Sunflower Summer

School is out. Space is in.

Kansas students (and their families) can visit the Cosmosphere for free this summer

This summer, adventure is out there — way out there

Thanks to Sunflower Summer, a program from Kansas Tourism, a visit to the Cosmosphere is free to Kansas families with school-age children this summer (May 25 – Aug. 11). All Kansas Pre-K through 12th-grade students (including public, private, and homeschooled students) are included in the program.

No strings attached. Simply download the app, and you’re in.

Why you should visit

If you haven’t visited the Cosmosphere, prepare to be amazed and surprised at every turn. If you’ve spent time here before, then you know.

It begins when you walk into the Cosmosphere beneath the wings of the SR-71 Blackbird that spans the lobby. It begins when you watch your grandchildren learn how to build a rocket in CosmoKids or watch a giant ball of cotton explode in Dr. Goddard’s Lab. It begins when you stand beside the Apollo 13 Command Module Odyssey or crane your neck to see the top of the Gemini Titan Rocket.

Your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass

Includes unlimited access on the day of your visit to the Hall of Space Museum and CosmoKids, one Carey Digital Dome Theater documentary, one show in the Justice Planetarium, one show in Dr. Goddard’s Lab and one ride on the naviGATOR Flight Simulator.

Allow at least four hours to experience everything included in the All-Access Mission Pass.

Learn more about each attraction below.

Visit the Museum

Sun- 9am-5pm
Mon-Tues Closed
Wed-Thurs 9am-5pm
Fri-Sat 9am-7pm

The Cosmosphere will be closed Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving.

Hall of Space Museum**

The Hall of Space begins with the story of the WWII German rocket design that evolved to power the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. As you proceed through the galleries, you will see the story of the space race between the United States and the U.S.S.R. unfold. You’ll learn about technological and cultural differences between the two superpowers through their intense competition to be the first to reach the Moon. 

Parts of the Hall of Space Museum are currently under renovation and are expected to reopen in Winter 2024.

All day access included with your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass

CosmoKids

This interactive STEAM area gives kids a chance to learn through play AND we give adults the resources they need to explain the science behind the fun. 

All day access included with your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass
dome-theater

Carey Digital Dome Theater

A two-story Dome with an amazing 4K digital projection system creates a vivid theater experience that surrounds you, and can even make you feel like you’re along for the ride! See newly released science documentaries during the weekdays and popular feature films on the weekend.

One Documentary included with your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass

Dr. Goddard's Lab

We can’t wait to hear what you think of this engaging live science demonstration that entertains all ages. There are explosions (don’t try this at home, kids) and bright lights, so please consider the needs of everyone in your group as you purchase tickets for this attraction.

Fun fact: Dr. Goddard’s Lab has inspired kids to be rocket scientists when they grow up!

One show included with your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass

Justice Planetarium

Cosmosphere began as the first planetarium in Kansas and today, it offers one of the most technically advanced planetariums in the region. You’ll leave knowing exactly what planets and stars will be over Kansas that evening and how to find them in the night sky. 

One show included with your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass
Blue-Angles-Formation

naviGATOR Flight Simulator

Experience the thrill of flying with our immersive flight simulator.

One ride included with your Sunflower Summer All-Access Mission Pass
John Tour 3

Free Docent-Guided Museum Tours

Offered every other Saturday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, experienced and insightful docents will enlighten and entertain you on your journey through the Hall of Space Museum*. No reservation required. Limited space available. See Box Office for dates. 

Go Beyond for FREE

Visit the Cosmosphere, the greatest space museum on planet Earth during Sunflower Summer May 25 – August 11.

The renovated galleries in the Hall of Space are open. While many artifacts are on display during this time, the exhibits and graphics won’t be fully completed until late 2024.​