School’s Out For

sunflower summer!

The 2026 Sunflower Summer Program will run from Thursday, July 9 – Sunday, August 2. 

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Kansas Tourism

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
- Abilene

Allen County Historical Society
- Iola

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
- Atchison

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum
- Atchison

Anderson County Historical Museum
- Garnett

Atchison County Historical Society Museum and Santa Fe Depot
- Atchison

Barton County Historical Society Museum & Village
- Great Bend

Belleville High Banks Hall of Fame and National Midget Auto Racing Museum
- Belleville

Big Brutus
- West Mineral

Big Well Museum
- Greensburg

Blue Rapids Museum & Arlington Gardens
- Blue Rapids

Boot Hill Museum
- Dodge City

Brown Mansion
- Coffeyville

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park
- Topeka

Buffalo Bill Cultural Center
- Oakley

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
- Leavenworth

Carroll Mansion Museum
- Leavenworth

Chase County Courthouse
- Cottonwood Falls

Chase County Historical Society & Museum
- Cottonwood Falls

Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum
- Arkansas City

Chisholm Trail Museum
- Wellington

Coffey County Historical Museum
- Burlington

Combat Air Museum
- Topeka

Constitution Hall State Historic Site
- Lecompton

Coronado Quivira Museum
- Liberal

Cosmosphere
- Hutchinson

Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site
- Studley

Cowley County Historical Society Museum
- Winfield

Curious Minds Discovery Zone
- Parsons

Dalton Defenders Museum
- Coffeyville

Derby Historical Museum
- Derby

Dickinson County Heritage Center
- Abilene

Dorothy's House and The Land of Oz
- Liberal

Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
- Abilene

El Quartelejo Museum & Jerry Thomas Collection
- Scott City

Ellinwood Underground City Tour
- Ellinwood

Ellis Railroad Museum & Doll Display
- Ellis

Etzanoa Immersion Center
- Arkansas City

Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum
- Atchison

Exploration Place
- Wichita

Fick Fossil and History Museum
- Oakley

Field Station Dinosaurs
- Derby

First City Museum
- Leavenworth

First Territorial Capitol State Historic Site
- Fort Riley

Flint Hills Discovery Center
- Manhattan

Fort Bissell Museum
- Phillipsburg

Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum Complex
- Kanopolis

Fort Hays State Historic Site
- Hays

Fort Scott National Historic Site
- Fort Scott

Fort Wallace Museum
- Wallace

Geary County Historical Society & Museum
- Junction City

Geneseo City Museum
- Geneseo

Goodnow House State Historic Site
- Manhattan

Gordon Parks Museum
- Fort Scott

Great Plains Transportation Museum
- Wichita

Greenwood County Historical Society Museum
- Eureka

Greyhound Hall of Fame
- Abilene

Grinter Place State Historical Site
- Kansas City

Harvey County Historical Museum and Archives
- Newton

Haskell Cultural Center and Museum
- Lawrence

Heart of America Science Resource Center
- Haviland

Historic Elgin Hotel Tours
- Marion

The Historic Ritchie House
- Topeka

Historic Trolley Tour
- Dodge City

Hodgden House Museum Complex
- Ellsworth

Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site
- Hanover

Home on the Range Cabin
- Athol

Howard Benson Museum
- Howard

Independence Historical Museum & Art Center
- Independence

John Brown Museum State Historic Site
- Osawatomie

Johnson County Museum
- Overland Park

Joyful Noise Playhouse
- Salina

Kansas African American Museum
- Wichita

Kansas Aviation Museum
- Wichita

Kansas Barbed Wire Museum
- La Crosse

Kansas Children's Discovery Center
- Topeka

Kansas City Automotive Museum
- Olathe

Kansas City Underground Railroad Museum of Quindaro
- Kansas City

Kansas Learning Center for Health
- Halstead

Kansas Museum of History
- Topeka

Kansas Oil Museum
- El Dorado

Kansas State Capitol
- Topeka

Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame and Gunfighters' Wax Museum
- Dodge City

Kauffman Museum
- Newton

Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums on the Santa Fe Trail
- Council Grove

Kiowa Historical Museum
- Kiowa

Koester House Museum and Gardens
- Marysville

KU Natural History Museum
- Lawrence

Legler Barn Museum Complex
- Lenexa

Lincoln Historical Museum Complex
- Lincoln

Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
- Lindsborg

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site
- Olathe

Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historic Site
- Pleasanton

Marion Historical Museum
- Marion

Marshall County Museum & Research Library
- Marysville

McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation
- McPherson

Medicine Lodge Stockade and Carry A. Nation Home Museums
- Medicine Lodge

Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum
- Goessel

Mid-America All-Indian Museum
- Wichita

Midwest Dream Car Collection
- Manhattan

Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield State Historic Site
- Pleasanton

