Fruit Picking Adventures in Virginia Beach: A Family Guide

Fruit Picking in Virginia Beach: A Delightful Family Experience

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Welcome, all you wonderful families in the United States of America looking for a delightful outdoor activity! If you’re in or around Virginia Beach, Virginia, you’re in for a treat with an array of fruit picking opportunities that promise fun, fresh produce, and fabulous memories. Whether you’re locals or on vacation, this guide will help you navigate the fruit picking landscape and ensure that you have a berry good time!

Why Choose Fruit Picking in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach isn’t just about beautiful coastlines and stunning ocean views; it’s also a place where the countryside offers lush, vibrant fruit farms ready for your family to explore. Engaging in fruit picking provides a host of benefits:

Educational Experience: It’s a chance for kids to learn where their food comes from and appreciate the effort that goes into agriculture.
Quality Family Time: Disconnect from your gadgets and enjoy the beauty of nature while spending quality time together.
Healthy Activity: Bask in the outdoors and indulge in some physical activity that’s enjoyable and good for the body.
Support Local: By fruit picking, you’re supporting local farmers and the economy, ensuring the sustainability of these beautiful farms.

Planning Your Fruit Picking Adventure

Before you embark on your juicy journey, here are a few tips to make your fruit-picking escapade in Virginia Beach as peachy as possible:

Seasonal Guide: Understanding the seasons is key. Virginia Beach’s climate means different fruits are available at different times of the year, such as strawberries in spring, peaches in summer, and apples in the fall.
Weather Check: Always check the weather before heading out. Aim for a cool, comfortable day to make the most of your outing.
Outfit Prep: Dress in light layers, wear sunscreen, and don’t forget your hat and closed-toe shoes for protection.
Hydration: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated under the Virginia sun.
Container Solutions: Some farms provide containers for picking, but it’s best to bring your own baskets or buckets, just in case.

Now that we’ve covered the why’s and the how’s, let’s dive into the nectar-sweet center of this guide — the fruit farms themselves! Virginia Beach is home to a myriad of family-friendly farms that offer an abundance of fruit picking opportunities. So, grab your sun hats, and let’s explore the farms that make Virginia Beach a fruit-picking paradise for families.

Top Farms for Fruit Picking in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is ripe with farms that cater to the fruit-picking crowd. Here are a few top picks that locals and visitors love:

Flanagan Farm: Known for their beautiful strawberries, Flanagan farm is a pick-your-own strawberry haven in the spring. They also offer hayrides and a picnic area to round out your family outing.
Henley Farm: A family favorite for picking a variety of fruits including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and other seasonal offerings. They provide a delightful country experience along with fresh produce for your table.
Pungo Blueberries: Specializing in blueberries, this farm opens its fields in the summer and allows you to pick these anti-oxidant rich berries to your heart’s content. Pack a lunch and enjoy their designated picnic areas.

Embarking on a fruit-picking journey in Virginia Beach is more than just gathering fruits; it’s about creating moments, learning new things, and enjoying the simple pleasures life offers. So, if you’re in the mood for a sun-kissed adventure with a sweet reward at the end, fruit picking might just be the perfect family outing for you!

Stay tuned, as our comprehensive guide continues with even more detailed information about each farm, what to expect, and additional fun activities to enjoy in the Virginia Beach area. Happy picking!

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5 Essential Tips for Parents Preparing for Fruit Picking in Virginia Beach

As parents, we always want to ensure our family outings are not just fun, but also stress-free. Here’s a list of essential tips to keep in mind before heading out to the orchards and fields around Virginia Beach for an unforgettable fruit picking day with the kids:

1. Research and Choose the Right Farm

Diverse Offerings: Make sure the farm you plan to visit offers the fruits your family enjoys and check if other activities are available for a full day of fun.
Accessibility: Consider the distance and ease of access from your location.
Reviews and Reputation: Look up reviews online and choose farms that are family-friendly and come highly recommended.

2. Prepare Your Kids

Explain the Process: Teach them about the fruit they will pick and how to do it gently to avoid damaging the produce or plants.
Set Expectations: Discuss the importance of following farm rules, being respectful to staff and nature, and to have patience while picking.
Involve Them in Planning: Let your children help pack snacks and pick out their own sun hats or gardening gloves. It will make them feel included and excited.

3. Pack a Fruit-Picking Kit

Essentials: Include sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, snacks, wipes, and a first-aid kit.
Picking Tools: While many farms provide tools for picking, having your own ensures you’re prepared – lightweight baskets or bags are perfect.
Extra Clothing: It’s always good to pack extra clothes for the kids in case things get a bit messy, which is half the fun!

4. Plan for Post-Picking Activities

Picnicking: Find out if the farm has a picnic area and bring a blanket and your packed lunch.
Other Farm Attractions: Some farms have play areas, petting zoos, or nature trails – explore these to extend your day trip.
Preservation Plans: Think ahead about what you’ll do with your haul. You can plan some family cooking time at home to make pies, jams, or freeze some for later.

5. Emphasize Fun and Education Over Quantity

Quality Over Quantity: Remind the kids it’s not just about how much you pick, but the experience of picking and enjoying nature’s bounty.
Enjoy the Experience: Don’t rush. Take your time in the fields, savor the moments, and take plenty of pictures to capture the memories.
Learn Together: Use this as an opportunity to educate your family about different fruit varieties, the growth process, and the importance of sustainable farming practices.

Remember, the key to a successful fruit-picking trip is in the preparation and embracing the day with a warm, relaxed attitude. There is an undeniable charm in wandering through the rows of fruit-laden plants, feeling the sun on your shoulders, and watching your little ones delight in their harvest.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to immerse your family in the sweet world of fruit picking in Virginia Beach. The farms await with their bounties to offer an authentic, hands-on agritourism experience that will bring a bushel of joy to you and the kiddos. Let these moments help you grow memories that will be cherished long after the fruit has been savored. Ready, set… pick!

See more great Things to Do with Kids in Virginia here. For more information see here

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