Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead opens for the 2025 season on Tuesday, April 1 at 9 a.m., bringing fresh excitement with a brand-new play structure and the introduction of Sensory-Friendly Early Admission Days.
Families can kick off the fun with a barnyard bonanza featuring hands-on activities, live entertainment, more than 250 animals, playgrounds, fishing, wagon rides, gem mining and more. And, of course, a new batch of adorable baby goats is ready for bottle feeding, ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Opening Day activities:
- Face painters will be available from 10 a.m. to noon
- SevenDays will hand out stickers and bookmarks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Mr. Stinky Feet performs at 1 p.m.
- K-State Master Gardeners will hand out packets of zinnia seeds while supplies last
But the fun doesn’t stop on Opening Day. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is open daily April 1-October 31, with exciting events throughout the year. From seasonal celebrations to interactive farm experiences, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy.
Sensory-Friendly Early Admission Days
New this year, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead offers Sensory-Friendly Early Admission Days on the first Tuesday of the month from May through August. Individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families are invited into a calm and supportive environment from 8-9 a.m. before the Farmstead opens to the general public. Regular admission applies. Tickets must be purchased in advance due to limited capacity.
“We know that farm life can be full of unexpected sounds and movement, which can be overwhelming for some visitors,” said Laurie Jacobson, Public Programs Supervisor. “These special mornings allow guests to explore the Farmstead at their own pace, in a quieter setting, while still enjoying the magic of meeting farm animals and experiencing hands-on activities.”
Sensory-friendly features:
- Sound domes are turned off and used only for emergency announcements
- Clearly marked quiet zones and high-noise areas
- A limited number of noise-canceling headphones available at the entrance
- Select education areas and attractions open, including the General Store, Ice Cream Parlor and the Mining and Fishing Shacks
- Goat feeding through the fence after the running of the goats at 8:10 a.m.
- Movie theater available as a quiet zone (no movie playing)
New play structure replaces barn slides
Opening Day also unveils a vibrant new play structure within the Farmstead’s iconic red barn play area. This innovative addition features 12 exciting elements, including multiple slides, climbing zones and interactive features designed to captivate young visitors. The historic red barn will continue to serve as a home for farm animals, while the new play structure offers a fresh and exciting way for children to explore and play at the Farmstead.
Admission to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is free for ages 2 and under and for Friends of the Farmstead members. Admission is $5 for ages 3 and up. Individual and family memberships are available. Visitors can enjoy free entry after 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) throughout the season.
Find more information to plan your visit at opkansas.org/Farmstead.