FABULOUS FAMILY ACTIVITY!!!!! You won’t want to miss this–and, it’s for a good cause; all proceeds benefit Children’s TLC. What could be better? The activity is the 12th Annual Crown Center Pumpkin Patch, presented by KPMG. Saturday, October 11 is the date, with Sunday, October 12 being the rain date. The place–Crown Center Square, at 25th and Grand Blvd in KCMO. The time–10am until 4pm. (And don’t forget to wear your costume!!) Now, for the good stuff!!

The whole day will be packed with fun things to do, including a petting zoo, carnival booths, games, inflatables, concessions and live entertainment. And did I mention PUMPKINS? How about 30,000 pounds of them?!? There will be FREE admission and parking at Crown Center Square. At the event, tickets may be purchased for $0.50 each, and these can be used for pumpkins, games, etc.

Here’s the fantastic lineup of LOCAL talent:

• 10:00 am Miller-Marley Performers
• 12:00 pm Berkley Matthews
• 12:30 pm Costume Parade and Contest
• 1:00 pm The Doo Dads
• 2:00 pm Dino O’Dell
• 3:00 pm Oogles ‘n’ Googles

As previously mentioned, this day of family fun benefits one of KCKidsFun’s community partners, Children’s TLC. The mission of CTLC is to provide therapeutic and educational services for children with disabilities in an environment which fosters their independence and celebrates their successes. CTLC was established in Kansas City in 1947 and is located at 31st and Main Street. No child is denied services due to inablity to pay. That’s where WE come in–grab the family, head out to the Crown Center Pumpkin Patch, and support a great cause!!

If you are unable to make it down to Crown Center on the 11th, or, if you just can’t get your fill of pumpkins, check out our comprehensive listing of city-wide pumpkin patches. There’s lots to do in the next few weeks…don’t miss out!

The KC-metro’s best-kept secret (okay, so it really isn’t so secret to families in south Johnson County…) is ready to open on April 1, complete with a brand-new entryway.  Deanna Rose Farmstead, located in south Overland Park at 138th and Switzer, is the city’s premier petting zoo, nature environment, fishing pond, playground, pony ride place!  And did I say FREE admission?  I’ve easily spent 3-4 hours there with little ones in tow and it’s a blast.  I’d suggest taking along the following:  a good-sized handful of quarters to feed the assorted ducks, goats, fish, chickens, etc., a couple bucks for a  pony ride and/or a fishing pole and some worms, sunscreen, some snacks/drinks (there are also some concessions available for purchase) and your walking shoes!   

Your kids can pan for ‘gold’ and check out the new dairy barn.  You won’t want to miss the one-room schoolhouse, either.  There is playground equipment within the Farmstead, as well as a terrific playground just north of the parking lot.  Wear the kids out, I say!

Check the Links! on the right side of this page for additional info on Deanna Rose (i.e. hours of operation, directions).