This Family-Friendly Park In Missouri Has A Nature Center, Gardens, Hiking Trails And More
George Owens Nature Park in Independence, Missouri, offers a variety of family-friendly activities across its 86 acres, making it a popular destination year-round.
Getting the whole family to agree on a destination for a day out can sometimes be downright difficult, but this family-friendly park in Missouri is one spot everyone's sure to agree on. Whether you've only got a few hours or an entire day, you'll find so much to do that you'll want to come back again. And again.
A family favorite since the 1970s, George Owens Nature Park in Independence offers a full menu of activities on its 86 beautiful acres.
That makes it a prime destination for a family day out in all four seasons. One of the best ways to explore the park is via one of its three hiking trails.
What is your favorite family-friendly park in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Take a peek, too, at this family-friendly road trip in Missouri that the whole family will love.
From riding camels to hanging out with sloths, the animal encounters at Critter Lane Petting Zoo in Valles Mines, Missouri, are some of the coolest experiences in the state. While the Midwest is known for its farm animals, feeding adorable baby goats never loses its charm, and you can do that here too! Additionally, you'll encounter exotic animals not native to the area, including lemurs, wild birds, and more. Just an hour south of St. Louis, Critter Lane offers extraordinary experiences that go beyond the usual farm visit.
Like any petting zoo, your experience at Critter Lane is likely to change from day to day, so you never know exactly which animals you’ll get to interact with. The staff does a good job of tuning into the animals’ needs, so they’re not expected to be “on” all the time. The National Animal Welfare Association recognizes the zoo as an accredited facility.
Regular admission is under $10 per person, but you greatly benefit from a season pass! Purchasing feed for the animals is separate, the fee is nominal. You can also get preferred rates for groups and birthday parties which come with some additional perks.
Kids two years or older can ride camels or ponies. My childhood dream come true! For the pony anyway, I never thought about riding a camel. I’ll be adding that to my bucket list. There is a small fee but totally worth it!
With so many animals to hang out with, you might be tempted to forgo the sloth encounter. But I ask you, when are you ever going to have the opportunity to get close to two-toed sloths from South America? Mable and Sammy are adorable, and you can book an encounter by calling Critter Lane Petting Zoo directly. While the rest of the petting zoo is open most of the week, you’ll have to plan your sloth visit for the weekend.
If you’re looking for something kid-friendly to do outside of St. Louis, a trip to Critter Lane Petting Zoo is worth the drive. Check out the Facebook page before you go; they do host seasonal events. When you go to a petting zoo like this, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the animals. I highly recommend getting a pair of waterproof shoes you can easily hose off afterward; nobody wants to take home any unexpected animal “treats.”
What are some of your favorite animal encounters in Missouri? Grant’s Farm in St. Louis is one of my personal favorites!
Autumn’s all about tradition, whether it’s cheering on our favorite team in the World Series or curling up under a blanket with a hot apple cider on a crisp fall night. We can all likely agree that fall in Missouri just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the pumpkin patch to go pumpkin picking, maybe escape a corn maze, and indulge in some of autumn’s tastiest treats. So, if you’ve thought about searching for pumpkin farms near me, here are just six of the best pumpkin patches in Missouri to add to this season’s bucket list.
Bring the whole family to Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch in Kearney for an epic day of fall fun at its annual Fall Fest. The festival boasts a full menu of attractions, including a pumpkin patch, an apple orchard, a corn maze, and delicious goodies. With more than 30 attractions, the farm promises something fun for visitors of all ages. Get more information on the official website of Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch.
Pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch at Brookdale Farms before escaping what's billed as the largest corn maze near St. Louis. Time simply melts away at this farm that's brimming with family-friendly activities - pumpkin slingshots, hayrides, cow rides, a low ropes course, and more. Check out all of the details on the official website of Brookdale Farms.
Carve out at least a few hours for your visit to Pete's Pumpkin Patch, a popular fall destination in Rolla. Fall on the farm means a ton of fun activities, especially for the kiddos, who can jump in the bounce house, ride in the barrel cars, and slip down a super slide. How long will it take to escape the corn maze? Make sure you take a ride to the pumpkin patch, too. Learn more on the official website of Pete's Pumpkin Patch.
If you've been Googling "pumpkin patches near me," you've likely landed on McKenna Family Farm, a must-visit pumpkin patch in Branson, Missouri. Meander through the pumpkin patch to pick your favorites then check out the slew of other family-friendly activities - a bounce pillow, swings, slides, and a three-acre corn maze. Or, climb aboard a delightfully spooky hayride for a journey around the farm. Get all of the details on the official website of McKenna Family Farm.
Start a new fall tradition at Red Barn Ranch's Autumn Fest, a celebration of the season that includes a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. Stroll along a nature trail; slip down a giant slide, and sip beer or wine at this family-friendly fall festival. Visit the official website of Red Barn Ranch to learn more about this pumpkin patch near Kansas City, Missouri.
Pick all of the pumpkins you need for carving and baking at Big Bear Pumpkin Patch. After you've found those perfect pumpkins, escape the corn maze; go on a hayride; soar on a zipline, and slide into a corn pit. Learn more on the official Facebook page of Big Bear Pumpkin Patch, a pumpkin patch near Jefferson City, Missouri.
What do you think are the best pumpkin patches in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Ready for more autumn adventures? Check out some of the best fall festivals in Missouri.
Oh, but fall fun doesn't stop there. One of the best ways to drink in the fall foliage is on a scenic hike. Check out some of the best hikes in Missouri on AllTrails.
