Summer is just around the corner, and that means berry season is here! Evie has been asking for some time when we would be getting to go berry picking. It was so much fun getting to surprise her one morning and tell her that we were off to Krause Berry Farms to go strawberry picking, and there was another surprise in store.
Krause has become our go to place to get local, fresh berries. Last year was the first time we tried the waffles that are available… why we waited so long I will never know. You cannot go wrong with a waffle covered in a heap of berries, and whip cream!
We got our baskets for picking strawberries from the u-pick station. You cannot miss it, it’s a bright blue little building. If you’ve brought your own baskets, or buckets be sure to have them weighed here before you go into the fields to pick. The weight of your basket is deducted from the total weight of the berries. We were then directed to our row for picking bright red, juicy strawberries.
Evie is a pro at berry picking now thanks to us having gone so many times. This was Addie’s first time, and I was intrigued to see how she did. If you are on a mission to get a certain amount of berries, in a set time, I would suggest not bringing younger kids. For us, this was to be a fun family outing to get some fresh strawberries to eat. You definitely want to go prepared with sun hats, sunscreen, and some water to drink. Thankfully on the day we went it was nice and cool first thing in the morning.
One fun thing I did with Evie ahead of going to Krause, was have her paint some little wooden berry basket. I picked them up from a local place, and it made it all the more special for her. We had several people stop, and ask her about them. She was very proud of getting to pick strawberries on her own, and fill her little basket. This is a great idea if you have younger kids. Give them a smaller basket with the goal of filling it. Maybe even make a little race out of it.
Thanks to Krause having a bit wider of paths between the rows of strawberry plants, we were able to put a blanket down for Addie to sit on while we collected our strawberries. The one mistake we did make was putting the basket by her. Soon enough she was digging in, and helping herself to a strawberry for the first time. How’s that for baby-led weaning, dirt and all! Addie definitely loved her first taste of strawberry because she kept going back for more, and trying to get her hands on as many strawberries as possible. I do not know how her white shirt stayed clean.
There was one little surprise that I knew about. Thanks to Krause, and some amazing weather we have been having there were some raspberries ripe, and ready to be picked. We were taken over, and honoured to be some of the first into the fields for u-pick raspberries.
When asked what her favourite fruit is Evie always answers berries, and if you make her tell you which is her all time favourite, the answer is always raspberries. She loves to eat them in groups of ten. One for each finger. She turns them into little hats, or finger puppets if you will. Popping them on the tips of her fingers and then into her mouth one by one. This was the first time Addie has ever tried a raspberry, and she was not as big of a fan. We have one very funny photo of her, I guess she may have tried more sour, than sweet, raspberry.
Raspberries are a bit harder for younger kids to get to pick, depending on if just the ones at the top of the rows are ripe. Evie managed though to find the ones within her reach and load her basket very quick. These are probably my favourite to pick because they come off the plant so easily, making that part of it easy for kids to do.
I am thrilled to share with all of you that the raspberry u-pick area will be open, and ready for you this Saturday (June 4th, 2016)! If you love them as much as Evie, you will want to get over there right away. I am planning on going back, and getting more this weekend because we are already out.
I’ll likely going out to Krause a few time, and making a morning out of it because there is so much to do. Perhaps some waffles after picking, and of course playing in the play space. Come this summer there will be a “Fresh Family Fun Field” with all sorts of things to do. Kids will be able to go on the pumpkin, and strawberry jumping pads, play games, and put their tractor driving skills to the test. Also coming this summer are family movie nights! Keep an eye out on their website for more details.
Krause Berry Farms has very kindly put together an wonderful gift basket for one lucky Discovering Parenthood follower. I am beyond excited for who ever wins this, you are going to love it! It contains Krause pancake mix, strawberry syrup, raspberry jam, blueberry field honey, and shortcake mix. You will be all set for a very yummy berry themed meal.
This giveaway is open to residents of the Lower Mainland. Enter through the rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone.
We will have to make a visit this weekend, Krause is one of our favourite places to visit 🙂
We visit Krause each summer and we always go on Canada day and participate in their pancake breakfast fundraiser. Last year was the first year our little ones helped out in the u-pick fields. They can’t wait to go back this year. I can’t wait to go back and make more memories 🙂
Looks like so much fun! We have never been but it is on our list this year.
Never been to Krause Farms – I’m sure it would be fun with my grandkids.
Yes! We love Krause. We love all berries! Can’t wait to start picking this year.
We were just at Krause yesterday! The kids had a blast picking strawberries. I can’t wait to go back for raspberries.
Evie is exactly like me – ten finger raspberry hats – I even try to do it in winter with frozen berries!! We’ve never been to Krause but we always talk about going there every summer — with raspberries and strawberries both in field (in stock hee hee) this might be the weekend to go!!
We love going to Krause for raspberries!! Also, a highlight was getting waffles there 🙂
I used to go strawberry picking all the time when I was younger. So much fun!
My kids love berries, too! We have a few strawberry plants growing in our garden, but I would love to take them berry picking!
We’ve been twice this year so far for strawberries and waffles! I plan on going again to get some raspberries!
Oh my gosh! I need to find a place like this locally to take my son!
I’ve never been there (eep!) but I’m definitely going to check it out now! And for real… those pants… so adorable!
We haven’t been yet, but it’s on our list. We go blueberry picking (those are my girls’ fave), but not strawberry/raspberry yet. I know where we’ll be going now though!
We’ve never been and we love strawberries!
A great place to visit for sure.
We visited Krause Berry Farms for some raspberries on Monday for the first time! Would love to try some of their other items 🙂
I have been to Krause back when the boys were little and have been thinking about how we need to make a trip back there:) I LOVE RASPBERRIES!!!! I do love their pies also:) I remember there being a play place for the kids and the boys loved that!
We stock up on flats of strawberries and blueberries! Oh and a treat!
We love Krause Berry Farm! Love to get berry syrups and the berry pie!
I am constantly there because we live just down the road from them. And I love the strawberries! Especially love heir strawberry shortcakes….made many a visit there when I was pregnant to get one (or maybe two!)
We live just a couple minutes from Krause and have been picking berries there since I was little. Always a fun time!
We haven’t been to Krause berry farm before, but growing up in the valley, berrh picking was the go-to way to make mo ey during the summer growing up so I am more than familiar with berry picking! 😉 I love most berries, but I think blueberries are my favourite.
We adore Krause, have been many times! I personally love raspberries!
I can’t wait until the berries are ready where I live! I would love to know if you have any favourite recipes to share 🙂
Ok those Strawberry tights are just way too cute to handle!