Experience Big Changes and New Events at Purina Farms All Season Long!

Pet lovers heading to Purina Farms this spring and summer will notice some exciting developments at one of the region’s favorite free family attractions. After a multi-year construction project, Purina Farms is putting the final touches on its revamped Visitor Center to create a more welcoming and inviting place where guests of all ages can learn about dogs, cats, and the rest of our furry and feathered friends.

“We’re always trying to figure out what we can do to enhance our visitors’ experiences year after year while keeping the essence of the Farm they loved from their childhood,” said Bailie Kleekamp, marketing coordinator for Purina Farms. “It’s still the same Visitor Center, but it features brand-new amenities, including family bathrooms, a larger concession area and gift store, water bottle refill stations, and more recycling bins to tie in with our sustainability efforts.”

While the Visitor Center refresh led Purina Farms to press pause on a few of its spring events, there’s still plenty of fun to be had all season long. In fact, Purina Farms is enhancing some of its most popular activities and attractions while introducing a line-up of new events for every member of the family, including your canine companion.

Bringing the magic to your Purina Farms visit

Purina Farms is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., now through June 1, and Thursday through Sunday until the end of October.

During your visit, your family can enjoy a variety of down-on-the-farm activities, such as wagon rides, cow milking demonstrations, playtime at Checkerboard Charlie’s Fun Farm indoor playground, and stops at Chickentopia and a new goat playland area. Animal welfare groups will be represented as well with adoptable pets to meet (and maybe even bring home!), including dogs, cats, pot-bellied pigs, and horses.

In addition to its popular Incredible Dog Show, which wows audience members with canine feats of athleticism, from agility courses to dock diving, Purina Farms has added a magic show to its mix of must-see performances. Every Saturday, magicians will amaze you and your little ones with the unexplainable while serving up plenty of comedy, improv, and audience participation all while sharing tips for responsible pet care.

Can’t-miss events all season long

While a visit to Purina Farms is always worth the trip, a calendar packed with one-of-a-kind events makes it a true destination for families looking for some hometown fun. Prices and times are still to be determined for many events, so be sure to visit purina.com/purina-farms, check the STL Parent Things To Do calendar, join our Things To Do Facebook Group, or follow Purina Farms on Facebook or Instagram for the latest details.

Dog Day Out
Saturday & Sunday, June 7-8 and August 23-24, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Let your favorite furry family member play the day away! At Dog Day Out, pups of all ages and sizes are invited to participate in 10 different dog-centric challenges to show off their skills, including lure coursing, furbol futbol, and a canine obstacle course. This year, Dog Day Out has been moved to the evening so your family can beat the heat while watching your pets bring it. Learn more and register online here.

Pints and Puppies Blood Drive
Tuesday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Make a difference in the lives of people and their pets alike! Give blood during a pet-themed American Red Cross drive at Purina Farms and receive a specially-designed insulated travel mug (while supplies last). After donating, visit with adoptable puppies who are looking for their forever homes! Appointments for Pints and Puppies are required and can be made online.

Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals
Saturday, September 28

Grab a front-row seat for you and your dog to catch the most anticipated canine championship of the year! On September 28, dogs from across the country will go head-to-head in a variety of competitions, from hurdle racing to disc sports. Throughout the day, enjoy delicious food, shop local retailers, and check out various kid- (and dog!) friendly activities.

Purple Leash 5K Fun Run
Saturday, October 12

Take your dog on a run and help an incredible cause at Purina Farms’ inaugural Purple Leash 5K Fun Run. Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the event raises funds for Purina’s Purple Leash Project. Explained Kleekamp, “Forty-eight percent of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving an abusive situation because most shelters don’t allow pets. The Purple Leash Project is focused on creating safe spaces where pets can stay with their people in a crisis.”

Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, December 7-8

Make Purina Farms part of your holiday family traditions! For two fun-filled days, local retailers will be on site to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. The Bazaar also features kids’ activities at Jingle Bell Junction, a dog play area, adoptable pets, and, of course, visits with Santa Claus himself!

“We’re so excited to welcome visitors back to Purina Farms,” Kleekamp remarked. “We can’t wait for everyone to see the upgrades we’ve made this past year and experience all of our events so they can make new memories with their families.”

_{Photos courtesy of Purina Farms.}