Enjoy ‘Sunflower Summer’ With Affordable Fun in the City

Looking to fill a full day of activities in Wichita? A variety of attractions participate in “Sunflower Summer” – a program sponsored by Kansas Tourism which allows Kansas families with children and young adults up to grade 12 free admission until Aug. 11, 2024. Even if you’re coming from out-of-state, these popular spots are a great way to see some of the best of what the ICT has to offer. The participating locations are:

• Botanica Wichita - A captivating oasis of more than 30 gardens and exhibits with gardenscaping, sculptures and fountains to explore.
• Exploration Place - Kansas' premier science center that inspires deeper interest in science and technology through fun experiences.
• Sedgwick County Zoo - The No. 1 outdoor attraction in Kansas, the award-winning SCZ is home to more than 3,000 animals and nearly 400 species.
• Tanganyika Wildlife Park - Offers animal experiences including feeding and meet & greets with the ultimate mission of supporting exotic and endangered species.
• Wichita Art Museum - The home of more than 10,000 permanent pieces in its collection, from historical to contemporary art.
• Ulrich Museum of Art - The region's source of modern and contemporary art right on the campus of Wichita State University.
• CityArts -  Designed specifically to meet the needs of a community arts center in Wichita, CityArts features four exhibit galleries and The Art Shoppe boutique dedicated to showcasing work by local artists.
• Field Station: Dinosaurs - A one-of-a-kind prehistoric expedition featuring over 40 life-sized, moving and realistic dinosaurs that is thrilling, educational and fun!
• Great Plains Nature Center - A walkable nature preserve in the city with the mission of helping the public develop an appreciation of wildlife and the environment.
• The Kansas African American Museum - The premier home of Kansas African American history and artifacts.
• Kansas Aviation Museum - Aims to inspire, preserve, educate and commemorate Kansas aviation for the future.
• Mark Arts - Wichita's premier art gallery and location for art classes, culinary classes and art events.
• Mid-American All-Indian Museum - Dedicated to education and preservation of the American Indian culture. Located within walking distance from The Keeper of the Plains.
• Rock River Rapids - One of the area's popular water parks featuring a pool, lazy river, slides and concessions.
• Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - Explores the rich history and cultural heritage of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

Along with Wichita, there are more than 220 total attractions throughout the entirety of the Sunflower State participating in the program including state parks, museums, sports and more!

Affordable Fun & Food

If you’re traveling across state lines or looking at visiting after summer ends, many of the above attractions offer an affordable price of admission. On top of that, Wichita has sites to see at no charge. The most noteworthy is The Keeper of the Plains – Wichita’s iconic public art piece that sits at the split of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers and is right along the city’s riverwalk near downtown.

Also of note are the local bloggers and organizations that keep Wichitans and visitors alike up to date on what’s happening around the city. Some of the most well-known are:

• Visit Wichita – The city’s driver of tourism and entertainment. Their easy-to-use website is organized for visitors to find the best things to do in Wichita.
• Wichita on the Cheap – Aimed at helping the community “Live the Good Life for Less.” The perfect site to find deals and discover activities in the city at an affordable price.
• Wichita by EB – THE Wichita food blog. Ran by Eddy, a Wichitan, this blog boasts more than 1,000 restaurant reviews and is the perfect way to find a local bite that fits your palate.
• Wichita Mom – As the title indicates, a local guide to Wichita for those with kids. A helpful tool to find kid-friendly things to do in the city.
• Wichita Life – Apart from their blog and event calendar, Wichita Life also produces a podcast featuring interviews with key community members that make Wichita unique.

There are so many different ways to supplement your college visit by exploring the city. Be sure to ask an admissions staff member what their favorite spot is!