ML Interest Tag: u-pick-farm

Sweet Scavenger Hunt Locations That Are Never Boring

by Tinybeans Team

By the time they turn five, they’ve probably heard us say “Look at that cow! See the red plane? Oh, over there! A rainbow!” a million times. Is it any wonder kids are explorers by nature? Our little Magellans love finding surprises in even the most simple of settings and from your backyard to the beach, here are eight great spots to set up a search for (extra)ordinary treasures. Happy hunting!

Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture via flickr Creative Commons

In a Forest

You don’t have to be Snow White to know the forest is full of enchantment. Take to the woods with your little critters in search of things big and small, and you’ll be amazed at what else they discover along the way! You can open their eyes with items as simple and straightforward as a yellow leaf, or as imaginative as a fairy house. In between, their list might also include a fallen tree, four ants marching in a row, a mushroom, a flower with six petals, or something furry.

Photo: Heaton Johnson via flickr Creative Commons

At the Beach

Nothing beats a day at the beach with kiddos in tow. They’ll be blown away at everything worth picking up when you send them splashing with a scavenger list on your next trip to the shore. Enjoy the view from your chair as they search for seaweed (or mermaid hair, for your imaginative child), sandalwood, a crab hole, coquina shells, a piece of string, animal tracks in the sand, and more. For the smaller set, see how many different colors they can find as you walk along the dunes.

In the Backyard

Dorothy found out the hard way that there’s no place like home. Give your kids a shortcut to this realization by handing them a list of backyard treasures to find, and watch as your home becomes more exciting than Oz. From garden tools to groundhog holes, bugs to bird nests, the letter “o” to something orange, you’ll have them looking at their backyard in a whole new light.

Photo: Umberto Brayj via flickr Creative Commons

Around Town

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, won’t you … spend an afternoon exploring town? With a list that ranges from civic (can you spot a church, a school, a grocery store, a library?) to transportation (how about a red car, a bus with a “2,” a train, or a plane), there’s end to sites to be seen. Add people-watching intrigue while you’re out and about and try to find someone with glasses, a baby in a stroller or a dog on a walk. Won’t you be our neighbor?

Photo: Ross Griff via flickr Creative Commons

On a Playground

Who knew playgrounds were full of science, just waiting to be discovered on a scavenger hunt? Before you go, spend a few minutes exploring simple concepts like a pendulum, a lever, a fulcrum, gravity, rotation, and revolutions. Then turn them loose to see if they identify the workings of a swing, a seesaw, a slide and a merry-go-round. If your small set isn’t ready for a scientific excursion yet, see how many shapes they can identify, or focus on textures (smooth, bumpy, springy, hard, grainy and squishy).

Photo: David Amsler via flickr Creative Commons

On a Farm

Old MacDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i–o. And on that farm he had a: bucket, hoe, hose, scale, tractor, mulch, fence, barn, pasture, hay bale, livestock and crops, e-i-e-i-o! Whether you head out to a nearby u-pick farm or to a working farm with livestock and crops, you won’t have any trouble coming up with new and exciting things for your own little farmers to find. The best thing about a scavenger hunt on a farm? You’ll be teaching them all about where food comes from, and they might just be inspired to eat more veggies!

At the Pool

Just when you think you’ve played every pool game, wow your small swimmers with a scavenger hunt for endless end-of-summer fun. Whether you focus on finding shapes (a diving board is your rectangle, an inter-tube is your circle, the back of the pool chair is a square, the ice cream at the concession stand is served in a cone, and so on) or colors (expand the color category from basic to brilliant and include colors like teal, chartreuse, and tangerine), a pool scavenger hunt is just the ticket for keeping it exciting well after Labor Day.

Under the Stars

Is there anything that screams “summer” more than sweaty kids racing through the grass at dusk and giggling right past bedtime into the night? Add to the thrill of staying up late with a sunset and after-dark scavenger hunt. Start with the usual suspects (lightning bugs) and then wow them with staged glow in the dark objects. Don’t forget to have flashlights and glow sticks ready, because it’s always a blast finding frogs, fireflies, and rocks that look like rabbits in the dark.

