Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

The farmstead carries the name of Deanna Rose, an Overland Park police officer killed in the line of duty, the first officer in the city's history to die on the job. Naming this happy, family-filled place after her turned a tragedy into a lasting community memorial.

What began as a modest petting farm has grown over the years into one of the region's signature family attractions, expanded again and again as its popularity grew. Its development has been supported by the city and by donors, keeping it accessible as a treasured public space.

The heart of the farmstead is its animals, and the chance to get close to them. Children line up to bottle-feed and pet the baby goats, a highlight for many families, and can meet cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, horses, and more across the grounds.

Beyond the barnyard, the park keeps other creatures that broaden the experience, from birds to fish to native wildlife in its ponds and habitats. The emphasis throughout is gentle, supervised, hands-on contact, the kind that leaves a lasting impression on a young child.

The farmstead is more than a petting zoo. It re-creates elements of old-time rural and frontier life, with a one-room schoolhouse, a farmhouse, an Indian encampment area, a blacksmith setting, and other buildings that let families glimpse how people once lived and worked on the land.

Pony rides, a fishing pond, wagon-style features, and seasonal activities round out the visit, giving children plenty to do beyond the animals. It adds up to a full outing, part farm, part living history, part playground, all in one green space.

The farmstead is at its best in the warmer months, when the animals are out, the baby goats are plentiful, and the grounds are green. Spring is especially popular, with new animals and mild weather drawing families in numbers.

Summer is busy and warm, so early visits and sun protection help, while fall brings cooler days and seasonal touches. The farmstead typically closes for the cold months and reopens in spring, so it is a warm-season destination, best enjoyed when the animals and gardens are lively.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is an independently owned, editorially selected place to stay.