“Mums” the word at Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins! At least that was what I believed for several years. But as it turns out, you will need a lot more words to describe all the great fall activities available for your family on this 140-acre working farm!
In addition to the largest selection of mums that I have ever seen, they have a fantastic system that allows you to select the mums that best fit your fall decorating plan. There are large photos of each type of mum, along with each variety’s blooming schedule. With the help of the blooming schedule, you can have a gorgeous display of color from the end of summer well into late fall. Once you have selected the type and quantity of each mum you would like, the farmers gather your plants and bring them to you. Every year, when I see the mums up close, I am reminded just how beautiful and healthy these plants really are!
While you are waiting for your mums to be brought in, be sure to stop and really look at the fields of mums. It is impossible to describe the sheer perfection of these massive mum fields. The perfect rows of vibrant fall colors are truly breathtaking!
While the mums alone would make the trip worthwhile, you would really be missing out if you didn’t take time to pick some apples. With several varieties available, you can pick your family’s favorite literally right off the tree. Unlike some orchards, the trees have apples growing low enough for even the youngest kiddo to get in on the action! My niece and I, with the help of my amazing 18-month-old great niece, managed to pick about 20 pounds of apples in less than a half hour! By that evening, we had turned some of our crop into homemade applesauce.
No fall farm trip would be complete without some time in the pumpkin patch. With over 50 acres of pumpkins and decorative produce, you can enhance your fall decor and be ready to create the creepiest jack-o-lanterns on your block. There is no doubt with these huge fields even the most discriminating pumpkin artist will find just exactly what they are looking for. Don’t forget, those pumpkins look a lot
smaller in the field then they do on your porch! Be sure and bring your tools to harvest your pumpkins – those vines can be tough.
For families with kids, the farm truly offers enough to keep kids of all ages busy for an entire day. There are giant tunnel mazes, corn crib mazes, a climbing wall, a real firetruck play yard, jumping pillows, rally car courses and more! No matter what ages your kiddos are, there is something just for them. These creative play areas are a great change from a regular playground. Features include:
- Huge jumping pillows
- Littles: Giant Tunnel Maze, Silo Play Yard, Jr Rally Cars and renovated block bus or corn bin pit.
- Bigger kids: Big Kid Fort Barn, corn bin pit and our mustang rally car course. (for ages 9-14 or 150 lb. maximum).
- Farm animal corral with weekend pig races beginning at 11 a.m. and running every two hours
- Pumpkin Popper – shoots pumpkins across the lake or the Pumpkin Chomper who enjoys a tasty pumpkin meal
Admission and Season Pass
All kids 2 and under are free, but there is admission for children, adults, and seniors. Kids are $13 on the weekends, adults are $11, and seniors are $9. Johnson Farms also offers a season pass options. A family of up to six people can purchase a large family season pass for $100. The Family 4-Pack Season Pass for families of up to four for just $65. If you go twice this season, and trust me, you will want to, a season pass is the way to go.
When your group starts to wear down, you can take a break for lunch without leaving the farm. There is a nice covered eating area where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and more for a quick refuel.
This is a great time for mom and dad to catch their breath and recharge for more fun. Even if you choose not to have lunch, don’t leave the farm without treating yourself (and your family) to the delicious pumpkin donuts and apple cider slushies. Hands down the best fall treat ever! Pro tip: take some donuts to go, you will regret it if you don’t.
I know everyone’s schedules are full and it is never easy to fit another activity into the weekend, but as a mom whose kids are grown, I promise you the memories your family will make in a day at Johnson Farms is well worth the effort it will take you to get it on your calendar. And hey parents – take some pictures because these years go by fast and you will love being able to look back on your days on the farm!
For those of you whose kids are grown, the farm makes a great place to get away for a day date or a girl’s day out. Trust me, regardless of your age, with or without kids, there is something for everyone to do at Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins!
Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins
17701 Holmes Rd, Belton, MO 64012
Hours
Monday-Thursday, Noon to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
