This past weekend we spent some time picking peaches with our kids at a pick your own produce farm. The kids loved it and we had fun being outside and spending time with the kids.
Places to Go Peach Picking
First, find a pick your own farm in your area. If you can’t find a farm in your area, try searching facebook for events or reach out to orchards in your area.
Where we went to pick peaches
Picking peaches is one of the activities at the Alstede Farms Peach Festival we attended in New Jersey. We have gone to this festival several times in the past few years.
This year we tried the all you can eat peach breakfast for the first time. It wasn’t what we were expecting, online it says there would be a
“Hearty breakfast of home made pancakes with our delicious home made peach topping, as well as sausage, eggs, desserts and more.” (Peach Pancake Breakfast Description 2018)
From this description, we were expecting to be able to eat some of the peach treats they offer in the tent at the farm store. The breakfast didn’t have any desserts but it included pancakes, eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, peach topping and a variety of drinks.
I personally don’t think the breakfast was anything special. Instead of doing the breakfast spend the money trying the delicious peach ice cream or the Peach Ice, it’s amazing!
Tips for picking peaches
Wear closed-toe shoes
When picking peaches you will be walking through the orchard. You will most likely find fallen and smashed peaches all over so unless you want smashed peaches all over hour feet I recommend closed toe shoes
Wear play clothes
Remember those peaches on the ground. My kids love to run through the orchard so chances are very high they will fall, stand or sit on smashed peaches or mud so no fancy clothes for us.
Check the Peaches
If you have toddlers or young kids helping you pick peaches, anything can end up in your box. Be sure to check the peaches that end up in your box. We didn’t check closely enough and ended up with some rotten peaches the kids put in the box.
Sunscreen and Hats
Depending on the weather sunscreen and hats might be needed to avoid a sunburn.
Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to bring a water bottle or two. Make sure you stay hydrated, the quickest way to ruin a fun day picking peaches is to get dehydrated and have to go to the ER.
Don’t bring a stroller but bring the wagon
Strollers will have a hard time maneuvering through most orchards. If you have a baby bring the baby carrier.
For older kiddos let them walk or bring a collapsible wagon with big wheels. Our kids prefer walking so we use the wagon to haul the peaches. Some orchards provide carts or wagons so be sure to check with the orchard you are visiting.
Have fun
Take a Deep Breath, enjoy the fresh air and have fun making memories with your kids.
Once you get home enjoy one of these delicious peach recipes.
So far we have only tried berry picking at the start of summer near Melbourne. I’d love to try some fruit picking in orchards like this. It’s such a great way to teach kids that fruit comes from trees or vines, and not just the supermarket.
That’s such a good point. I love that my kids know where food comes from.