The Fun Farm Brings Seasonal Magic to Kearney

by Shannon Bond

Just a short drive north of Kansas City, tucked on the edge of Kearney, Missouri, sits a place that turns spring, summer, and fall weekends into a celebration, The Fun Farm. With more than 300 acres of rolling farmland, it has become one of the region’s favorite destinations for visitors, groups, birthdays, and field trips.
The Fun Farm’s calendar is packed throughout the year with the Fall Festival, Jacks in the Night, the Tulip Festival, KC Berry Fest, and the Apple Cider Fest. Depending on the season, visitors can explore pumpkin patches, pick crisp apples and strawberries, and sip cider slushies as they explore the farm, stopping to take selfies and family photos at one of the many picture-perfect settings. Kids can play at a host of attractions, including the massive corn pit, air trampolines, slides, tree house village, and playgrounds. And don’t forget the petting zoo, train, and tractor rides.

Since the leaves are turning, the highlight of this season is the Fall Festival and the newly opened Jacks in the Night.

Fall Festival: Sept. 19 – Nov. 2

Fall at The Fun Farm kicks off in mid-September with its signature Fall Festival, a family-friendly experience with something for everyone.

As their website says, “Celebrate the season at Fun Farm’s Fall Festival in Kearney, Missouri, just 30 minutes north of Kansas City! Enjoy 30+ family-friendly attractions, Instagram-worthy photo ops, tasty treats, and visits with our adorable barnyard animals. Don’t miss a ride on the tractor out to the pumpkin patch and corn maze! From apple cider donuts to corn pit fun, it’s the ultimate destination for fall family fun in Missouri.”

Families can pick pumpkins straight from the patch, ride the train or hay wagon, visit barnyard animals, and let the kids loose in the massive corn pit and on the slides, trampolines, and treehouse play zones. Locals rave about the food each year as they munch on regional favorites like apple cider donuts and funnel cakes (and don’t forget about the apple cider slushies). On the way out, visitors can meander through the enormous country store, full of jams, gifts, and seasonal décor.

Jacks in the Night: Sept. 26 – Nov. 1

New for this year, when the sun goes down, the farm will take on a different kind of magic. Their brand-new event, Jacks in the Night, lights up the landscape with glowing jack-o’-lanterns and themed displays.
Their website invites visitors to “Step into a spellbinding pumpkin trail where thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light the way. Wander through glowing tunnels, enchanted forests, and towering pumpkin displays. It’s one of the most dazzling fall events in the Kansas City area, perfect for families, date nights, and Halloween lovers of all ages.”

KC Apple Cider Fest: Usually mid-August to mid-September

While the time is past for this year, the KC Apple Cider Fest is worth mentioning for next year (2026 dates TBD).

According to their website, visitors can “Come pick crisp, juicy apples straight from the orchard, sip on delicious apple cider slushies (or hard cider for the grown-ups!), and snack on seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. With over 30 family-friendly attractions, including hayrides, train rides, farm animals, and Instagram-worthy photo ops, Cider Fest at Fun Farm is the ultimate fall celebration near Kansas City.”

Tulip Fest: Spring (2026 dates coming soon)

For those who love to shake off the cold of winter and celebrate new life in every bloom, the Tulip Festival is just the thing. As their website says, “Experience the breathtaking beauty of spring at Fun Farm’s annual Tulip Festival in Kearney, Missouri! Stroll through 12 acres of vibrant blooms featuring over 1.5 million tulip bulbs and 40+ unique varieties. Just 30 minutes north of Kansas City, this colorful spring event offers endless photo opportunities and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a flower lover, photographer, or simply looking for the best tulip fields in Missouri, the Fun Farm Tulip Festival is a must-visit destination.”

KC Berry Fest: 2026 dates are coming soon, but usually late spring to early summer

Have you ever wanted to pick strawberries straight off the vine? You’re in luck, and while you’re at it, you can snack on strawberry donuts and take all the family selfies you want. Fun Farm says, “There’s nothing sweeter than springtime at KC Berry Fest! Head out to Fun Farm in Kearney, Missouri, to pick fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the vine. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day filled with sunshine, strawberry treats, and over 30 fun farm attractions, just a short drive from Kansas City. From photo ops in the fields to strawberry donuts and more, it’s a spring tradition you don’t want to miss.”

Schools, Groups, and Birthdays

As The Fun Farm has expanded, so have its offerings and the visiting groups. Schools love sending students for field trips because it provides a hands-on, safe environment to learn about farming, interactive play, animals, and more. And families can book birthday parties with up to 12 guests. If campfires are your favorite, groups can also book a private campfire pit that is close enough to the attractions while still providing a bit of privacy.

A Season for Everyone

The Fun Farm has built a seasonal experience for everyone, whether you prefer wandering a glowing jack-o’-lantern trail, biting into a warm apple cider donut, or picking apples under clear autumn skies. For families, groups, and schools across Northwest Missouri, it’s becoming an annual tradition that helps connect people from all walks of life. To find more information, buy tickets, or subscribe to their newsletter, visit funfarmpumpkinpatch.com or hop in the car and take a drive to 650 N Jefferson St, Kearney, Missouri.