Children can taste the ripe fruits and vegetables and learn about healthy food, nutrition, insects and plants at the Beanstalk Children’s Garden.
The 14,500-square foot garden contains more than 300 plant varieties that grow in themed gardens to encourage learning. As part of Kansas City Community Gardens, the children’s garden was developed with a curriculum designed to teach children about growing seasons, crop rotation, insects, nutrition and plant science. There are six specialized gardens: the vegetable garden, fruit garden, herb garden, seed and grain garden, curiosity garden and water garden. Children are encouraged to sample the ripe edibles.
All plants are grown organically, demonstrating what is possible to grow in the Kansas City soil and climate. Plant varieties include figs, gourds, strawberries, raspberries, cactus, mouse melon, cotton, peanuts, popcorn, sunflowers, edible weeds and, of course, a giant beanstalk.
The garden is available for school tours, garden clubs and Girl Scout and Boy Scout field trips and can be scheduled at Beanstalk Children’s Garden or by calling 816-931-3877. Admission is $2 each for guided tours and free for individuals on self-guided tours. The garden is open until from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. – Noon on Saturdays through October 19.
The garden is located at 6917 Kensington, Kansas City, MO.