Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead opens for the 2024 season on Monday, April 1 at 9 a.m.
The charm of the farm animals, the intentional areas to explore, and the emphasis on conservation and preservation are just some of the reasons Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is a favorite destination for Kansas City families. It is also economical to visit, cheerful around every corner, and can fill a few hours before afternoon naptime, or a full day of fun.
For novices or first-time visitors, take it from a seasoned veteran and follow these tips for a seamless day on the farm!
Plan your visit
Tickets can now be purchased online! If your plans change, tickets are valid through the end of the season, on October 31. The 2024 Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead admission fee is $5 per person for those ages three and older. Children two and under and Friends of the Farmstead are free. The Farmstead also offers free admission after 2 p.m., Monday-Thursday, except on holidays.
Purchase goat milk bottles, animal feed, wagon ride and fishing supplies inside.
Once inside, follow the path toward the beautiful white barn and visit all of the little animals along the way, winding around until you find the small pangs of hunger hitting. Break out the packed snacks, or hit one of four options to purchase a kid-approved meal. There’s ice cream, hot dogs, ham sandwiches, warm pretzels … everything you’ll need to feed a picky child.
Consume your treats in the shade of the large playground, equipped with plenty of comfortable seating for parents to “sitervise” or sit and supervise as we like to call it! It’s a part of the park that makes kids of all ages want to run and slide.
From there, peek at the rabbits, coo at the pigs and feed the large goats who seem to often be more intrigued with eating shirts than they are the provided feed. Never miss the red slide that will take little ones through a barn full of birds and turkeys.
In this area you’ll also want to find the line to ride the horse-drawn wagon, an experience that feels the most nostalgic during the fall months. Brand new this season is an updated Draft Horse Depot dedicated to hosting the rotating teams of Belgian draft horses who lead the popular wagon rides throught the woods.
Continue around the shaded, paved paths to find a bald eagle display, short walking path through the woods, a butterfly garden, an often-napping buffalo, and other stop-worthy adorable animals and exhibits along the way.
Be sure to stop to bottle feed the adorable baby goats. This year, the babies were named after beloved Pixar characters. Can you find Woody, Boo, Nemo, Dory and Coco?
It’s the meandering and the exploring that makes Deanna Rose Farmstead a destination worthy of your time and money. It is big enough to entertain a wide-range of ages, but small enough to not feel overwhelming for the smallest of tots.
Important tips for parents
- Ample parking is right outside the entrance.
- Park is stroller friendly with wide, paved paths.
- Plenty of picnic tables are scattered throughout to rest and eat.
- Most attractions are free, with the exception of things such as mining, fishing, wagon rides and goat bottle feeding, but all are inexpensive add-ons.
- Park is only open April 1 through Oct. 31.
Seasonal attractions & Special Events
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead also offers lots of everyday events throughout the months, as well as holiday celebrations.
Pumpkin Hollow
Targeted more toward a toddler and younger elementary crowd, this is a great afternoon fall activity.
Night of the Living Farm
Visit for scary and non-scary activities during the Halloween season.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
A drive-up and park display meant to wow while never having to set foot in the cold air.
Visit the Farmstead’s site to see all upcoming special events, from goat yoga and movie nights to safety day and a fun run.
A day at Deanna Rose is encouraged, if not a rite of passage every year. It feels wholesome and a place everyone can visit without growing tired, as there’s always something new and precious to discover.
