Fruit Picking for Kids in Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey there! Are you looking for an exciting and educational experience for your kids in the heart of Melbourne? Look no further! Fruit picking is an absolutely fabulous way to spend quality time with your little bundle (or bundles!) of joy while teaching them about nature, patience and the fruit cycle. In this handy guide, you’ll discover the best places for fruit picking that are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city centre.
Why Fruit Picking?
Now, you might be asking yourself, “Why fruit picking?” Great question! Fruit picking is more than just a fun outing – it’s a fantastic opportunity for your kids to discover where their food comes from. They’ll gain first-hand experience of farming, experience the satisfaction of picking their own fruit and, of course, enjoy the mouth-watering taste of freshly-picked produce! Plus, what can beat the excitement on their little faces when they discover their favourite fruit hanging from a tree?
The Benefits of Fruit Picking For Kids
Let’s delve into some of the benefits of fruit picking for children:
1.
Educational:
Kids are naturally curious and interactive efforts like these are a fantastic platform for learning. They’ll discover the different types of fruit that grow locally, see how they change throughout the season, and learn the right time to pluck them from the trees!
2.
Physical Activity:
Fruit picking is an outdoor activity that encourages physical fitness. Children will use their motor skills to reach, pull, and carefully remove fruits without damaging them – it’s like a workout for their little bodies.
3.
Life Skills:
The act of picking fruits is a responsibility that imparts valuable life skills such as patience, effort, and an appreciation for nature and hard work. Plus, it encourages healthy eating habits!
Best Time to Go Fruit Picking
Timing is everything when it comes to fruit picking for kids in Melbourne. It’s all about coordinating your visit with the fruit seasons, and the best time generally spans from November to April. Don’t worry if you’re not sure when specific fruits are in season- we’ll go further into detail a little later.
Important Tips for Fruit Picking
Before you jump into the car and head to the nearest farm, there are a few simple, but meaningful tips to keep in mind.
1. Weather: Always check the weather before you go. Remember, most of these farms are open fields and it might not be pleasurable if it’s baking hot or pouring rain.
2. Footwear: It can get a touch muddy especially after rain, so protect those little feet with closed shoes.
3. Hydrate: Keep plenty of water with you and maybe even a picnic. Who can resist a lovely outdoor lunch right after a satisfying fruit picking session?
That should give you a tasty appetizer for your fruit-picking adventures in Melbourne. So stay tuned as we bring you the main course – a handpicked list of the best fruit picking opportunities for kids within and around Melbourne!
Where to Go for Fruit Picking in Melbourne
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for – the best spots for fruit picking! Here are our top picks.
1.
Benny’s Berries
Located about an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Benny’s Berries is a fantastic place to pick your own strawberries. They usually begin the picking season around November and run till April. It’s best to check their website or call ahead to confirm picking conditions.
2.
The Big Goose
Apart from its fantastic animal farm, The Big Goose in Moorooduc also offers PYO (pick-your-own) strawberries. They have a fun playground for the kids to burn off some energy too!
3.
Rayner’s Stonefruit Orchard
This gem in Woori Yallock offers a variety of fruits. From peaches to plums to apricots, there’s something for everyone. The highlight of the experience is their unique tractor fruit tasting tour!
All these places have great arrangements and facilities to make your fruit-picking venture a memorable one. However, their schedule can sometimes change due to weather conditions or fruit availability, so always check their websites before making plans.
Fruit Seasons in Melbourne
The fruit seasons vary depending on the type of fruit and the weather conditions. Here’s a rough guide that will help you plan your visit:
1.
Spring (September – November):
Strawberries, lemons, oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits are ripe and ready for picking.
2.
Summer (December – February):
This is the time for stone fruits like cherries, peaches, apricots, and plums. You’ll also find raspberries, blackberries and strawberries.
3.
Autumn (March – May):
Autumn brings the apple and pear harvest along with some late season blueberries and raspberries.
4.
Winter (June – August):
Oranges, mandarins, and lemons can usually still be picked during winter months.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – your ultimate guide to fruit picking for kids in Melbourne! So pack your hats and baskets, and embark on one of nature’s best adventures. Not only will your kids love it, but it’s also a brilliant way to support local farmers. So, happy picking, dear parents, and may your baskets always be filled with ripe, juicy fruits and wonderful memories!
Preparing for Fruit Picking with Kids in Melbourne
1. Choosing the Right Farm
There are numerous farms around Melbourne where you can take your kids for fruit picking. However, some farms are more child-friendly than others. Research ahead to ensure the farm you plan to visit offers a safe and engaging environment for kids.
2. Considering the Season
In Melbourne, different fruits ripen in various seasons. For instance, strawberries and cherries are prevalent in summer, while apples are abundant in autumn. Choose a season that aligns with your child’s favourite fruit to make the experience more enjoyable for them.
3. Dressing Appropriately
Farm visits often involve dirt, mud, and potentially a bit of fruit squishing! Dress your little ones in comfortable attire that can weather all the fun and mess. Remember to pack hats and sunscreens to protect them from Melbourne’s sometimes unpredictable weather.
4. Preparing for the Day
An important tip about fruit picking for kids in Melbourne is to make sure everyone is well-rested and has eaten a hearty meal before the trip. Carry plenty of snacks, water, and perhaps a picnic lunch. Also, do not forget to pack wet wipes and hand sanitiser!
5. Educating Kids in Advance
Make the fruit picking in Melbourne an enriching experience for your child. Explain to them the process of how fruits grow, ripen, and how to pick them correctly. This will not only make the day more educational but also helps children appreciate the hard work that goes into growing the food they eat.
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