Visiting Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Fun Free Family Outdoor Activity in the Kansas City Missouri Metro
Sep 5, 2009
Located in Overland Park, Kansas the formerly named Children’s Farmstead was established in 1978 and is a gem of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. With free admission, plenty of children’s activities and over 200 animals to view or pet, the farm is a vibrant family destination that attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. In 1985, it was renamed Deanna Rose Farmstead to honor Overland Park Kansas’ first fallen officer. The farmstead depends on fundraising and donations for its extensive daily operations. Many activities are free or can be enjoyed for a nominal fee.
Variety of Animals at Deanna Rose Farmstead
Visitors to Deanna Rose Farmstead will be surprised by the diversity of farm life and opportunities to enjoy its splendor. The farm is caretaker to a large variety of farm animals and animals indigenous to the Kansas and Missouri bi state including:
- cows
- chickens
- peacocks
- steer
- bison
- turtles
- prairie dogs
- bobcats
- eagles
- hawks
- goats
- sheep
- pigs
- rabbits
- waterfowl
- fish
Visit the dairy barn at 9:30 each morning and see Pippi the cow being milked by machine or try to milk a replica cow by hand. Various coin vending machines offer feed for a quarter for fish, chickens, and goats. Watch as the chicken scratch for feed and the goats nibble nuggets right from the hand. Pump ice cold water from the old fashioned water pump or kick of the shoes and dip tired toes in Dominic’s Water Fountain. Then make sure to visit the Prairie Playground, one of three playgrounds on the farm, whose theme is “Play in Peace, Grow in Peace, Live in Peace”. It boasts a log cabin, sand play area, fort, playground equipment, and lots of benches and shady areas to sit and observe the magic of children playing.
Family Activities at Deanna Rose Farmstead
There are many family activities to enjoy for free or a nominal fee including:
- Indian Encampment –The Indian encampment and earthen lodge tells the story of the Kanza Indian Tribe also known as the Kaw Indian Nation indigenous to Kansas. Through a replica of the lodge, teepees, tools, and items familiar to daily life in the tribe families will learn an appreciate life on the Kansas prairie.
- Helen’s Country Schoolhouse – Class is in session in this replica one room schoolhouse. Enjoy a craft activity while learning the ABC’s of school life for farm children in the early 1900’s.
- Belgium Horse Drawn Wagon Ride – For $3, riders can enjoy an old fashioned hayride that skirts the fishing pond and drives into the forest. In the fall, families can make a pit stop at the pumpkin patch, choose their own pumpkin for Halloween for $5, and enjoy fall games and activities.
- Fishing Pond – Everyday is a great day to fish on a catch and release pond stocked with bluegill and sunfish. For $3, anglers can try their luck at drowning worms with cane poles.
Deanna Rose Farmstead is located at 138th and Switzer in Overland Park, Kansas and is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 1 to October 31. Birthday party packages are available. With its variety of family activities and diversity of farm animals Deanna Rose Farmstead is a great place to unwind and enjoy the simple life. Free family fun in a fresh air setting makes this farm a must stop when visiting North East Kansas or Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
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