Search Results for: fruit picking

Fruit Picking

September 25, 2012 by

One of the autumn family activities that we like to do is apple picking. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, now’s the time to enjoy a fun day at a local farm and pick some juicy apples, scrumptious peaches and pears.  Not to mention how much fun it will be for the kids.

We packed up our kids, some snacks, and drove to Mountain View Orchards for our annual fruit picking event.  Our homeschool group introduced us to this Hood River Fruit Loop farm that we have enjoyed visiting. We chose the Hood River area, even though the distance is further, for its breathtaking view of the Columbia Gorge and the spectacular sight of Mt. Hood. It’s just magnificent!

The orchard have some activities for the whole family.  On the weekends, they have free hay rides for the whole family, you can sample fresh squeezed apple juice, and various jams. Your family can also take a tour of the farm on your own and check out the sunflowers, corns, pumpkins (no U-Pick) and some animals.  Our three kiddos had a great time picking the fruits and simply just pulling their wagons around the farm.

 

We ended our day with a picnic right between the isles of apples trees. If you’re interested in the Mt. View Orchards, it runs through October 31 with daily hours from 9-5. Click here for their contact info. Plan ahead: call the farm before you go.

If you’re interested in checking out other farms/orchards. Click here for a map of the Hood River County Fruit Loop.

BTW… we didn’t get any reception for our GPS once we got into the Fruit Loop, so make sure you make a hard copy of your Google map.

Filed Under: Fall, Outdoor Activities Tagged With: , , ,

Fruit Stamping

September 26, 2012 by

I made some fruit stamping with my 2nd graders back when I taught public school. This is a fun way for them to learn about shapes and use their imagination on creating other shapes.

Today I tried it with my three kiddos since we have lots of fruits from our recent fruit picking outing. First, we just made geometric shapes, and then we used those shapes to make different designs like flowers and trees. It’s a little messy but sooo much fun! Just make sure everyone wears a smock. Here are the results:

The kids use a foam brush to get the paint on the fruits and to get the extra paint off the fruits as well.

These are flower designs made with pears, tomatoes, and mini bell peppers.

Geometric design on a small Gala apple.

Layered designs of pears, apples and peaches.

I drew the branches with black marker before stamping this purple pear tree.

Do you have fun activities or crafts that you have done with fruits? Share them in the comments section.

Filed Under: Crafts, Fall, Indoors Activities Tagged With: