Kansas Department of Commerce
TOPEKA — Kansas Tourism announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state, including the Hays region, are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state — museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more.
Local participating tourism attractions include the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Ellis County Historical Society Museum and historic Fort Hays in Hays, Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum in Ellis, the Trego County Historical Society Museum and Cedar Bluff Lake and State Park, WaKeeney, and the four museums in La Crosse operated by the Rush County Historical Society.
“With such a wide variety of exceptional attractions participating this year, Sunflower Summer continues to open doors for Kansas families to explore and connect with every corner of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only creates unforgettable memories for students and parents — it also fuels local economies by drawing visitors to main streets, museums and hidden gems across Kansas.”
The 2025 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 12 to August 3.
During this period, eligible students and one accompanying adult are granted free one-time access to each participating attraction, once per season. Passes can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival. Kansas students from pre-K through 12th grade — including those in public, private and homeschool settings — are eligible to participate.
The program is exclusively available to Kansas residents.
“We’re thrilled to bring back Sunflower Summer for another year,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program is a wonderful celebration of the incredible experiences Kansas has to offer. The variety and quality of attractions participating this year truly are outstanding — and we can’t wait for the season to begin.”
For the complete list of participating attractions and full program details, go to SunflowerSummer.org.
Families are encouraged to share their Sunflower Summer journeys on social media using #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer. For more Kansas travel ideas and inspiration, click here.