TOPEKA (KSNT) – A free Kansas adventure program for kids is set to open soon with numerous travel opportunities to zoos, historical places and more.
Colby Sharples-Terry with Kansas Tourism said in a press release that this year’s Sunflower Summer program opens on July 12. The program will be open through to Aug. 3 and provides families with the chance to visit more than 230 locations across the state for free.
“Sunflower Summer is more than just a fun family outing – it’s an investment in our future,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “By giving Kansas students the opportunity to experience the rich history, culture and natural beauty of our state, we’re helping the next generation fall in love with Kansas. At the same time, this program drives real economic impact to our communities by supporting local attractions and generating increased visitor spending.”
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Kansas students who are enrolled in Pre-K through to 12th grade are eligible to use the Sunflower Summer program benefits. One adult accompanying the students can also receive a free ticket voucher to the program. Participants get one free admission ticket per student for each attraction.
“We are thrilled to launch another year of the growing and popular Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This exciting lineup of attractions is designed to help Kansas families make the most of their summer—by exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories right here at home.”
Attractions people can visit through the program at no entry cost include museums, art galleries, state parks and zoos. A full list of attractions for the 2025 Sunflower Summer program can be found by clicking here. Some examples of places to visit through the program in northeast Kansas include the following locations:
- Topeka
- Great Overland Station.
- Kaw River State Park.
- Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center.
- Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
- Kansas State Capitol.
- The Historic Ritchie House.
- Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park.
- Museum of the Kansas National Guard.
- Combat Air Museum.
- Council Grove
- Flint Hills Trail State Park.
- Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store State Historic Site.
- Trail Days Historic Site.
- Manhattan
- Midwest Dream Car Collection.
- Riley County Historical Museum.
- Sunset Zoo.
- A & H Farm/Pumpkin Patch.
- K-State Insect Zoo.
- Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art.
- Museum of Art + Light.
- Flint Hills Discovery Center.
- Marysville
- Marshall County Museum and Research Library.
- Koester House Museum.
- Pony Express Home Station No 1, Barn & Museum.
- Emporia
- David Traylor Zoo.
- Red Rocks State Historic Site.
- Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center.
- Schmidt Museum of Natural History.
- Johnston Geology Museum.
- Lawrence
- Clinton State Park – Reservoir and Wildlife Area.
- Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.
- Haskell Cultural Center and Museum.
- KU Natural History Museum.
- Spencer Museum of Art.
- Watkins Museum of History.
- Lawrence Arts Center.
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