Summers have always held a special kind of magic for me as a dad. There’s something about those long, sunny days that invites adventure and connection—the kind that sticks with kids for a lifetime. A few summers ago, I decided to try something different. Instead of the usual trips to amusement parks or movie nights, I wanted to give my kids a hands-on experience that would teach them about food, nature, and the joy of simple living. That’s how our “farm-to-table summer” began, and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Introducing the Idea to the Kids
One evening at the dinner table, I told my kids, “How about we learn where our food really comes from this summer?” They looked up from their plates, a little skeptical but curious. “We’ll visit farms, pick fresh ingredients, and make meals together,” I explained. My youngest immediately asked if that meant she could eat strawberries straight from the vine. My oldest wanted to know if there would be animals involved. Both questions were a resounding yes.
Visiting Our First Farm
Our first outing was to a local strawberry farm. We arrived early in the morning, the scent of ripe fruit filling the air. Each of us grabbed a small basket, and the kids were off, darting between rows of bright green leaves dotted with deep red berries.
At first, I had to show them how to look for the ripest strawberries—dark red, slightly soft, and fragrant. But within minutes, they were naturals, carefully filling their baskets while sneaking a few into their mouths. Watching their excitement reminded me of the simple joys I often overlook as an adult.
When we got home, we spent the afternoon making strawberry jam. The kids took turns stirring the pot, and the kitchen filled with the sweet, tangy aroma of summer. By dinnertime, we had jars of homemade jam cooling on the counter, each labeled with wobbly handwriting.
Learning to Appreciate Vegetables
Next, we tackled vegetables. I’ll admit, getting kids excited about greens is no small feat, but visiting a pick-your-own farm made all the difference. They tugged carrots from the soil, marveling at how dirty and imperfect they looked compared to the ones at the store.
We picked zucchini, tomatoes, and a handful of herbs. Back at home, we turned our haul into a simple pasta dish, letting them chop (with kid-safe knives) and stir. My youngest declared it “the best spaghetti ever,” a title it would hold until our next meal.
Meeting the Farmers
One of my favorite moments was visiting a family-owned dairy farm. We met the farmer, who was more than happy to show us around. The kids were fascinated by the cows, asking endless questions about what they ate, how they were milked, and whether they had names.
We even got to watch the milking process, which the kids described as “gross but cool.” Afterward, we sampled fresh milk and homemade cheese. It was a powerful moment for all of us—realizing how much work goes into something as simple as a glass of milk.
Cooking as a Family
The farm visits were incredible, but the magic really happened in our kitchen. Every meal we made felt like a shared victory. The kids had a hand in everything—from washing and peeling to seasoning and plating.
One weekend, we baked a zucchini bread that disappeared within hours. Another time, we grilled corn on the cob and topped it with herb butter we’d made ourselves. Each dish wasn’t just food; it was a memory.
What the Kids Learned
By the end of the summer, my kids had learned more than just how to cook. They understood where their food came from and the effort it took to grow it. They started asking thoughtful questions about what was on their plates and even developed a newfound appreciation for vegetables.
More importantly, they learned that food isn’t just something you eat—it’s something that connects people. Every strawberry we picked, every loaf we baked, brought us closer together.
What I Learned as a Dad
As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in planning grand gestures and extravagant outings. But this summer taught me that the simplest activities often leave the biggest impact. Watching my kids light up over a freshly picked tomato or the smell of baking bread reminded me to slow down and savor the little things.
Starting Your Own Farm-to-Table Adventure
If you’re thinking about trying a farm-to-table summer with your kids, here are a few tips:
- Start small. You don’t need to visit every farm in your area. Start with one or two trips and build from there.
- Get the kids involved. Let them choose what to pick, what recipes to try, and how to prepare the meals. The more ownership they have, the more excited they’ll be.
- Focus on fun, not perfection. It’s okay if the kitchen gets messy or the recipe doesn’t turn out Instagram-worthy. The memories are what matter.
- Talk about what you’re learning. Use the experience to teach your kids about sustainability, healthy eating, and respecting the work that goes into growing food.
This summer was more than just a fun experiment—it was a chance to bond with my kids, teach them valuable lessons, and create memories that I hope will stick with them forever. So if you’re looking for a unique way to spend your summer, give farm-to-table a try. Who knows? You might just find it as rewarding as we did.
