Sunflower Summer Returns: Plan Your Free Family Fun in Abilene

Get ready, families. Sunflower Summer is back from Saturday, July 12 to Sunday, August 3, and that means free admission for Kansas families to some of Abilene’s most beloved attractions. Whether you’re chasing trains, exploring history, or soaking in a little presidential pride, now’s the time to make summer memories in Abilene, Kansas, named one of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the U.S.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad – Flint Hills Express

All aboard for a scenic ride. Catch the train at 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. daily, with a special 2:00 p.m. departure on Sundays. Experience Kansas in motion.

Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum

Step into the life and legacy of our nation’s 34th president. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., this is a must-see stop for families learning and loving history.

Dickinson County Heritage Center

Travel back in time as you explore the stories of early Kansas and ride the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Great Plains Theatre – Tuck Everlasting

Catch this magical production with Sunflower Summer-eligible performances starting July 18. Visit GreatPlainsTheatre.com for the full show schedule.

Historic Seelye Mansion

Tour a mansion filled with original Edison fixtures, a box ball bowling alley and secrets of the past. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Sunday hours from 1 to 3 p.m.

Old Abilene Town

Round up the kids and head to Old Abilene Town for gunfights, can-can dancers, and Western fun. Open Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Mark your calendars and grab the free Sunflower Summer app to start planning your Abilene getaway. Whether it’s your first time or a favorite tradition, Sunflower Summer makes it easy and affordable to explore Kansas with the kids.

Visit www.SunflowerSummer.org for more details and visitor resources. Adventure awaits in Abilene.

SUNFLOWER SUMMER SCHEDULE

Saturday, July 12 – Sunday, August 3