Strawberry picking is the perfect family outing, not to mention totally Instagram worthy, am I right? However, if you don’t properly plan, your picture-perfect day could go south very quickly, especially when you add little kids to the mix. We recently took our three kids (5, 3, and 1) to Kenny’s Strawberry Farm up in Fallbrook, CA, on a Saturday morning to pick some strawberries, and I’m here to help you navigate the fields.
Here are five things you need to know about going strawberry picking:
Dress the Part
I know it’s summer time, but skip the sandals. You’re out in nature, and in nature there are bugs and little critters, so put some shoes and socks on your kiddos.
The sun will most likely be blazing when you go pick your berries, so slather on some sunscreen, and pack a hat. We’re partial towards the Tiny Trucker #SDMOM hat, but any hat will do the trick.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Your strawberry-pickin’ adventure may not last too long, but don’t underestimate how draining that sun will be on your body. Make sure you bring some water and drink up.
We left our water bottles in the stroller at the edge of the farm rows, and I regretted having them so far away.
Pay By the Pound
Before you start picking, make sure you know how you’re paying. At Kenny’s Strawberry Farm you have to pay by the pound, but they do accept credit cards, and they have baskets for you to use.
Not each berry farm is the same, though, so if you go somewhere else, check before you get there.
Also, those baskets can hold several pounds, and you can easily get carried away when it comes to how many strawberries you put in your basket. So if you’re on a budget, keep an eye on how heavy your loot is getting.
How to Pick
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm lays it out for you before you get to the fields, so just check it out and make sure your kiddos are clear on how to pick their berries.
Know how to pick your strawberries, and if you’re not sure: ask. If you squeeze them too hard you’ll get berry juice all over you, and if you pick some that aren’t ripe yet, you’ll be sorry about that later.
Pack a Lunch
There are picnic tables with umbrellas for shade at Kenny’s Strawberry Farm, so take advantage and pack a lunch for your outing.
If you skip your own lunch… have no fear: you can nibble on your fresh strawberries. Rinse them off with the water spout, and enjoy your farm-to-table treat.
The Details
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm:
953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Hours: 10 am—6pm
closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Have you been strawberry picking before? What is your favorite spot, and do you have any tips to add to this list?
