A new program will help children stay engaged in learning throughout the summer months while spending quality time with family members and friends touring some of Kansas’ greatest attractions – all for free.
The Sunflower Summer program, which is being funded by federal COVID-19 money to offer summer enrichment activities for Kansas students, is a collaboration between the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, KU Center for Public Partnerships and Research, and Greenbush Education Service Center.
Adults can visit sunflowersummer.org to download the Sunflower Summer mobile app to their phone or tablet device. The app is currently available in the Apple App Store.
An adult will need to register their family members and include their county and school district. There are nearly 70 attractions to choose from across the state, including zoos, museums, historic landmarks, libraries and outdoor locations.
Within the Sunflower Summer app is a passport that allows participants to track where they have visited on their adventures.
Once a location has been selected, tickets can be claimed within the app. When attendees are ready to enter, the ticket can be activated and presented to the ticket taker.
Child care facilities also can access and use the app for field trips. However, only one ticket per child and adult can be redeemed at each location. More information and a frequently-asked-questions section are available at www.sunflowersummer.org.
The Sunflower Summer program runs through Aug. 15. Funding for this program is limited, and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis.
A list of participating attractions is attached.
