Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead at 13800 Switzer Road in Overland Park, Kansas, is a free-admission working farm and nature education site operated by the City of Overland Park, located in the southwest corner of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The farmstead re-creates a turn-of-the-20th-century farm environment and introduces children to livestock, crops, and prairie wildlife in an accessible suburban setting. The 12-acre site includes a petting zoo area with goats, sheep, calves, and domestic rabbits; a barnyard with draft horses, heritage-breed pigs, and chickens; a working one-room schoolhouse; a general store; a Native American village exhibit; a fishing pond stocked for catch-and-release; and a pony ride area. Seasonal demonstration activities include butter churning, corn grinding, and egg-gathering. The Nature Center building houses small animal exhibits and handles programs where visitors can interact with turtles, snakes, and raptors under staff supervision. A large playground with climbing structures occupies a central area of the farmstead. Entry is charged per person at the gate on Switzer Road; children under 2 are free. Weekend admission is slightly higher than weekday rates. The farmstead is open from April through October only; it closes entirely through the winter months. Overland Park is a suburban city of approximately 200,000 in northeastern Kansas, 15 miles south of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and the farmstead is one of its most visited family attractions. Parking is free and extensive in the adjacent lot.
Good to know
- Hours
- Apr–Oct: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm. Closed Nov–Mar.
- Best time
- Weekday mornings in spring or fall to avoid crowds
Location
13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221
38.8822, -94.6776 View on map
Highlights
- Working farm recreation with petting zoo, barnyard livestock, draft horses, and heritage breeds on 12 acres in suburban Overland Park
- Catch-and-release fishing pond, pony rides, and Native American village exhibit among the themed areas
- Butter churning, corn grinding, and egg-gathering demonstrations throughout the season
- Nature Center with hands-on snake, turtle, and raptor interaction under staff supervision
- Large central playground with climbing structures for younger children between farm areas
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning in spring or fall — weekend afternoons in summer attract the largest crowds of families with young children.
- Wear closed-toe shoes; the barnyard areas have uneven ground and loose gravel around animal enclosures.
- The pony ride area has limited capacity; queue early in the visit rather than leaving it for last.
- The catch-and-release fishing pond requires visitors to bring or rent simple fishing equipment; check opkansas.org for current details.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat — most areas are outdoors with limited shade during peak summer heat.
When to visit
Open April through October only; the farmstead is closed November through March. Weekday mornings in May, September, and October offer the best combination of seasonal programming, comfortable weather, and manageable crowds.
Accessibility
The main paths between farmstead areas are paved or compacted gravel and are navigable by strollers and most wheelchairs. The barnyard areas have some uneven ground. The Nature Center building is wheelchair-accessible. Accessible restrooms are available near the main entrance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Families typically spend one and a half to three hours, depending on how much time children spend in the petting zoo, at the fishing pond, and on the playground. Spending time at every area of the farmstead can fill a half-day.
Is the farmstead suitable for toddlers?
Yes — the farmstead is designed with young children in mind. The gentle petting animals, stroller-accessible paths, and age-appropriate play areas make it one of the most toddler-friendly attractions in the Kansas City area.
Is photography allowed?
Photography for personal use is freely permitted throughout the farmstead including in the animal areas and at demonstrations. Flash photography near the animals is not permitted.