The magic of pick-your-own (PYO) farms.

If you have a child who is experiencing fussy eating or who turns their nose up at anything green (or orange, or red…) you’re very far from alone. Many parents face the same daily struggle which let’s face it, can be exhausting.

But here’s a refreshing, mess-free idea that can be a game-changer in quests to Raise Adventurous Eaters and a great one for the summer hols - a pick-your-own (PYO) farm visit. Here’s why…..

🌾 1. A Fun and Natural Way to Talk About Food

PYO farms offer a low-pressure setting to talk about where food comes from. You can chat about how strawberries grow, feel the difference between leafy greens, and taste freshly picked apples—all without any lectures or dinner-table negotiations.

🍓 2. Kids Are More Likely to Interact with or Eat What They Pick

Research (and a lot of real-life parenting) shows that when kids take part in choosing or preparing food, they’re far more willing to eat it. At a PYO farm, children get to see, touch, and pick fruits or vegetables right off the plant. Suddenly, those “weird” berries or “funny-looking” carrots become a treasure they’re proud to try.

👩‍🌾 3. It’s Hands-On (Without the Kitchen Mess!)

Getting kids involved in cooking can help with food acceptance—but not every parent has the time or energy to clean up flour explosions and dropped eggs. PYO is the perfect alternative: hands-on, educational, and mess-free.

🧺 4. It Feels Like an Adventure, Not a Chore

Unlike grocery shopping, a visit to a farm feels like a mini field trip. Whether it’s hunting for the biggest strawberry or racing to find the ripest tomato, PYO makes food fun—not forced.

🌈 5. Encourages Variety (Without Pressure)

While experiencing fussy eating children ted to avoid unfamiliar foods. At a PYO farm, kids see a whole rainbow of produce in a natural, low-stress environment. Even if they don’t try everything right away, just being exposed to different textures and colours can build curiosity and reduce food anxiety.

👛 6. It’s Budget-Friendly and Low-Waste

You only pay for what you pick, so it’s great for families watching their budget. Plus, when kids help harvest their own food, they’re less likely to waste it at home—because they worked hard for it!

TOP TIP: Take containers, wear old clothes, and pack wipes—because sticky fingers and muddy boots are part of the fun.

Here are some great PYO farms that we love but you’ll find many more dotted around the country.

1. Parkside Farm (Enfield)

• Over 20 crops across 50 acres—from strawberries in June to sweetcorn and courgettes later  .

• Includes a play area, trolleys for easier field access, and an onsite ice‑cream & honey shop  .

• Kids love the tabletop berries and vibrant sunflower patches 🌻  .

2. Crockford Bridge Farm (Weybridge)

• One of the closest PYO farms to London with strawberries, raspberries and lots of veggies.

• Features a playground, ice‑cream shop and bee house, meaning the kids stay entertained even between picking  .

• Farm Pass covers entry; you only pay for what you pick  .

3. Garsons (Esher)

• Said to be the UK’s largest PYO, offering 30+ crop varieties—strawberries, raspberries, apples, sunflowers, veg  .

• Enjoy browsing the garden centre, then refuel at the Orangery Tea House  .

• Perfect mix of outdoor fun and little luxuries.

4. Cammas Hall Farm (Hertfordshire)

• Great for changing seasons: early berries, then pumpkins and maize maze in the autumn  .

• Offers a tea barn, playground, and BBQ kiosk—ideal for relaxed family days  .

• Booking ahead essential—especially during peak strawberry season  .