Miners Hall Museum
- Franklin

Mitchell County Historical Museum
- Beloit

Morton County Historical Museum
- Elkhart

Museum at Prairiefire
- Overland Park

Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture
- Olathe

Museum of the Kansas National Guard
- Topeka

Museum of World Treasures
- Wichita

NDGA National Glass Museum
- Wellington

Old Abilene Town
- Abilene

Old Cowtown Museum
- Wichita

Old Depot Museum
- Ottawa

Old Jefferson Town Museum
- Oskaloosa

Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Garden
- Topeka

Oswego Historical Museum and Genealogical Society
- Oswego

Oz Museum
- Wamego

Parsons Historical Society & Museum Complex
- Parsons

Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site
- Republic

Pawnee Rock State Historic Site
- Pawnee Rock

PBS Kansas Cochener-Garvey Children's Education & Discovery Center
- Wichita

Peabody Historical Society Complex
- Peabody

Pioneer Log Cabin
- Manhattan

Plaza Cinema Movie and Memorabilia Museum
- Ottawa

Pony Express Home Station No 1, Barn & Museum
- Marysville

Pony Express Museum
- Seneca

Prairie Museum of Art & History
- Colby

Rawlins County Historical Museum & Church
- Atwood

Red Rocks State Historic Site
- Emporia

Riley County Historical Museum
- Manhattan

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
- Lawrence

Rush County Historical Society
- La Crosse

Santa Fe Trail Center
- Larned

Seelye Mansion & Patent Medicine Museum
- Abilene

Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site
- Fairway

Shawnee Town 1929
- Shawnee

Smoky Hill Museum
- Salina

Stafford County Museum
- Stafford

Stauth Memorial Museum
- Montezuma

Sternberg Museum of Natural History
- Hays

STRATACA
- Hutchinson

The Garage
- Salina

Threshers Museum
- Bird City

Tonganoxie Community Historical Society
- Tonganoxie

Trail Days Historic Site
- Council Grove

Wabaunsee County Historical Museum
- Alma

Warkentin House
- Newton

Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum
- Wichita

Wilson Heritage Museum
- Wilson

Wolf House Museum
- Manhattan

World's Largest Ball of Twine
- Cawker City

Wyandotte County Historical Society & Museum
- Bonner Springs

Kansas Tourism

A & H Farm
- Manhattan

Botanica
- Wichita

Cedar Bluff State Park
- Ellis

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary & Education Center
- Louisburg

Cheney State Park
- Cheney

Clinton State Park
- Lawrence

Crawford State Park
- Farlington

Cross Timbers State Park
- Toronto

David Traylor Zoo of Emporia
- Emporia

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
- Overland Park

Eisenhower State Park
- Osage City

El Dorado State Park
- El Dorado

Elk City State Park
- Independence

Fall River State Park
- Fall River

Flint Hills Trail State Park
- Multiple Cities: See Map

Glen Elder State Park
- Glen Elder

Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm
- Nickerson

Hillsdale State Park
- Paola

Historic Lake Scott State Park
- Scott City

Hutchinson Zoo
- Hutchinson

Johnston Geology Museum
- Emporia

K-State Insect Zoo
- Manhattan

Kanopolis State Park
- Marquette

Kansas Wetlands Education Center
- Great Bend

Kaw River State Park
- Topeka

Lazy T Ranch Adventures
- Manhattan

Lee Richardson Zoo
- Garden City

Lehigh Portland State Park
- Iola

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Oakley

Lovewell State Park
- Webber

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and Bison Tour
- Canton

Meade State Park
- Meade

Mega Pines
- Andover

Milford State Park
- Milford

Mushroom Rock State Park
- Brookville

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- Overland Park

Perry State Park
- Ozawkie

Pomona State Park
- Vassar

Prairie Center Park & Archery Range
- Olathe

Prairie Dog State Park
- Norton

Prairie Spirit Trail State Park
- Multiple Cities: See Map

Ralph Mitchell Zoo
- Independence

Rolling Hills Zoo
- Salina

Sand Hills State Park
- Hutchinson

Schmidt Museum of Natural History
- Emporia

Sedgwick County Zoo
- Wichita

Sunset Zoo
- Manhattan

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
- Strong City

Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center
- Topeka

Tuttle Creek State Park
- Manhattan

Webster State Park
- Stockton

Wilson State Park
- Wilson

Arvonia Historic Tours
Show: Ghost Town Tours
Dates: July 11 & Aug. 1
Time: 10 AM

About
Join us for tours of this well-preserved ghost town on July 11th and August 1st from 10 - 2 pm. We'll be exploring the historic Arvnoia School, Calvinistic Methodist Church, and Arvonia Township Hall. Ready for your tour? Meet at Township Hall!



