After spending the winter cooped up indoors, any little one, whether a preschooler or a puppy, just wants to get outside and play in the sunshine.
This April, kids of all species—and all ages—can enjoy springtime fun on the farm at Purina Farms in Gray Summit. During its annual Springtime Village from April 10-14 and 17-20, this family-friendly destination is celebrating the return of the season with live entertainment, baby animals, photos with Peter Rabbit, Incredible Dog Shows, games and more! Best of all, your entire family can take part in almost all of the festivities for one flat fee.
A full day of activities in the great outdoors
For more than two decades, families throughout the region have made Springtime Village their Easter tradition thanks to the variety of attractions Purina Farms offers each day.
Your kids can participate in holiday-themed activities, such as a scavenger egg hunt wagon ride, a golden egg grab for a chance to win $50, and photos with Peter Rabbit himself. After, they can burn off energy at the inflatable games and bounce house, meet with Dream Time Princess Events costumed characters, and hit up the entertainment stage for a magic show, sing-a-longs or storytelling.
Of course, no trip to Purina Farms is complete without a visit with your barnyard friends. Meet and greet the newest arrivals to the family at the baby animal petting area and check out Purina’s famous animal demonstrations and dog agility shows. For those looking for a new family member, there will even be adoptable pets at the pet center.
“During Springtime Village, we want families to have the chance to spend quality time with each other and pick and choose what’s the most fun and relevant for them,” said Kaite Flamm, senior manager of programming for Purina Farms. “That’s why we offer such a variety of activities, so your family can create an experience based on what interests you the most. If you want more of an animal experience, you can gravitate toward our cow milking demonstration and pony rides. If you’re looking more for entertainment, there are the games, crafts and live shows.”
This year, Purina Farms has added a bubble workshop and a kids’ tattoo artist to the fun. In addition, for the first time, a food truck will be on site each day to offer great eats along with Purina Farms’ onsite concessions. Plus, because activities are spread throughout the grounds, there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and fewer crowds to ease mom and dad’s nerves.
Springtime Village will be held on Wednesdays through Sundays from April 10-14 and 17-20 and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Admission is $15 per car, and no reservations are necessary. There are additional costs for face painting and food.
A lineup of other springtime events
In addition to Springtime Village, Purina Farms is hosting three Easter-themed events on April 13, which require tickets (Springtime Village does not).
During the Bunny Brunch and Kiddie Egg Hunt, your family can enjoy a delicious buffet and fun activities before searching for eggs. Brunch is $20 for adults; $25 for kids ages 2-12. If your family only wants to hunt, the cost is $15 per child. Both events also include strolling entertainment, Easter Bunny photos and access to Springtime Village. Space is limited, and you must have reservations to attend. (NOTE: As of 4/11 the Bunny Brunch has sold out.)
Later that day, your furry friend can get in on the fun at the annual Doggie Egg Hunt from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The $10 fee also lets your dog try out Purina Farms’ obstacles courses and dog parks.
For more information on all of Purina Farms’ events this spring and to get tickets to the Bunny Brunch or egg hunts, visit www.purinafarms.com
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
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