What’s on your scavenger list, and where do you do it? Tell us in the comments section below

— Shelley Massey

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

6 Last-Minute Day Trips for Memorial Day Weekend

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

If the un-official start of summer (read: Memorial Day weekend) has snuck up on you, leaving you and your family high and dry with no holiday plans, don’t worry! It’s not too late for a last minute getaway. Relax with your Bjorn straddler at a botanical garden or burn off the sugar rush at a sweet park. Read below for six amazing destinations that are all within a two hour drive of the Capital.

Vienna, Virginia
Only 15 miles away, Vienna has a historic downtown with charming small businesses, a portion of the W&OD trail to hike or bike on and a notable dining scene. But this weekend’s real draw is the family-friendly festival followed by a free concert and fireworks.

Photo: Town of Vienna

You’ll love… Starting off the day with a stroll through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. These gardens are home to a Korean Bell Garden — the only one of its kind in the western hemisphere. Admission is $5, $2.50 for seniors and kids ages 7-17. Little ones under 6 are free.

Kids will enjoy… ViVA! Vienna! From tot-friendly attractions, like a carousel and choo choo train, to thrill-seeking rides like the Cliff Hanger and Funnel Force, kids will enjoy 24 amusement rides and games at this family-friendly festival. Rides require anything from 3-5 tickets, and it’s $1/ticket. Hours are Sat.-Sun, 10 am-10 pm; and Mon. 10 am-6 pm.

Everyone will remember… winding back down and cooling off with a scoop of gelato at local favorite Molly’s. The flavors alone–think: cinnamon pear and peanut butter cup–will have you wanting to come back well before next year’s Memorial Day.

Annapolis, Md
Enjoy bayside breezes and historical architecture just forty-minutes from downtown DC.

Photo: George Beinhart via Flickr

You’ll love… the historic charm of Downtown Annapolis. Lined with art galleries, antique stores and mom-and-pop boutiques, these cobblestone streets were voted the most romantic streets in America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Of course, that fact is more for the parents – Your tots will be more engaged with the trotting horses and sailboats to notice their moms and dads k-i-s-s-i-n-g.

Kids will enjoy… boarding the Sea Gypsy, which sets sail on the Chesapeake Bay, for a pirate-themed adventure that water babies will get a kick out of. It sets sail six times daily on Sat. and Sun. Reservations are recommended; tickets cost $22 per person and $12 for children under 2.

Everyone will remember… spending a day under the sun at Sandy Point State Park. Hailed as the closest beach to the city, a visit here is a sure fire way to relax. There are also nearby hiking paths for those with a little extra energy to burn. The entrance fee is $5; $7 for non-residents.

Bluemont, Va
If you’re looking to escape the incoming summer heat, head 55 miles west to Bluemont, Va where the Blue Ridge Mountains promise consistently cooler temperatures.

 Photo: Suzie’s Farm via Flickr

You’ll love… sipping on wine at the Bluemont Vineyard, a family-friendly winery with farm-themed wines like “The Cow” a sweet white and “The Donkey” a slightly dry rose. The tasting fee is $8 and the tour is $5.

Kids will enjoy… hopping over the fence to Great Country Farms, which is directly across the street from the vineyards. Strawberries are ripe for the picking at this u-pick farm. You’ll also be able to satisfy more than your sweet tooth. Other attractions include baby farm animals, wagon rides, miniature golf and more.

Everyone will remember… enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain range from Bears Den, which has an elevation of 1,350 feet. Visitor parking is $3 at the Bears Den day-use lot. For those wishing to hike, park in the Route 7 parking lot for a half-mile uphill climb.

National Harbor, Md
While not a beach town, per say, National Harbor offer seaside flavor just 10 miles away.

Photo: jpellgen via Flickr

You’ll love… the holiday deals and promotions at the Tanger Outlets. For the budding fashionistas to die-hard window shoppers a trip here is a day excursion in itself. You’ll be pooped by the time you’ve finished checking out over 85 brand name stores.

Kids will enjoy… resting those legs while watching a nice movie outdoors at the Harbor’s jumbo screen. Akeelah and the Bee, a PG flick, will be screening on Sun., May 24 at 6p.m. Movies are free, just bring chairs, blankets and a picnic for a night under the stars.

Everyone will remember… strolling along the waterfront where you can dig your toes into the sand, rent pedal boats, ride a The Carousel and take in panoramic views on The Capital Wheel.

Hershey, Pa
Heralded as the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” this famous chocolate town is a two hour drive.

