Deanna Rose Cheat Sheet: Insider Tips for Fun at the Children's Farmstead

The best time to visit the Farmstead depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The Farmstead is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM starting April 1 through October 26.

If you're looking for a quieter visit, Sensory-Friendly Early Admission Days take place from 8 to 9 AM on the first Tuesday of May, June, July and August. Designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, these mornings offer limited attendance, reduced noise, sensory maps, and early access to select attractions. Advance tickets are required.

Visitors can save on admission with free entry after 2 PM Monday through Thursday, just keep in mind that this offer doesn't apply on major holidays like Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

Throughout the year Deanna Rose hosts several special events, including: a Fourth of July celebration complete with a bike parade, yoga classes with baby goats, the June Bug Ball where kids can dress as their favorite bug, moo-vie nights, and Georgia's Chicken Run where children compete in a 1/8 to 1/4 mile race.

In October, don't miss out on Pumpkin Hollow, a special fall-themed extravaganza featuring festive activities like horse-drawn hay rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, a pumpkin patch, and themed games and play spaces!

Admission to the Farmstead is just $5 for guests ages 3 and up, and free for children 2 and under, making it an affordable family outing.

Be sure to bring plenty of quarters and small bills for all the interactive activities: kids can use quarters to buy food and feed goats and chickens, rent bottles to feed baby goats for $1 each, fish with an old-fashioned cane pole for $3, take a horse-drawn wagon ride for $3, or even pan for "gold" and gems ($6–$10 depending on the bag size).

Here are a few more items we recommend bringing to make the most out of your visit:

• Comfortable Shoes: Close-toed shoes like sneakers or Crocs are best for walking around the grounds.
• Sunscreen and Hats: Most of the Farmstead is outdoors, so it's important to stay protected from the sun (especially during the summer months).
• Water Bottles: Bring your own to stay hydrated while you explore. There are water refill stations located throughout the Farmstead.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Kansas weather can change quickly, so wearing layers and bringing rain gear will help you stay prepared.
• Strollers or Wagons: If you're visiting with younger kids, these are a must for longer stay.
• Snacks or a Picnic Lunch: While there are concessions on-site, many families pack their own food to enjoy at picnic areas. Just leave the glass containers and alcoholic beverages at home.
• A Towel or Blanket: Perfect for spreading out on the grass for a picnic or quick rest.

Watch a real-life cow milking

Every day at 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM, you can watch a real-life cow milking demonstration in the Dairy Barn! After you watch the Farmstead employees milk the cow, kids can practice in the pretend cow milking stations and check out a film on the history of dairy in Kansas at The Cinemoo Moovie Theater. Similarly, every day at 3:30 PM, the Farmstead staff does a live goat milking demonstration.

Pick up a Discovery Passbook

Visit Ben's Bank at the beginning of the day to pick up a Discovery Passbook. This passbook ensures that you experience everything that the Farmstead has to offer through nine discovery stations. When you return it back to Ben's Bank, you can redeem a prize!

See the Running of the Goats

Right after the Farmstead opens at 9 a.m., and right before they close at 5 p.m., stop by the baby goat corral to experience the Running of the Goats. This is where the goats run from their outdoor pen to the barn. It's absolutely a must-see!

Stop for a Sweet Treat or Souvenir

Grab a hand-dipped ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Parlor, a piece of old-timey candy at The General Store, or take a vintage photo at the Photography Parlor!

Don't forget to wash your hands

Utilize the hand washing stations located throughout the Farmstead. After feeding animals and petting baby goats, it's important to make sure your kiddos' hands are clean!