Looking for an affordable Kansas City outing where kids can meet animals, explore farm life, play outside and sneak in a little learning along the way? Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park is always a win for our family.
We recently spent the day at this popular Kansas City family attraction and packed in so much fun. From bottle-feeding baby goats and panning for gems to exploring historic buildings and watching a real blacksmith work, there is something new to discover around every corner.
Here is everything families should know before visiting Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead Hours, Admission and Location
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is located at 13800 Switzer Rd. in Overland Park, Kansas.
- The Farmstead is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during its regular season.
- Admission is $5 per person for ages 3 and older, while children 2 and younger are free.
- Families can also visit for free after 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
Because hours, activities and animal availability may change, check the official Farmstead website before heading out.
Things to Do at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Deanna Rose is much more than a petting zoo. Families can enjoy farm animals, playgrounds, gardens, historic buildings, nature areas and hands-on activities throughout the property. During our visit, we:
✨ Panned for gems at the Mining Shack
🚜 Pedaled the tractors
💦 Pumped water
🔨 Watched the blacksmith work
🐴 Rode the horse-drawn wagon
🤠 Pretended to be cowboys
🏦 Opened a bank account at Ben’s Bank
🐰 Saw the cutest bunnies
🐐 Bottle-fed baby goats
🎣 Watched families fish
🛝 Played on the playgrounds
🐄 Petted farm animals
⛺ Explored the Kanza Indian Encampment
It was a full day of simple, hands-on fun. My kids loved being able to move from animals and playgrounds to history and interactive activities.
Meet the Animals at Deanna Rose
Feed and Pet the Farm Animals
The animal areas are always a highlight for our family. Kids can see goats, cows, horses, pigs, rabbits and other farm animals throughout the property. Several areas allow children to feed or pet the animals, making the experience feel much more interactive than simply walking through a traditional zoo.
Bottle-Feed the Baby Goats
Bottle-feeding the baby goats is one of the most popular activities at Deanna Rose. Bottles cost $1 each and are sold at the Fishing Shack. Only a limited number of bottles are available each day, so consider making this one of your first stops.
Mom tip: Our three younger kids felt a little overwhelmed standing inside the enclosure while excited goats jumped around them. For children ages 4 and younger, feeding the goats through the fence openings can be much easier and less intimidating.
Watch a Cow Milking Demonstration
Plan your visit around one of the real-life cow milking demonstrations in the Dairy Barn. Demonstrations are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Kids can watch the process up close, learn where milk comes from and ask questions along the way. The Farmstead also schedules additional animal demonstrations and feedings throughout the day.
Inside the Cinemoo Moovie Theater, families can also watch a short movie about milking cows.
Explore Hands-On History
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead helps children imagine what life might have looked like on a turn-of-the-century Kansas farm.
Open an Account at Ben’s Bank
Our son loved opening a pretend bank account at Ben’s Bank. The historic setting gives kids a playful introduction to what banking and business might have looked like generations ago.
Visit Helen’s Country Schoolhouse
Because our kids are currently reading Little House on the Prairie, Helen’s Country Schoolhouse was especially fun for our family.
The replica of a 1900 one-room country schoolhouse includes turn-of-the-century desks and writing tablets, along with a working pot-bellied stove.
Watch the Blacksmith at Work
Our oldest was mesmerized by John’s Blacksmith Shop. The real-life blacksmith demonstrated his work and patiently answered our son’s many questions.
It was one of those unexpected moments that made our visit especially memorable.
Explore the Kanza Indian Encampment
Families can also learn about Kanza history while exploring the Farmstead’s encampment. This area adds another educational stop to a day filled with animals, outdoor play and historical experiences.
The History Behind Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
The Farmstead originally opened as a petting zoo in 1978. It was renamed in 1985 to honor Officer Deanna Rose, the first Overland Park police officer killed in the line of duty.
The Farmstead serves as a lasting tribute to her love of animals, commitment to the Overland Park community and dedication to public service.
Optional Activities and Add-On Prices
One of the things I love most about Deanna Rose is that the low admission price includes plenty for families to enjoy. The additional activities are completely optional.
