Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead offers sensory sensitive time for families

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) - In 1985, Overland Park police lost their first officer in the line of duty after an altercation with a drunk driver. Her name was Officer Deanna Rose.

Now, the Children’s Farmstead with her namesake is announcing a new program geared toward being inclusive to those more vulnerable among us.

May 6 marks the first sensory-friendly early admission day at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. The first Tuesday of every month offers sensory-sensitive populations a way to enjoy the farm at a quieter, calmer pace.

Some differences include: Guests can feed goats through the fence rather than inside the pen with the animals. The movie theater will be open, quiet, and dark, offering families a spot to relax and cool off. And the farmstead will offer sensory kits to anyone who wants one. All this to make the farmstead a fun, safe space for everyone.    

“We are a very popular location and it can be a little wild and crazy at times,” said Public Program Supervisor for Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Laurie Jacobson. “So we want to have a time for people sensitive to that sort of atmosphere to come and enjoy the farmstead without all of the additional noise and distraction.”

For those interested, tickets are online but limited to 500 spots to keep the space calm during the designated time.

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