Peach picking and apple picking are some of the best outdoor activities to do with a toddler.

It is a full-sensory adventure and opportunity for natural connection with your toddler. Peach picking and apple picking are a great way to learn more about your child, gently teach and have fun outdoors.

Why toddlers love peach picking and apple picking:

• They can see the fruit and when they reach it all by themselves they feel successful
• Gathering and dropping the peaches or apples in the box is a satisfying job
• Being outside in the crisp summer or fall air with the colorful fruits is a visual experience
• They get to snack on their pickings while they work

Why its great for moms:

• Built-in movement keeps toddlers busy and helps you get in your steps
• These are great natural teaching moments
• Fresh air restarts your body’s rhythm

Use this opportunity to connect with your toddler. Go slow and take your time enjoying the atmosphere. Ask your toddlers questions like:

• What colors do you see?
• Can you count our apples/peaches?
• Is the fruit sweet or sour?
• What does the fruit feel like?

This is a full-sensory experience for your toddler. Take the time to feel the fuzzy skin of a peach, the smooth skin of an apple or the bumpy skin of a pumpkin. This is a great opportunity to slow down with your toddler and get into their world. Wander, touch, climb (safely), taste, explore. Help them get in touch with all their senses- talk about what they smell, what colors they see, what do their bare feet feel, what do they hear?

This type of activity will bring about natural hugs, snuggles and laughs. Embrace the slow and enjoy your little one. Bring a lunch and plan for several hours to take your time.

Visit Black Bridge Orchard & Winery for a full fruit-picking, seasonal experience. Black Bridge is a family-run winery and orchard located in Paonia, CO along the Gunnison River. The orchard is named after the century-old Black Bridge over the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Many parents enjoy the slow pace, the quiet atmosphere and the low river access for water play with their children. Kids of all ages enjoy picking fruits and vegetables in the summer and fall. Parents enjoy the tasting room, the delicious market of gourmet foods like olive oil and jams and the perfect picnic space by the river.

Black Bridge Orchard and Winery is one of our bi-annual trips from Crested Butte. We love the scenic drive of Kebler Pass, especially in the fall with the changing aspen trees. And we love the peaceful orchard with its bountiful peaches, apples and pumpkins.

Visit Third Eye Photography for more family fun adventures in Colorado!