Broadway RFD - Lindsborg
Show: Oklahoma!
Dates: July 17-18 & July 24-25
Show Times: 6:30 PM

About
Broadway RFD Presents: Oklahoma! Set in Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the 20th century, Oklahoma! is a beloved musical that follows the budding romance between cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams. Filled with humor, heart, and classic songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “Oklahoma,” this timeless production celebrates love, community, and the pioneer spirit. Rated PG.



Great Plains Theatre - Abilene
Show: Cinderella
Dates: July 17-19 & July 22-26
Show Times: Wed at 2 pm; Thurs at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Friday at 7:30 pm; Sat at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Sun 2 pm.

About
Tickets are first come, first serve. Users will be able to request tickets two hours in advance of first showtime of the day. Experience the magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the beloved fairy tale brought to life with enchanting music, memorable characters, and a heartwarming story of kindness, courage, and dreams coming true. Featuring classic songs and a fresh, uplifting message, this family-friendly musical is a delightful experience for audiences of all ages. Rated PG.



Music Theatre Wichita - Wichita

Show: Elf the Musical
Dates: July 11 & 12 at 2 PM.
Show Times: 2 PM

About
Music Theatre Wichita Presents: Elf the Musical. Matinee Shows on July 11 and 12 ONLY. Tickets are first come, first serve. Users will be able to request tickets at 12 p.m. on day of performance, the show will begin at 2 p.m. Holiday magic that turns skeptics into believers. Experience the pure joy of Christmas in July! Follow Buddy the Elf’s heartwarming journey from the North Pole to New York City as he discovers that the real magic of Christmas lives in the connections we make with each other. Rediscover your sense of wonder, believe in magic a little longer, and leave the theater with lifted spirits and full hearts. Rated G.



Wichita Wind Surge - Wichita
Game: Wichita Wind Surge vs. NW Arkansas
Date: July 12

About
Come and support the Wind Surge as they take on NW Arkansas.

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Program Updates

Why is the program season shorter than previous years?

This program relies on funding from the Kansas State Legislature to operate. The amount approved for this summer’s program only allows for a shortened timeline.

Please note that we may have to adjust the length of the program based on the amount of use. Updates about the program’s season will be delivered on the app. Always double check before you visit any attractions!

What other changes can we expect to the program?

Requirements for the 2026 program will carry over from the 2025 season.

In 2025, the The Kansas State Legislature required the Sunflower Summer program to limit tickets claimed through the program to one adult per transaction.

If you have two or more adults in your party, only one adult will have their ticket covered by the program. All other adults must pay the admission costs out of pocket.

Users will still be able to transfer student tickets to other trusted Kansas residents via the app (ex. transferring to grandparents or daycare providers), but only one adult admission will be covered by the program.

What attractions are participating for the Summer of 2026?

Attractions for the 2026 Sunflower Summer Program will be announced later this summer.

Be Home Free

in your home state

They say the best things in life are free, and they’re right.

Sunflower Summer offers Kansas families a get out of the house free card you can carry in your pocket. A chance to have free rein (and free admission) visiting museums, zoos, historical attractions, and nature centers. An app for free family fun!

Kansas Families:

Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

Step 01:

Download the Sunflower Summer apP

Step 02:

Create an account

Step 03:

Visit Kansas attractions this summer for free

screenshot of Sunflower summer app

Your questions

answered

Program Eligibility
Does the program include all students in Kansas?

All Kansas resident students (including public, private, and homeschooled students), Pre-K through 12th grade, are included in the program.

I don’t live in Kansas. Can I still use Sunflower Summer tickets?

This program is for Kansas residents only. If you live out-of-state, you do not qualify to receive free tickets through the Sunflower Summer program. 

We have family from another state visiting this summer, can they participate?

No, this program is for Kansas residents only. While you can’t claim tickets via the app, you can absolutely use Sunflower Summer as a guide to great attractions across the state that are perfect for your family!

Do adults get free tickets too?

Yes! One adult may accompany students and receive access to a free ticket voucher. Any other adults present will have to pay out of pocket for admission.

