KCKidsFun

It’s April 1, and that means it’s April Fool’s Day.  But to thousands of families in the metro (and from out of town, too!) it means Opening Day at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Located at 13800 Switzer and open since 1978, the Farmstead is so many things.  It’s part petting zoo (over 200 animals, including peacocks, goats, pigs, pygmy goats, rabbits and geese) and part living history lesson.  There are beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, clearly marked with species names. There is a one-room schoolhouse, a dairy barn with cows and calves, and old-fashioned bank, a hands-on mining exhibit and LOTS more to do!

Wagon rides, fishing at the pond, pony rides and playground equipment help wear little ones out.  You can easily spend a full day here.  There are even two new attractions for the 2011 season! Alex & Emily’s Ice Cream Parlor features hand-dipped ice cream treats. Next door, you’ll find Vic’s General Store.

Modeled after the Conser General Store that originally operated in this area, the new general store features historically correct interior fixtures and finishes. In addition to being a replica of an actual early 1900s general store, the facility will also feature an area of nostalgic items for sale.

The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 1 to Oct. 31. Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Farmstead is open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is an admission fee on weekends– but Mondays through Thursdays, it is FREE! Friday through Sunday, it’s $2 per person; 1 and under are free.  Believe me, this is the best money you’ll spend for a day outside with your kids!

On Saturday, we took the kids to Faulkner’s Ranch for the afternoon.  My son’s second grade class had a back-to-school outing there–and it was FUN!  I had never been to Faulkner’s Ranch, but I definitely plan on returning in October to pick some pumpkins from their pumpkin patch.

Located off I-470 on Raytown Road, the Ranch is family-owned and you can sure tell.  (You can see one of the Faulkners in the red t-shirt; each family member had one on which made it really nice when asking for help.)  You may remember Benjamin Ranch on I-435 at 87th Street–this is the same family, new location.

We gathered in a large-sized covered shelter, and no time was wasted herding the kids into 3 groups.  Each group rotated among various activities.  These included a hayride (you could see the pumpkins starting to grow–getting ready for picking) and a “petting zoo” which featured a bull, pony, rabbits and goats to name a few.  There was also cow milking and pony riding.  The kids loved it!

There was a beautiful barn where people could go to cool off and have a cookie or drink.  This space is also available for private parties, corporate events, etc.  Everything was so CLEAN!  And don’t you just love those horse swings made from old tires?!?  So fun!

We will definitely be going back to Faulkner’s Ranch.  I’ve never been to their pumpkin patch, but if it’s anything like their private events…then count me in!  And speaking of pumpkin patches, you’ll want to keep checking back for our annual Pumpkin Patch guide. It’s coming soon!

Now, this next set of pictures has absolutely NOTHING to do with Faulkner’s Ranch.  Or Kansas City Kid Activities.  But it is so stinkin’ funny!  A little background–now that our daughter has been with us for a full 6 months, she has the sibling rivalry thing down pat with our son.  They fight like cats and dogs and it is so funny!

Last night, I was presented with a small gift from my daughter–a single bloom from my tired, leggy impatiens.

Not one to be outdone, my son disappears and returns about 10 minutes later.  He runs straight to my room, leaving a trail of dirt in his wake.  And he gifts me with an uprooted begonia, tangled roots and all.  The kicker is that the plant came from the neighborhood-owned landscaping.

So, I am beginning my week with a begonia plant in a plastic cup, a bloom from my dying impatiens on the kitchen counter, and the knowledge that kids can be so darn cute.  And I am so lucky to have a son and a daughter who love me… have a good week!

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!