Deanna Rose Farmstead is a welcoming spot in Overland Park that blends hands-on learning with low-key fun for kids and adults. Located at 13800 Switzer, this place opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 1 through October 31. It is easy to reach from the Kansas City area and offers paved paths for strollers and plenty of shaded seating.
The site features farm animals, a Dairy Barn with live cow milking, pedal tractors, wagon rides, and playgrounds designed for different ages. Visitors can meet goats, rabbits, prairie dogs, and koi ponds while enjoying main street exhibits and gem mining. The layout keeps activities close together so families can pace the day.
Admission is budget friendly: $5 per person ages 3 and older in 2025, with free entry for kids 2 and under. Weekday afternoons offer free admission after 2 p.m., and online tickets are valid through October 31 for flexible planning. Bring snacks for little ones or use on-site concessions, then let the kids unwind at Morgan’s or Prairie Playground.
Key Takeaways
- Hands-on exhibits and farm animals make learning fun for children and kids of various ages.
- Open April 1–Oct 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., convenient for spring and fall visits in the Kansas City area.
- Low admission cost with free options after 2 p.m. on select weekdays and free entry for toddlers.
- Features like paved paths, shaded play areas, and stroller-friendly routes help families stay comfortable.
- Online tickets and on-site amenities simplify planning for a relaxed family day out.
How to Plan Your Day at Deanna Rose Farmstead
Smart timing and a few packing tricks turn a busy family outing into an easy, fun day. Buy tickets online for a smooth start; online tickets are valid through October 31 if plans change. For 2025 the admission is $5 for ages 3 and up. Children 2 and under and Friends of the Farmstead enter free.
Tickets, timing, and money‑saving tips
Consider arriving after 2 p.m. Monday–Thursday (except holidays) to use free entry for late visits. The simple pricing per person makes budgeting easy when you plan add‑ons or snacks.
Best arrival times and seasonality
Plan a morning arrival on warm days to enjoy cooler temperatures. The site is open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., April 1–October 31, so spring and fall are ideal for a full day outside.
What to bring for kids of all ages
Packed essentials keep kids happy: water, approved snacks, sunscreen, hats, and a stroller or wagon for nap windows. Outside food is limited, and picnics are allowed near the parking lot with re‑entry by hand stamp.
Parking and accessibility basics
There is ample parking just outside the gate, and wide paved loops are stroller friendly for easy navigation. Expect scattered picnic tables to rest between activities and plan short breaks so every age gets a turn.
- Tip: Alternate animal visits and play areas to match different ages and energy levels.
- Tip: Bring light layers and rain covers — the season spans spring to fall.
Step‑by‑Step Visit: Animals, Activities, and Can’t‑Miss Stops
Start your loop at the entrance and move toward the white dairy barn so you can see many exhibits without backtracking. This route keeps short walks between petting areas, play zones, and historic Main Street.
Start with approachable animals
Visit goats, pigs, rabbits, and prairie dogs first to spark curiosity. These farm animals are near the front and are easy for children to reach.
Baby goats and bottle feeding
Baby goats love bottles. A bottle feed costs $1 and is a quick, memorable stop that delights kids early in the day.
Live cow milking and the Dairy Barn experience
Catch live cow milking twice daily in the Dairy Barn. Inside, try pretend cow milking stations with water to connect animal care to real life.
Fishing, wagon rides, and mining
Fish at the stocked pond for $3; the fee covers a cane pole and four worms. Line up at the Draft Horse Depot for shaded horse‑drawn wagon rides (add‑on fee). Try pay‑dirt gem mining ($5–$8) and take home your finds.
Play and history
Let children play at Morgan’s Playground or the larger Prairie Playground. See Main Street shops, the Kanza encampment, and pedal tractors to balance active play with cultural stops.
| Activity | Location | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Baby goat bottle feeding | Small-animal area | $1 per bottle |
| Live cow milking | Dairy Barn | Free (showtimes) |
| Fishing (cane pole) | Stock pond | $3 (pole & bait) |
| Gem mining | Mining station | $5–$8 |
Make It Easy for Families: Food, Breaks, and Smart Routes
Smart pit stops for snacks and shade keep energy steady on a busy family outing. Grab kid‑approved bites, plan short rests, and follow a simple loop so you can see many exhibits without long backtracking.
Kid‑approved eats and ice cream: Multiple stands serve ice cream, hot dogs, ham sandwiches, and warm pretzels near playgrounds. Seating is close so you can supervise while kids refuel. Outside food is limited inside the gates, but picnics are welcome by the parking‑lot playground with re‑entry via hand stamp.
Stroller and wagon strategy for naps and shade
The grounds are wide and stroller friendly, with paved paths and shaded play areas. Pack a light blanket and plan to take wagon breaks for naptime or calm‑down moments. A wagon or stroller helps younger ages rest between activities.
A simple clockwise loop to see many highlights
Start near the dairy barn, swing past the playgrounds, butterfly garden, and raptor exhibits, then head back along Main Street. This clockwise route reduces extra walking and keeps stops for food, restrooms, and animals close together.
- Refuel with ice cream near play areas to combine snack time and supervision.
- Alternate active play with calmer animal visits to pace kids and adults.
- Stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen, and use picnic tables for brief rests.
Seasonal Events and Special Programs at the Rose Children Farmstead
Special events throughout the year add themed fun and fresh activities for returning families. The rose children farmstead fills the calendar with family-friendly holiday events and rotating programs that bring something new each visit.
Pumpkin Hollow, Night of the Living Farm, and Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
Mark your calendar for fall favorites like Pumpkin Hollow for toddlers and early elementary ages. Night of the Living Farm offers choose‑your‑thrill routes with both non‑scary and spookier options.
Winter brings Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane, a cozy drive‑up display that families from Kansas City and Overland Park enjoy without leaving the car.
Sensory‑Friendly Early Admission Days: what to expect
New in 2025, Sensory‑Friendly Early Admission Days run the first Tuesday of May through August from 8–9 a.m. Regular admission applies and capacity is limited, so buy advance tickets.
Expect quieter crowds, gentle lighting, and staff ready to help make visits calm and welcoming.
Know before you go: dates, hours, and what the farmstead also offers
The season runs April 1–October 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with admission at $5 for ages 3 and up and free for kids 2 and under. Special programs—goat yoga, movie nights, safety day, and a fun run—keep repeat visits fresh.
- Pair baby goats bottle feeding, live cow milking, mining, or fishing with a themed event for a full day.
- Save time for ice cream and a wagon ride to balance activity and rest for children of all ages.
- Check ticket availability early for limited‑capacity offerings and arrive a few minutes before your slot.
Conclusion
Wrap up with a strong, easy‑to‑follow plan so kids end the day happy and calm. The deanna rose farmstead delivers hands‑on exhibits, shaded paths, playgrounds, and friendly farm animals that suit all ages.
Pick one or two must‑do activities—like the Dairy Barn, a short wagon ride, or a visit to the goats—and leave room for a quiet snack break. Tickets are simple at $5 per person for ages 3+, and online options make timing flexible.
Whether you’re local to the Kansas City area or visiting Overland Park, this place keeps offering something new each season. Plan a relaxed loop, pace naps with a stroller or wagon, and enjoy a family day that’s easy to repeat.
FAQ
What are the hours and seasonal dates for Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City?
The farmstead is typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the main season, usually April 1 through October 31. Hours and specific seasonal events can change, so check the Overland Park website or the attraction’s official calendar before you go.
How much is admission per person and are there free entry times?
Admission is charged per person; some programs offer free or reduced entry after 2 p.m. on select days. Look up current pricing on the official Overland Park parks page before your visit to confirm rates and any free‑entry windows.
What should we bring for a day with kids of different ages?
Pack sun protection, refillable water bottles, snacks, a lightweight stroller or wagon, and a change of clothes for little ones. Bring small bills or card for concessions, and a camera for animal moments. A blanket helps for restful snack breaks.
Is the site stroller friendly and is parking available?
Yes, main paths are stroller friendly and many exhibits are accessible. Onsite parking is available near the entrance; during busy events arrive early to secure a close spot. Accessible routes lead to major attractions.
What animals can we expect to see and interact with?
You’ll see goats, pigs, cows, horses, rabbits, prairie dogs and various farm poultry. Interactive areas often let kids meet baby goats, pet smaller animals, and observe feeding times. Staff and volunteers supervise animal encounters.
How does baby goat bottle feeding work?
Bottle feeding usually runs at scheduled times and may require a small fee or token purchase. Check the daily schedule at the information desk for exact times and locations. Staff will show proper handling to keep animals and children safe.
Is there a live cow milking demonstration and where is the Dairy Barn?
Yes, the Dairy Barn hosts live cow milking demonstrations and related exhibits about dairy. Times vary, so consult the posted schedule on arrival. The Dairy Barn also features kid‑friendly displays and sometimes ice cream sales.
Can we go fishing at the farmstead and what do we need?
Fishing with a cane pole is available at the stock pond. There may be a small fee and rental poles or bait for purchase. Rules, age limits, and catch guidelines are posted at the pond—bring appropriate footwear and sunscreen.
Are there wagon or horse‑drawn rides on the property?
Yes, the site offers horse‑drawn wagon rides from the Draft Horse Depot through shaded woods on many days. Rides are subject to weather and schedule; fees and departure times are posted at the ticket window or information kiosk.
What is gem mining and is it suitable for young children?
Gem mining is a hands‑on activity where kids sift material to find polished stones and fossils. It’s a great option for younger visitors with staff supervision; you typically pay per bag or sluice session and keep your finds.
Where are playgrounds and what ages do they serve?
Playgrounds include Morgan’s Playground and Prairie Playground, plus smaller play areas like the Dairy Barn slides. Structures cater to various ages—toddlers through older kids—so parents can choose age‑appropriate areas for safe play.
What historic and cultural exhibits are on the grounds?
The attraction includes a Kanza Indian Encampment and a recreated Main Street with a bank, blacksmith, and schoolhouse. These interpretive areas offer hands‑on learning about local history and traditional crafts.
Where can families eat and find treats like ice cream?
Onsite food options and seasonal concession stands serve kid‑approved eats and ice cream. Picnic areas and shaded benches let families refuel. Check daily listings for any special food events or vendor locations.
How do I plan a simple route to see many exhibits without backtracking?
Start at the animal barns near the entrance, then move to the Dairy Barn and playgrounds, continue to the fishing pond and Draft Horse Depot, and finish with gem mining and Main Street. This loop minimizes backtracking and keeps rest stops easy to reach.
Are there seasonal events we should know about?
Yes—popular programs include Pumpkin Hollow, Night of the Living Farm, and Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane, plus Sensory‑Friendly Early Admission Days. Event dates and ticketing details are published ahead of each season on the Overland Park events page.
What should visitors expect on Sensory‑Friendly Early Admission Days?
These mornings reduce noise, limit crowds, and adjust lighting to create a calmer experience for guests with sensory needs. Staff provide modified programming and quiet spaces—check event descriptions for exact accommodations.
Is the site suitable for birthday parties or group visits?
Yes, the facility hosts group visits and birthday celebrations with reserved spaces and tailored activities. Reserve early through the official reservations line or website to ensure availability and any guided add‑ons like animal encounters.