The National Comedy Center recently announced a new summer promotion that will allow kids and teenagers to visit the attraction for free with purchase of an adult ticket. Pictured is the National Comedy Center. P-J file photo

The National Comedy Center is welcoming kids and teenagers for free this summer, encouraging families to attend the popular Jamestown attraction.

Journey Gunderson, executive director, said the summer promotion, which will start on Memorial Day weekend, is “unprecedented” and is made possible by Shults Auto Group, a partner and sponsor of the National Comedy Center.

“There is so much at the National Comedy Center for kids and families,” Gunderson said. “It’s an experience featuring comedy’s greatest hits for all ages, and it’s interactive. They can perform comedy karaoke, put themselves into classic television and movie scenes, create their own funny cartoons, and much more.”

Gunderson said U.S. News and World Report has even recognized the National Comedy Center as a “Top 25 Family Weekend Getaway.”

Under the summer promotion, up to two children and teenagers can visit the National Comedy Center for free with an accompanying paying adult.

“If you haven’t been to the Comedy Center in a while, you have to see our two newest exhibits,” Gunderson said. “Johnny Carson: The Immersive Experience with Hologram Host Jimmy Fallon,” features Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Martin Short, Bette Midler, Byron Allen, Billy Crystal, Paula Poundstone, Conan O’Brien, George Lopez, Jay Leno and many more, as we showcase the “King of Late Night” on 30 digital projection surfaces in our state-of-the-art theater.”

Additionally, Gunderson said the “Carl Reiner: Keep Laughing” exhibit, which has been featured on “CBS Sunday Morning,” gives visitors the opportunity to experience Reiner’s seven-decade career, including collaborations with Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Steve Martin, Mel Brooks and Sid Caesar.

Asked what she would say to encourage people to visit the National Comedy Center and attend the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, Gunderson asked how anyone could “skip” visiting a national attraction such as the National Comedy Center, especially since it has been labeled one of TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places,” USA Today’s “Best New Museum” second place “Best New Attraction in the Country,” PEOPLE’s “100 Reasons to Love America” and U.S. News & World Reports “Top 25 Family Weekend Getaways in the Country.”

With a “state-of-the-art” attraction, and “one of the best” comedy festivals in the nation, Gunderson said people come to Jamestown to visit the National Comedy Center from every state in the country.

As a result of its popularity, the National Comedy Center has been recognized by “CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s “TODAY Show,” “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert, The New York Times and USA Today.

“You owe it to yourself and your family to come visit for a day or weekend filled with laughter,” Gunderson said. “With kids and teens free this summer, there has never been a better time to experience the National Comedy Center, and with our stellar comedy lineup, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is not to be missed this August.”

For more information or for tickets, the National Comedy Center encourages the public to visit its website (ComedyCenter.org).