I have grandchildren. Can Grandparents also participate?

Any parent or legal guardian is eligible to create an account for their children. This includes grandparents. Once an account is created, the children are added to the account, and it becomes a family account. Non-guardian grandparents are also eligible to have a child’s ticket transferred to their Sunflower Summer account by the child’s legal guardian. Only 1 adult ticket is eligible to redeemed by the Sunflower Summer Program. All other present adults must pay out-of-pocket for any admissions. 

Can we use my child’s free ticket if they’re going with another adult?

Yes, ticket transfers are possible. The parent or legal guardian may transfer their free admissions ticket to another adult who has the app downloaded. Once the ticket has been transferred and used, this will count as the student’s one entry into the venue. 

What ages of students qualify for the program?

Students must be enrolled in Pre-K through Grade 12 to participate in the program. Infants and toddlers are not eligible for Sunflower Summer.

Venue Accessibility
Are all of the attractions listed appropriate for children of all ages?

While all attractions listed are student-friendly, we encourage you to do additional research to ensure that the attraction is a good fit for your family.

Some exhibits or attractions may contain themes, environments, or artifacts that might not be suitable for all families. 

I don't have access to a smartphone. Can my family still participate in Sunflower Summer

Yes, families without access to smartphone technology may still participate in the program. While claiming the tickets via the app is the preferred method of usage, users without smartphones can go to any staffed attraction on the list to receive a paper voucher. Please work with attraction staff/volunteers to make sure the voucher is filled to completion, then enjoy your adventure! 

Are Sunflower Summer locations accessible for users with disabilities?

Each location in the Sunflower Summer program has different accessibility amenities. To learn more about each location, click on the desired location in the categories above. This will take you to their listing on TravelKS.com, the official website of Kansas Tourism. Open the tab labeled ‘Amenities’ and review what that location has to offer. If you have additional questions about the specific needs for your family, please call the attraction directly. Please note, student users who are enrolled in transitional programs are also eligible for the Sunflower Summer program.

I have a visual impairment (color blindness), can I use the app?

Yes, the most efficient method on all phones is to adjust the display feature on your device settings. 

  • Open Settings
  • Tap Accessibility
  • Tap Display & Text Size
  • There are multiple display options to enhance the visibility of the screen. The best for color blindness is to select the “color filter” option.
Who may I contact if I have technical issues?

If you have technical issues, please use the in-app support feature to contact 24/7 user support. You can access this by selecting ‘Settings’ in the lower left corner of the screen, then selecting ‘Contact Support’ in the bottom menu.

If you are not able to log into the app, email help@slcket.com. For all other questions about the program, email sunflower.summer@ks.gov.

How to Claim Tickets
How many times can I use my free tickets?

The Sunflower Summer App allows you 1 free admission ticket per student for each attraction. Once you have used the Sunflower Summer app for a specific attraction, the app will “stamp” the ticket and it will no longer be valid to be re-used.

Are users able to go to multiple attractions in a single day?

Yes, users are able to attend multiple attractions in a single day. Please remember that users are only to claim tickets to an attraction once per season, so make sure you plan your road trips wisely!

How do I claim tickets at a Kansas State Park?

To redeem your vehicle permit to most Kansas State Parks, please visit the park office or nearest gatehouse. You will receive a GREEN sunflower summer vehicle permit that will expire at 2PM the day following its issuance. Several parks do not have offices on site. Specific instructions are noted in the written description on the Sunflower Summer mobile app for those parks. 

Do adults get free tickets too?

Yes! One adult may accompany students and receive access to a free ticket voucher. Any other adults present will have to pay out of pocket for admission.

Travel in Kansas
How does cashless tolling in Kansas work?

The Kansas Turnpike converted to a cashless system on July 1, 2024. There will be no on-road payment option. Customers will pay for tolls using a KTAG, or compatible transponder, or through a mailed bill using the vehicle’s registration information. To pay the lowest toll, travelers are encouraged to get a KTAG. Learn more at www.DriveKS.com.

I don’t live in Kansas. Can I still use Sunflower Summer tickets?

This program is for Kansas residents only. If you live out-of-state, you do not qualify to receive free tickets through the Sunflower Summer program. 

We have family from another state visiting this summer, can they participate?

No, this program is for Kansas residents only. While you can’t claim tickets via the app, you can absolutely use Sunflower Summer as a guide to great attractions across the state that are perfect for your family!

Program Flyers

Once that final school bell rings,
the real fun begins.

Plan your next summer adventure now!