Harvest Picnic
In Saskatchewan, the harvest season is a time of abundance, where the golden fields yield their crops and orchards are filled with ripe apples.Pumpkins are also plentiful, adding to the season's harvest. Enjoy this time with a harvest picnic and other fall activities.
What Do You Do?
- Plan the Picnic: Prepare or buy pumpkin muffins, apple cider, and other fall-themed snacks to enjoy during the picnic.
- Apple Tasting Activity:
- Gather a variety of apple types (e.g., Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, Ambrosia).
- Slice the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Have a taste test where kids can try each type of apple and vote on their favorite. You can create a simple chart or use stickers to mark preferences.
- Other harvest activities:
- Apple Stamps: Cut an apple in half and dip the cut side into paint. Press it onto paper to create apple-shaped prints. Kids can decorate their stamps with faces, leaves, or patterns.
- Pumpkin Decorating: Provide small pumpkins and a variety of craft supplies like markers, stickers, and paint. Let the kids decorate their pumpkins to take home.
- Apple Bobbing: Fill a large tub with water and apples, and let the kids try to catch an apple using only their mouths.
- Apple Relay Race: Have a relay race where kids balance an apple on a spoon and try to reach the finish line without dropping it.
Places and Resources in Saskatchewan:
- Over the Hill Orchards & Winery (Lumsden, SK): Offers seasonal activities. A great place to source apples for your picnic and enjoy the scenery.
- Black Fox Farm & Distillery (Saskatoon, SK): Known for its fruit orchards and pumpkin picking, this location provides an excellent backdrop for a harvest-themed picnic.
Parks for Picnicking:
- Wascana Centre (Regina, SK): This large park features beautiful scenery and plenty of space for a picnic.
- Meewasin Valley Trails (Saskatoon, SK): Offers various spots along the river where you can set up your picnic and enjoy the natural surroundings.
What Do You Need?
- A variety of apples for tasting (at least 3-4 types).
- A picnic blanket, pillows, and a basket.
- Pumpkin muffins and other fall-themed snacks.
- Apple cider or juice.
- Craft supplies: Apples for stamping, non-toxic paint, paper, small pumpkins, markers, stickers, and paint.
- A large tub and apples for bobbing.
- Spoons for the relay race.
- Plates, napkins, and cutlery.
Safety Considerations:
Ensure no children are allergic to apples or any other food items you bring.Always supervise kids during the activities, especially when using paint or playing the bobbing game.Use hand sanitizer before and after eating and crafting. Make sure to wash the apples thoroughly before tasting. Cut apples into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking. Ensure all garbage is cleaned up after your picnic.
Benefits:
- Physical Benefits: Engaging in active games like the relay race or apple bobbing promotes physical exercise. Walking around the orchard or park also provides light physical activity.
- Spiritual Benefits: Connecting with nature during the picnic helps children appreciate the beauty of the season, fostering a sense of peace and grounding.
- Emotional Benefits: Sharing a fun, relaxing time with friends and family in an outdoor setting enhances emotional well-being. The sensory experience of tasting different apple varieties can be soothing and joyful.
- Intellectual Benefits:Learning about different apple varieties and their flavors can spark curiosity and engage kids intellectually.Crafting with apple stamps or decorating pumpkins encourages creativity and fine motor skills.