Kansas families looking to make the most of the 2026 Sunflower Summer program will find one of the state's largest collections of participating attractions and experiences in Wichita. Sunflower Summer is designed to help Kansas families explore the state through free admission to museums, zoos, historical attractions and other destinations.
From July 9 through Aug. 2, the Sunflower Summer program gives Kansas students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade free admission to more than 200 participating attractions across the state. Eligible students attending public, private and faith-based schools, as well as home-schooled students, can participate, and one accompanying adult also receives free admission. In Wichita and the surrounding area, nearly 20 participating attractions make it easy for families to turn a day trip or weekend getaway into a memorable summer adventure.
"One of the things that makes Wichita so special during Sunflower Summer is the incredible variety of experiences families can enjoy," said Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita. "With nearly 20 participating attractions in the area, visitors can build an adventure that's uniquely their own – from meeting four baby African elephants at the zoo to exploring aviation history, discovering hands-on science and catching a Music Theatre Wichita performance."
From aviation, art and science to wildlife, history and hands-on educational experiences, Wichita offers one of Kansas' largest collections of Sunflower Summer attractions. Tickets are accessed through the free Sunflower Summer mobile app and may be used once per attraction during the season, making it easy for families to build their own itinerary.
The nearly 20 participating attractions in the Wichita area include Botanica Wichita, CityArts, Derby Historical Museum, Exploration Place, Field Station: Dinosaurs, Great Plains Transportation Museum, The Kansas African American Museum, Kansas Aviation Museum, Mark Arts, Mid-America All-Indian Museum, Mega Pines Mini Golf, Museum of World Treasures, Music Theatre Wichita, Old Cowtown Museum, PBS Kansas Cochener-Garvey Children's Education & Discovery Center, Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita Art Museum, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and the Wichita Wind Surge.
Families are also encouraged to take advantage of special limited-time Sunflower Summer opportunities, including Music Theatre Wichita's production of “Elf the Musical” on July 11 and 12 and a free Wichita Wind Surge game on July 12.
For many Kansas families, Sunflower Summer is also an opportunity to rediscover Wichita.
Maybe they've visited for a tournament, concert, shopping trip or weekend getaway. Sunflower Summer provides a new reason to come back, revisit favorite attractions, discover something new and experience more of Wichita along the way.
Beyond free admission, visitors can explore Wichita's local restaurants, public art, shopping districts, parks and iconic attractions such as the Keeper of the Plains, making every Sunflower Summer stop an opportunity to experience more of the city.
"Many Kansans already know Wichita, but Sunflower Summer gives them a fresh reason to visit," said Santo. "Whether you're returning to a favorite attraction or discovering somewhere new, Wichita makes it easy to create lasting family memories."
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas while helping families discover the people, places and experiences that make the state unique.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have Visit Wichita as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2026 season. Wichita is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”
Families are encouraged to download the Sunflower Summer app before their visit and begin planning their Wichita adventure. To learn more about Wichita's participating attractions and start planning a Sunflower Summer getaway, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a premier convention, sports and tourism destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Wichita was named the Best Sports-Event Host City by SportsTravel magazine, a national recognition that highlights the city’s proven success in hosting high-caliber sporting events with world-class venues, seamless operations and strong community support. Visit Wichita is led by President and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2025 travel and tourism contributed more than $2.6 billion in total economic impact to the greater Wichita area. For more information, go to www.VisitWichita.com.
About Sunflower Summer
Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org.
