Snap up nature’s bounty at farms during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. 

A & H FARM

Manhattan                        

A & H owners Andrea and Hugo handle the growing while you get to do the picking: strawberries in spring, lavender in summer, and sunflowers and pumpkins come autumn. For more produce, shop the store for greens, squash, sweet corn, and tomatoes. October’s Fall Festival features hayrack rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch and apple cider slushies.

COTTAGE LANE PUMPKIN PATCH

Ellis

Hitch a hayride to the patch and pick your perfect pumpkin from mid-September through October. Back at the farmstead, meet the chickens and goats; navigate the corn and hay bale mazes; and shop in the barn for homemade Cottage Lane Candles, crafts, gourds, fall decor, pickles and jellies.      

THE LAVENDER PATCH FARM

Fort Scott                        

During June’s peak bloom, wander (and whiff!) the purple-hue prairie. Throughout the spring and summer, shop for farm-made lavender essential oils, lotion bars, culinary blends and dried bouquets. June’s Lavender Fest brims with field tours of the hundreds of plants, growing demonstrations and the ultimate refreshment: lavender ice cream. 

LULABELLE’S FLOWER FARM

Burlington                        

Daffodils and tulips kick off the flower farm’s annual lineup, followed by peonies, roses, hydrangeas, and dahlias. In late summer, snip zinnias, celosia, and sunflowers from the gardens for take-home bouquets, or buy designer arrangements at the florist shop in a vintage grain bin. On the patio, savor the view along with a flower-topped blueberry lavender mimosa.        

MEADOWLARK FARM ORCHARD AND CIDERY

Rose Hill                        

Arrive in season to pick apples, strawberries, and pumpkins, or call ahead for a uniquely customized experience. Tailored to your interests, prearranged group tours may include pruning fruit trees, hayrack rides, crafting hard cider, or simply enjoying fizzy sips with a local charcuterie board.

Frolic among goats, alpacas, sunflowers, and stagecoaches as you get in touch with country living and learn a bit of history along the way. 

DEANNA ROSE CHILDREN’S FARMSTEAD

Overland Park                        

Open youngsters’ eyes (grown-ups’ as well) to early-1900s farm life with a visit to the one-room school, blacksmith shop, and dairy barn. Kids can bottle-feed pygmy goats, race pedal tractors, ride horse-drawn wagons, play in the barn, and encounter nearly 250 critters. 

HEARTLAND FARM

Pawnee Rock                        

On 80 peaceful acres, guests feel renewed after walking the labyrinth and nature trails, visiting alpacas and chickens, and making time for meditation in a silo outfitted with stained-glass windows. Opt for a day trip or stay overnight in the guesthouse. 

KANSAS MAZE

Buhler                        

Wind through 20 acres of cheery sunflowers (600,000-plus blooms) for sunny snaps in late August and early September. Annual 1-mile and 5K trail runs take place through the giant flowers, and more than 100 vendors sell baked, vintage and handmade goods at the Sunflower Market (August 31 in 2024).

MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP AND FARM HISTORIC SITE

Olathe                        

The Mahaffie family lived and hosted stagecoach travelers on the Santa Fe Trail at this 1860s farm. Stagecoach rides, blacksmithing demonstrations, a farmhouse and flocks of chickens bring the frontier to life at the trail’s only remaining stage stop open to the public.     

NORTH 40 ALPACAS

Osborne                        

“Come Feel It, Wear It!” proclaims this all-out alpaca ranch. Find out why after petting Princess, Micah and their 30 furry friends. Then shop at the retail store for warm and cuddly fleece products—hats, socks, blankets, sweaters and coats—along with yarns from the North 40 herd.    

PROVIDENCE HILL FARM

Atchison                        

Certified yoga therapist Christy Harris and her beloved goats provide therapeutic playtime, hiking excursions and yoga classes to guests of all abilities. Learn to make soaps and cheeses from goat’s milk at workshops, and shop for artisan bath and body products at the small farm store.