There's something magical about spending quality time with your kids amidst the bountiful beauty of nature. One such adventure that promises endless fun and exploration is fruit picking in orchards. Not only does it provide an opportunity for your little ones to learn about the lifecycle of fruits, but it also allows them to witness the wonders of nature and farm-life firsthand. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the seasons, highlighting three delightful fruits you can pick with your kids: raspberries, apples, and pumpkins. Grab your baskets and let's embark on this nature's treasure hunt together!

Early Summer: Raspberries

As the warm summer sun blankets the land, it's time to head to the orchards in search of the vibrant and juicy raspberries. These delightful berries are a favorite among kids and adults alike. Start by teaching your children how to identify ripe raspberries, which are plump, deep red, and easily detach from the plant. Encourage them to carefully pluck the berries, allowing them to experience the satisfying "pop" as they gather the sweet fruits. Engage in conversations about the importance of sunlight, water, and pollinators in the raspberry-growing process. Once your baskets are filled to the brim, return home and enjoy a delicious raspberry feast together. Keep the picking going and choose some recipes together that can put these raspberries to good use. Drop some fresh raspberries on cereal or a smooth vanilla ice cream, sprinkle a little sugar on them and create a sweet syrup for pancakes, or process them down into a delicious raspberry jam perfect for raspberry shortcakes!

Fall: Apples

As the leaves turn golden and a crispness fills the air, you know it's a perfect time for apple picking. Fall is the season when apple trees bear their fruit in abundance, offering a perfect opportunity for a family outing. Show your kids the diverse array of apple varieties and explain the unique characteristics of each. Let them taste the sweetness of a Golden Delicious, the tartness of a Granny Smith, or the crispness of a Fuji apple. Engage in apple-themed activities such as apple bobbing or cider pressing to make the experience even more memorable. Encourage your children to gather as many apples as they can carry, and later enjoy the fruits of their labor by baking a homemade apple pie or preparing a refreshing applesauce and cider. Adults can set aside a little extra cider and bottle and cap it for later consumption, just make sure to follow the steps necessary to turn it into a delightfully crisp hard cider and not an accidental science experiment.

Late Fall: Pumpkins

As winter approaches, orchards transform into pumpkin patches, presenting a new adventure for you and your kids. Wander through the rows of sprawling vines, searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a spooky Jack-o'-lantern or use as a centerpiece decoration. Encourage your children to use their senses as they choose their pumpkins—touching the smooth or bumpy skin, listening for a hollow sound when tapped, and observing the vibrant colors. Have them think about what they want to do; do they want to find a blank canvas perfect for carving, or a knobby, ugly pumpkin perfect to craft a gnarly beast? Engage them in discussions about the importance of pumpkins in fall festivals and the tradition of Halloween. Once you've found the ideal pumpkins, bring them home and let your imaginations run wild as you carve unique faces or create artistic designs together. As most kids aren't usually big seed-eaters, consider taking roasted pumpkin seeds an extra step and coat them in cinnamon and sugar, a spice blend, or just having canned pumpkin in your pantry ready for a festive baked good.

Exploring orchards with your kids is an enriching experience that connects them with nature and offers a hands-on understanding of the seasonal cycles of fruits. Whether you're picking juicy raspberries, crisp apples, or festive pumpkins, these outings create lasting memories and provide valuable opportunities for learning. Embrace the treasure hunt, let your children's curiosity blossom, and enjoy the abundance of nature as you embark on these delightful adventures together. Happy fruit picking!