MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – A pair of venues in Manhattan will participate in the 2026 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program.
City officials announced Thursday that through the program, both the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo will be offering free admission to Kansas families with school-aged children, to encourage them to explore, and learn more about Kansas. Officials said that the program is designed to give affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy.
Explore the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo Through the 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer Program(City of Manhattan)
The City of Manhattan stated that resident Kansas families with children in pre-K through Grade 12 may download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. One adult ticket is eligible for free admission with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed at participating venues upon their arrival.
Officials said each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2026 season. The 2026 Sunflower Summer season will run from July 9 through Aug. 2. During Sunflower Summer, both venues will be open seven days a week.
According to City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Stewart, “Sunflower Summer is a fantastic opportunity for Kansas families to explore remarkable destinations like the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo, with free admission for children and one accompanying adult. Through the program, families can explore the native landscape of the Flint Hills and connect with wildlife, making summer both memorable and meaningful.”
Kansas Tourism aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo 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. Both venues are an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”
For more information about the Flint Hills Discovery Center, visit flinthillsdiscovery.org and for more information about Sunset Zoo, visit sunsetzoo.com. To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
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