I realized this when I went to Littletree Orchards, a U-pick fruit and vegetable farm in Newfield, NY. There I saw entire families picking apples. The children had brought their own special baskets, and had a great time. They went from tree to tree picking the low-hanging fruits, and were having a wonderful family outing.
The owner of Littletree realizes that people come for the experience as much as anything else. These events are recreational for the whole family. People aren't just coming to buy the reasonably priced fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and herbs that Littletree grows.
For that reason he has made an all-out effort to ensure that visitors have a fun time. The orchard features swings, and other recreational equipment. So if the children get tired of picking fruit they can occupy their time while the parents are harvesting farm-fresh produce.
Families visiting Littletree can also have picnics while they're there. Located at the highest point in the orchard, the picnic area provides visitors with a bird's eye view of the Finger Lakes region.
On cool fall mornings when the families come to Littletree they begin by coming into the sales barn for hot cider. The tantalizing aroma of freshly made, piping hot, apple cider donuts seem to fill the cozy room. Very few visitors can resist buying them. Customers feel free to sample the farm-fresh fruit butters.
The sales barn is a focus of family fun. Scattered around the spacious room are ping-pong tables, board games, and drums. Children particularly like the drums.
When looking for U-pick fruit farms, the place to start is with your local cooperative extension service office. They usually will have a list of local farms and the available facilities. Check around to see where your family might go on an outing.
On trips to U-picks children learn about gardening and nature. While they have fun, they're learning at the same time. No doubt schools can provide youngsters with valuable educational activities when it comes to gardening. One of the best programs is in California.
One of the major aims of the California school gardens is to teach children about nutrition. The program has really been successful in doing that. Those youngsters who participate in the program are more likely to eat vegetables and have a better diet as a result of the project
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