Photo: Michael Gray via Flickr

You’ll love… how even the youngest food snob will find their mouths watering at Tröegs Brewing Company, a microbrewery with a snack bar. Sample their award winning beers and, if time allows, tour the brewery (tours are $5).

Kids will enjoy… the unforgettable Hershey Park? With rides for all ages, this attraction is a good time guarantee. The newest attraction is Laff Track, the first indoor, spinning glow-coaster.

Everyone will remember… a ride on one of the last paddle-wheel riverboats, the Susquehanna. The forty-five minute sightseeing cruise departs everyday at 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 3 pm in Harrisburg, PA. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 3-12.

Harpers Ferry, Wv
Just an hour drive from the city, this town is most famous for the Battle at Harpers Ferry. Nestled along the Potomac River, this destination offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including ziplines, hiking and boating.

Photo: m01229 via flickr

You’ll love… zipping along eight ziplines with views of the river at Harpers Ferry Canopy Tour. There are also ladder climbs and two suspension bridges. Children must be 5 years of age or older. Rates start at $69 for children under 12 and $79 for adults.

Kids will enjoy… the free Junior Ranger program that enhances the Harpers Ferry Park experience.

Everyone will remember… Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. This park, which runs along the Potomac River, has over 20 trails to hike. Along the trails, you’ll find living history demonstrations, including blacksmithing and cooking. The park fee is $10 per vehicle.

Got a great day destination to share? Tell us in the comments below! 

— Meghan Yudes Meyers and Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Fun with Fruit: Creative Ways to Save Summer’s Bounty

by Abigail Matsumoto

Whether your last u-pick adventure with the fam was a whopping success (you have the bushels and buckets of fruit to prove it) or you want to savor the last berries from your CSA box, it’s time for a bit of recipe inspiration. From easy-peasy blackberry jam to homemade berry Newtons and apple chips, we’ve rounded up a select bunch of ideas to maximize on summer’s bounty. Scroll down for 11 fruitful ways to cook with the kids.

Homemade-blackberry-jam-recipe-500x409
photo: My Frugal Adventures

1. 10 Minute Blackberry Jam
The magic trick behind this ultra-quick blackberry jam is getting the right consistency while cooking on the stove top. With minimum prep and a little bit of heat, you’ll have tasty jam for the whole fam. Get the how-to here.

baked-apple-chips-the-viet-vegan-1
photo: The Viet Vegan

2. Baked Apple Chips
If an apple-picking adventure left you with bushels of apples, consider this: baked apple chips! It’s a sweet and crispy snack for after school, movie marathon couch sessions, and more. Head here for the recipe.

berry newtons
photo: All Day I Dream About Food

3. Berry Newtons
These homemade berry newtons have all the familiarity of the store-bought version but with a major homemade twist.  The crust uses whole wheat flour and flax seed, the berry filling goes easy on the sugar, and the result is the perfect size for little hands. Snag the recipe here.

berries sorbet
photo: Tartelette

4. Berries Sorbet
Did somebody say sorbet? Don’t put your ice cream machine away just yet, because this very berry treat is a great way to use up your u-pick haul. Find the instructions here.

frozen strawberry
photo: The Vault Files

5. Frozen Greek Yogurt & Coconut Covered Strawberries
Need a pop-in-your-mouth and eat-on-the-go snack? The kids will love these frozen berries that have the added fun of greek yogurt and coconut. You can even win extra points by using their fave yogurt flavor. Read more here.

berry monkeybread
photo: Drizzle Me Skinny

6. Mixed Berry Monkey Bread
Sometimes you just need a sweet indulgence, right? Cue this berry-fied monkeybread and its ooey-gooeyness. Thanks to Pillsbury biscuits, you can whip this up without too much fuss. Get the whole how-to here.

applesauce-crockpot
photo: Neighbor Food

7. Crock Pot Applesauce
The tots will love using the apples they picked for this homemade applesauce. You’ll love that this recipe calls for your good friend, the crock pot. Bonus points: You can freeze this applesauce and then thaw overnight when you’re ready to eat. Click here for the instructions.

strawberry fruit rollups 2
photo: Divas Can Cook

8. Homemade Strawberry Fruit Rollup
All-natural fruit rollups that are ultra-easy to make? We’re in. This recipe only calls for strawberries and a touch of sugar so it’s all about minimum work and maximum fruit leather enjoyment. Get the instructions here.