Some visits, my kids would rather spend most of their time with the animals or on the playgrounds. We can skip the extras and save something new for our next trip.
Deanna Rose Add-On Activities
- Bottle-feeding baby goats: $1 per bottle
- Fishing: $3, including a cane pole and four worms
- Gem mining: $6 for a small bag or $10 for a large bag
- Horse-drawn wagon rides: $3 per person, with children younger than 1 riding free
- Animal feeding: Food is available through dispensers and at select locations
Add-on activities and prices may change, so confirm current details before your visit.
Playgrounds and Outdoor Activities
When kids need a break from the animals and historical exhibits, Deanna Rose offers several opportunities for active play.
Children can pedal tractors, pump water, pretend to be cowboys and explore the playgrounds. These activities make it easy to create a balanced day with plenty of learning and time to run, climb and play.
Be sure to make time for the Enchanted Forest, a shady walking trail near the bald eagle enclosure. It is a peaceful place to slow down and take a break from the busier activity areas.
Is Deanna Rose Stroller-Friendly?
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is very stroller-friendly, with wide and mostly paved paths throughout the property.
Our 1-year-old was perfectly happy hanging out in the stroller for about 90% of our visit. That made it much easier for the rest of us to explore.
Families with babies or toddlers may still want to bring a stroller or wagon, even if their children usually prefer walking. There is a lot to see, and little legs can get tired after several hours.
Food and Picnic Options
Families can purchase food, drinks and treats at several locations inside Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
Places to Buy Food
- Alex and Emily’s Ice Cream Parlor
- Dairy Barn
- Farmhouse
- Vic’s General Store
Selections may include fountain drinks, bottled water, sports drinks, milk, coffee, juice, hot chocolate, hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, candy, taffy and ice cream.
Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy at one of the outdoor picnic areas. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Packing lunch can help families keep the day affordable, especially when visiting with several children.
Tips for Visiting Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Visit After 2:00 p.m. for Free Admission
Admission is free after 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. This is a great option for families who want to enjoy a shorter afternoon visit.
Bring Quarters
Bring a few quarters for the coin-operated animal food dispensers located throughout the Farmstead.
Feed Little Goats Through the Fence
Younger children may feel overwhelmed inside the goat enclosure. Feeding the goats through the fence openings can provide a calmer experience.
Arrive Early for Goat Bottles
Only a limited number of baby goat bottles are available each day. Purchase yours early if bottle-feeding is a priority.
Plan Around the Cow Milking Demonstrations
Try to catch a real-life cow milking demonstration at 9:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paths are stroller-friendly, but families will still do plenty of walking while visiting the animals, playgrounds, historical buildings and activity areas.
Pack Water and Sunscreen
Many areas are outside, so bring water, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deanna Rose
How much does Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead cost?
Admission is $5 for visitors ages 3 and older. Children ages 2 and younger are free. Admission is also free after 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
What ages is Deanna Rose best for?
Deanna Rose is especially popular with toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-age children. Babies can enjoy watching the animals from a stroller, while older children can participate in fishing, gem mining and historical activities.
Can you bring food into Deanna Rose?
Yes. Families may bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy in the outdoor picnic areas. Glass containers are not permitted.
Is Deanna Rose good for toddlers?
Yes. The wide paths, playgrounds, small animals and hands-on activities make Deanna Rose a great Kansas City attraction for toddlers. A stroller or wagon can be helpful during longer visits.
Are all activities included with admission?
Many attractions, animal areas, playgrounds and historical exhibits are included. Activities such as goat bottles, fishing, gem mining and wagon rides cost extra.
Is Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead Worth Visiting?
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is such a fun and affordable Kansas City outing for the whole family.
Between the animals, playgrounds, historical buildings and optional activities, it is easy to create a day that fits your children’s interests and your family’s budget. You can spend the day trying every activity or keep things simple with animals, playgrounds and a picnic lunch.
Either way, Deanna Rose offers the kind of hands-on family fun that keeps Kansas City families coming back year after year.
Gracia Larsen is a Minnesota transplant who loves exploring everything Kansas City has to offer with her four kids.