Turn fruit into an adventure

July 01, 2009

Many farms now encourage members of the public to come in and pick their own seasonal fruit for purchase. This can be both a great family outing and fun way to get kids interested in eating healthy.

First of all, introduce your kids to seasonal fruit like strawberries, blueberries, peaches and cherries, if they have not yet tried them, and ask your child which fruits he or she prefers. You can then jump online and find a local farm that either has self-picking facilities or that encourages family visits with fruit for sale.

Go through old cookbooks and family recipes to pick out something that you and that the family can make with your fruit. Jams are a bit labor intensive but will last well into the winter, while a cake,ice-cream or healthy smoothie can be a fun summer treat.

When you get to the farm, bring plenty of water, hand wipes and a picnic lunch, if permitted. Advise kids to wash the fruit before eating it, but certainly encourage them to pick it. Introduce them to farm animals and teach them about those with which they may be unfamiliar.

Finally, choose a bedtime story that focuses on a farm or plucky animal that your child may have met for the first time. This will make a nice soothing end to a busy day.