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Summer is in full swing at our house and I’m simply loving it! It’s a second full week of summer break and we’ve already done lot of fun things! As a mom of three young boys, I’m always looking for not only fun but also FRUGAL activities for my family. One idea is to Pick Your Own Fruits and Veggies! If you haven’t done this yet, here’s what to expect.

Dress appropriately: Picking fruits and veggies can be messy so this is not the day to put your kiddos in their cutest summer outfits. If you are picking berries, expect your that your kids (and maybe you) will likely get a bit of bright red juice on their clothing during your outing. Pick something dark-colored to avoid stains. Some kids may do best with long pants because the vines can be a tad scratchy, particularly on sensitive legs. I’d also suggest hat, sunglasses in sunny weather and closed-toe shoes as they are easiest to wear on uneven ground.

What to Bring: It can get hot out there quickly with no shade so I’m sure to always bring a few cold drinks. Depending on how long we plan to stay, I’ll either bring them with me to the field or leave them in the car. Protect your skin and don’t forget hats and sunscreen. Even a short time out there will cause a sunburn for most. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.

Where to Pick:  There are many “Pick Your Own” farms in northeast Ohio and you’ll have a lot to pick from. Be sure to call before you go to the farm as some picking days available for the public can be affected by weather and availability of crops. Here are a few places to check out:

• Red Wagon Farm ~ Columbia Station, Ohio
• Martin Blueberries, LLC ~ Columbia Station, Ohio
• Boughton Farm ~ Akron, Ohio
• Troy Mills Farm ~ Willard, Ohio
• Patterson Fruit Farm ~ Chesterland, Ohio
• See more here

Follow the Rules: Before you start picking, you’ll get instructions on where to pick from an employee. I’m sure to share with my little young ones on which fruits and vegetables to pick and how to pick them.  I show them the difference between the unripened green berries and the rotting fruit too. I also encourage them not to eat any of the fruit until we get them home and washed.

Have FUN:  Picking your own fruit and vegetable is a frugal summer activity!  I think fruit and veggie picking with my kiddos encourages outdoor play while also teaching them were “real” food comes from.  This in turn encourages healthy eating. This is truly an inexpensive and fun activity that all ages can enjoy.  Before you head out to the farm be sure to invite a bunch of friends! The more friends that are there means the more fun that you’ll have!

Pick your Own Fruit and Veggies is definitely a super summer activity!

Looking for more Frugal Summer Fun? Don’t forget to check out these posts!

• $1 Kid Movies at Regal
• $1 Kid Movies at Cinemark
• Visit your local Metroparks
• Kids Bowl FREE all summer long
• FREE Library Summer Reading Program
• FREE Summer Reading Program at Family Christian Stores