Ultimate Guide to Strawberry Picking Places in Orange, California
Welcome, berry-loving parents! Are you looking for a delightful family outing that combines fun, education, and the sweet taste of fresh strawberries? Look no further! Orange, California, famously known for its citrus namesake, is also a haven for strawberry enthusiasts. Let’s explore the strawberry picking places where memories and baskets are ripe for the making!
Why Choose Strawberry Picking?
Strawberry picking is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the wonders of nature and agriculture. There’s nothing quite like the experience of plucking sun-ripened berries straight from the plant. It teaches kids about the process of how fruits grow and offers a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, it’s an activity that promotes healthy eating—after all, they’re more likely to eat fruits they’ve had a hand in harvesting!
Strawberry Heaven: Our Top Picks in Orange, California
In the heart of Orange County, Orange, California, boasts several family-owned farms that open their fields for public picking. These charming and picturesque spots provide the perfect setting for a day of fruit-filled adventure. And don’t worry about bringing any equipment; these friendly farms typically provide all you need.
Tanaka Farms
Location: Irvine, CA (Just a few minutes from Orange)
Website: http://www.tanakafarms.com
Let’s start with a local favorite – Tanaka Farms offers a true farm-to-table experience. With wagon rides, a petting zoo, and of course, u-pick strawberry fields, it’s an all-encompassing day of fun. Be sure to check their calendar for special events and “Strawberry Tours” that educate as well as entertain!
The Original Manassero Farms
Location: Multiple Locations in and around Orange
Website: http://www.manasserofarms.com
The Original Manassero Farms is known for their sweet and bountiful berries. They host strawberry picking events throughout the season, along with a market that sells other fresh, locally grown produce. The farm’s friendly atmosphere makes for a perfect family outing.
Planning Your Berry Excursion
Before embarking on your strawberry picking journey, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are some quick tips to ensure you have a berry good time!
- Check the Season: Typically, strawberry season in Southern California runs from March through June, but it’s always best to confirm with the farm beforehand as weather can impact crop availability.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Farms can be muddy, and you’ll be in the sun, so dress comfortably in clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are musts.
- Bring Containers: While farms often provide containers for picking and transporting your strawberries, bringing your own can be more environmentally friendly.
- Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to pack water to stay hydrated during your outdoor adventure.
- Understand the Pricing: Most farms charge by the container or by weight, so make sure to check pricing to avoid any surprises.
- Arrive Early: For the best selection of ripe strawberries, it’s advisable to arrive early in the day when the farm opens.
Heading out to the strawberry fields is more than just a way to collect the freshest berries; it’s an opportunity to bond with your children and create lasting memories. Orange, California, is ready and waiting for your family to explore its sweet bounty. So pull on your boots, grab a sunhat, and get ready for a berry delightful day in the fields!
But wait, there’s more! Keep reading to find
5 Essential Tips for Strawberry Picking
Before you and your little ones head out to the fields for a sun-kissed day of strawberry picking, keep these five essential tips in mind to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
- Research the Farms: Not all strawberry picking experiences are created equal. Take some time to visit farm websites, read reviews, or call ahead to ensure they offer the kind of picking experience you’re after. Look for farms with a commitment to sustainable practices if that’s important to you, or those that provide additional family-friendly activities.
- Prepare for the Weather: Orange, California, can be both sunny and warm, which is perfect for strawberries, but challenging for pickers. In addition to dressing in layers, consider packing light rain gear, just in case. Inclement weather can occasionally surprise you, and you want to be ready to enjoy your day regardless of the elements.
- Set Expectations: If this is your family’s first time strawberry picking, make sure the little ones understand how to identify ripe strawberries and how to carefully remove them from the plant. Explain that it’s not a race, but an experience to be savored – like the strawberries themselves!
- Plan for Snacking: Kids (and let’s be honest, adults, too) will be tempted to taste the fruits of their labor right there in the fields. Confirm with the farm what their policies are regarding field snacking and plan accordingly. Some farms allow taste-testing while picking, but others may ask that you wait until after you’ve paid for your bounty.
- Think About Post-Picking Activities: Often, the fun doesn’t have to end once you’ve picked your fill of strawberries. Many farms offer picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy your strawberries fresh from the field. Or, take your harvest home and involve the kids in making strawberry jam, pies, or a healthy fruit salad.
Armed with these tips, you’re now ready to embark on your strawberry picking adventure in Orange, California. Each farm with its colorful rows of strawberries provides a picturesque backdrop for family photos, so don’t forget your camera. With juicy strawberries waiting to be picked and fresh air aplenty, your trip to Orange’s strawberry farms promises to be a fruitful endeavor in every sense!
Remember, the joy of strawberry picking is not just in the delicious fruits you collect but also in the precious moments you share. A day spent with family, surrounded by natures bounty, is a rich reward in itself. Enjoy the sweet simplicity of gathering strawberries with your children, teaching them about the importance of local agriculture, and embracing a slower pace of life – if only for a few hours. The strawberry fields of Orange, California, beckon, offering an experience that’s ripe for the making.
See more great Things to Do with Kids in California here. For more information see here
Disclaimer
The articles available via our website provide general information only and we strongly urge readers to exercise caution and conduct their own thorough research and fact-checking. The information presented should not be taken as absolute truth, and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, we will not be held liable for any inaccuracies or errors in the content. It is essential for individuals to independently verify and validate the information before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the articles.