mixed berry muffins
photo: Julia’s Album

9. Mixed Berry Muffins
We’ve got your new favorite muffin recipe right here. In addition to greek yogurt, these muffins are rocking three types of berries–which makes them extra moist. Get the kids to help measure and stir and you’re halfway there! Head here for the recipe.

berry popsicles
photo: Eat Good 4 Life

10. Raspberry and Cream Popsicles
Thanks to Dixie cup molds, these popsicles are cute and just the right size for the littles. There’s greek yogurt involved, plus maple syrup, coconut cream, and, of course, berries! Get the recipe here.

Homemade-Apple-Cider-3
photo: Gimme Some Oven

11. Homemade Apple Cider
If you’re ansty for autumn, we’ve got just the thing to warm you up and tide you over. This apple cider recipe has very little prep work and the aroma of simmering apples and spices will make your house more homey than ever. Get the instructions here.

Which recipe will you use for your u-pick haul? Share with us in the comment section below!

—Abigail Matsumoto

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

4 Local Domestic Services That Save the Day

by Marianne Walters

Ever find yourself wishing for elves to take care of your household chores while you sleep? We’ve got the next best thing here in Portland! While you go off to work or play chauffeur from soccer practices to piano lessons, these handy helpers will cook, clean, organize and generally make your life easier back at home. Breathe a sigh of relief and enlist one of the following local businesses to lend a very capable hand.

photo: We Got This, LLC

We Got This, LLC
This dynamic duo does the cooking and cleaning in one fell swoop. For a single fee, you’ll have the house cleaned and dinner cooked by the time you arrive home at the end of your day. You get to choose the meal from the menu on their website, and they’ll do the grocery shopping (they’ll even pick up your favorite bottle of wine). In addition to their standard cooking and cleaning gig, they have additional services available such as green cleaning, walking the family dog, helping you prep your house for a party and their “romance” package, which includes fresh flowers.

We Got This, LLC currently serves Portland and Happy Valley. Their fees are based on the size of your home and the number of residents, pets and rooms. Cooking is available as a stand-alone service if requested, and they have a $25 referral reward.

We Got This, LLC
503-680-9762
Online: wegotthispdx.com

Tidy Gnomes
Imagine handing off your to-do list to someone else to complete. The Tidy Gnomes work by the hour on whatever it is that has been nagging you. It may be the regular housecleaning, chopping veggies or other dinner prep, pulling weeds, organizing the closets and pantry or cleaning out the fridge! They’re all about flexibility and doing whatever they can to make your life a little more Zen. They also offer their services for set-up and clean-up of weddings and other events, like birthday parties.

The Tidy Gnomes are available mainly in Inner Portland, but they do have a general service area map. Fees are typically calculated by the hour except for a few services that have flat rates. Rates are available on their website.

Tidy Gnomes
503-308-8439
Online: tidygnomes.com

 

photo: Domestic Details, LLC

Domestic Details, LLC 
It’s all in the details for this professional, highly-skilled team. They start with your standard housecleaning services, offered on three different levels. Their Basic service is a quick and efficient cleaning and ranges to the Deluxe, which includes things like fresh linens on the bed, washing and folding laundry and sweeping the porch, depending on your needs. Their personal errand services will tackle your simple errands or your special projects, everything from waiting for the cable guy to planning your next party.

Services are offered in the Portland metro area, but locations outside of their standard distance can be arranged for a mileage fee. Cleaning services average $35/hour and all other services are dependent upon a pre-arranged package with a minimum monthly commitment.

Domestic Details, LLC
971-258-2950
Online: domesticdetailspdx.com

Lucky Larder
Is food preservation (also known as canning) on your list of things to try? Whether you’d like to learn how to preserve or would rather enjoy the year-round benefits without the learning curve, the folks at Lucky Larder are your new best friends. Hand over the fruit from that prolific tree in your backyard or visit a u-pick farm for your goodies, and they will either preserve them for you or teach you how to do it yourself in a group class or one-on-one session.

Visit the Lucky Larder website for a schedule of classes and events, or contact them directly for information on individual instruction and complete preservation services.

Lucky Larder
503-200-9219
Online: luckylarder.com

Have you found a housekeeping service that has made your life easier? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Marianne Walters

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement