Spring into Family Fun

After a winter that far overstayed it’s welcome, April has been a welcome month on the calendar. Birds are chirping, tulips are in their full glory, and- cue the angel music- Deanna Rose is open again for the new year! As a mom of little ones, this is perhaps the greatest news of all! For years, I have enjoyed taking my children to the Farmstead, where young and old alike can experience the best of the country, right here in the city. From bottle feeding the pygmy goats to gold mining, walking the lush butterfly garden trails to roaming an Indian encampment, there is always something to do. And, of course, visiting just to enjoy the multiple playgrounds is a good enough reason in its own right. We have invited grandparents to join us, met up with playgroups, and even had a field trip at Deanna Rose and yet, for my children it never gets old.

Imagine our delight when we discovered some wonderful renovations that took place during the off season. As we entered the dairy barn to see the new calves, my boys were immediately struck by the new junior saddles that have been set up for children to hop on. And in Dominic’s Playground, my five year old took a fancy to the giant, new tractor playset, while the four year old was mesmerized with the sand shovels that have been put into giant homemade sandboxes made by none other than galvanized watering troughs. The littlest of children will love the new toddler playground set up directly behind the educational pavillion, while parents will enjoy additional landscaping that was added to provide texture and color to the grounds.

Trying to find an attraction that can appeal to all three of my kids can be a challenge but Deanna Rose is a winner in my book. While the older kids can burn off some energy throughout the farmstead, the ten month old contentedly takes in all that is around him from his stroller. Given a few months, I know he’ll be more eager to join them on the ground, than take in the view from his seat. But that’s fine, too… flat paths and trails are perfect for little ones that are freshly toddling! And there’s no denying that seeing cows, pigs, goats, bunnies, and geese in person beats simply showing them to your baby in a book! Farm life, great play equipment, something for everyone in the family. For these reasons- and more- Deanna Rose’s opening season is one of our family’s favorite things about April!