While Winter was long and wet this year, it has brought us many joys that we can go out and celebrate now the sun is here. Fruit picking, wild flowing spotting, nature walks and waterfalls; we have Winter to thank for them, but I understand if you preferred to wait until there was less mud around to enjoy them!
Here are some family-friendly options to get the kids out in the sunshine. Be sure to read to the end for some great snacking options to take along with you!
Fruit Picking
Kien’s Strawberry Farm
A 30 minute drive from Perth’s CBD, Kien’s Strawberry Farm boasts luscious strawberries ripe for the picking! Head out and get to work by picking your own box, or pick up a box of the pre-picked gems from the farm!
The Orchard Perth
The Orchard is just a 45 minute drive from Perth’s CBD, but you will feel as though you have taken up the farm life you always dreamed of. Hop on an hour-long tractor tour of the orchard, take part in fruit picking, feed the farm animals, or just enjoy a picnic amongst the orchards.
Nature Walks
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls comes to life in Spring when it is full of Winter’s rain and the bushes are abundant with the colour and life of the Spring flowers. Take on the 2.5km loop up and down (and back up again) the waterfall, or if little friends have little legs, you can park at the bottom of the falls and walk to the base from there.
West Coast Highway
If you wish to be beside the seaside, a stroll along West Coast Highway will heal that which ails your salty heart! Pack the kids' scooters or bikes. Start at Hilarys Boat Harbour heading south and see the beautiful north beaches (including Mettams Pool), or go North from City Beach and visit some of the great local cafes and food spots found in abundance along the Trigg and Scarborough strip.
Bold Park
If you want bushland walking trails, without having to actually head out to the bush, Bold Park is the wonderland you seek! Inner-city, with over 15 kms of walking trail to choose from with a variety of lookouts with city and coastal views, not to mention the beautiful abundance of native plants to spot, it is truly a perfect bushwalking experience without having to leave the metro area.
Don't forget to pack the snacks!
Many of us will know the necessity of ensuring you’ve packed snacks for any outing with kids. We’ve put together a great list of snacks that everyone will enjoy. Some of these can be made or prepared the day before (see what I did there; another activity to keep the kids busy and involved in the food they eat!) while others can easily be thrown in someone's bag to enjoy on the run.
Zucchini Lime & Pistachio Loaf
A deliciously spiced wholemeal loaf cake with flavours of cinnamon and ginger finished with a lime and cream cheese frosting and scattered with pistachios. This recipe is perfect for cupcakes too! Exclude pistachios for a nut-free version. Make a day ahead of an outing and cut into individual portions. Go to the Dinner Twist Marketplace to add to your order.
Rice Cracker, Veggie Stick & Hummus Snack Bundle
A guilt-free snack bundle, perfect for any time of the day. Creamy chickpea hummus, veggie stick kit (including carrots, Lebanese cucumbers, and red capsicum), plus crispy, crunchy brown rice crackers. Cut veggie sticks up and pack in air-tight containers to take with you. Go to the Dinner Twist Marketplace to add to your order.
Leda Bakery Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookie
Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, no added flavours or colours, plant-based choc-chip cookies! Go to the Dinner Twist Marketplace to add to your order.
Nachos Snack Bundle
Crunchy tortilla strips, two avocados and a jar of mild salsa — yes please, let's get snackin'! Make guacamole in the morning (use a little extra lime juice or vinegar to help stop the avocados from browning). Pack in an air-tight container to take with you. Go to the Dinner Twist Marketplace to add to your order.
The Kimberley Ord River Yoghurt Kabuli Snack Chickpeas
Grown in the pristine Ord River Region – Kimberley (WA). Supporting local farmers and manufacturers. The only WA-Grown Chickpea. Large Kabuli variety, harvested for premium quality, texture & taste. Locally coated with premium sweet yoghurt. Go to the Dinner Twist Marketplace to add to your order.
Ceres Organics Seaweed Snacks
These vegan, crispy and paper-thin snacks are made with organic Nori sheets - a superfood from the sea! Super low in calories, but full of salty, satisfying taste. Go to the Dinner Twist Marketplace to add to your order.