Monday, October 2, 2017

Apple and Pumpkin Picking with my Grandson

Apple and pumpkin picking at Alstede Farm in Chester, NJ has become a Fall tradition in our family. This is one of days I look forward to all year - it is a perfect grandparent outing no matter what the age of your grandchild.  But there is so much variety in what is available that you will want o choose carefully which farm you go to.  Some farms are small and have a playground for young children and a nearby pumpkin patch with just a few activities.  My grandson is 8 years old so these days we go to a very large farm with lots of things to do and fruit and vegetables to pick with a long tractor ride to the various fields.  There is also a corn maze with two entrances  - easy and hard - so you can accomadate different age kids.  A place to buy lunch and later homemade ice cream.  And get this not only do they have hot dogs and hamburgers - I was able to have a fresh vegetable wrap - ummm.

Here are some pictures that don't begin to capture the fun of the day.

The day  begins with my grandson climbing the giant haystack at the entrance to the farm as I get in line to purchase tickets.  That's him as King of the Hill.





My grandson searched to the perfect pumpkin and he found four of them!


There were lots of varieties of apples to pick but we settled on Jonagold and MacIntosh.  We ate some and then I made an apple pie with the remainder - delicious.





On the long tractor ride to the fields.

Here are the pumpkins on my dining room table waiting to be decorated.  One will be painted teal and displayed outside to let people know that we give non-food treats in support of children with allergies.

If you haven't visited a farm and gone pumpkin and apple picking with your grandchildren, I highly recommend it.  It is a fun day for a wide range of ages and a good way to spend the day outdoors.  Yes, you will be tired at the end of the day but it is so worth it.

Here are some books to read to compliment your trip.



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