to bring my granddaughter! So fun; something for all ages to enjoy!!

Came in the with Lady to look the place over for a possible wedding venue. Lots to look at and see. A little small for our guest list but really nice overall. Lots of stuff for kids and adults to see and do. Elevators for accessibility and good restrooms. Just wish it could seat 400 lol. Love the balcony looking into town. Just nice.

We held our daughters K-State graduation party here last weekend. The room was perfect!!! Jonathan the event director was professional and had great communication to make all the details for the party work great. Everything in the room was set up just as we needed, it was clean and everyone who attended loved the location. Easy access for older grandparents that attended! We were very well taken care of by friendly helpful staff and cannot say enough wonderful things about this beautiful building!

This place is a gem! Every time I bring visitors to town, we spend an afternoon at the Discovery Center. They are always impressed with the quality of exhibits, the rich history of the Flint Hills, and the kindness of the staff. I learn something new each visit, too. Who knew that we had cowboy auctioneers? Or that Blue Earth Plaza is named after nearby Blue Earth Village, a former home of the Kaw people? And, the 4D movie is great!The Discovery Center also offers day camps for kids on No School days. My kiddo loves it. There's something special about getting to explore your community museum with a private guide. Upstairs are exhibits for younger children. Some displays are permanent, others are visiting exhibits. Best for kids age 2 - 9. Older kids can go on a self-guided scavenger hunt in the permanent collection.Overall: a wonderful museum that adds to Manhattan's quality of life. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered. ps: Check out the gift shop! Great regional gifts, and good quality toys!