Adelaide Hills Kids' Food Trail
For some family fun take the kids on an educational foodie adventure through the Adelaide Hills, introducing them to the processes involved in food production and enjoying the end result. Let's start at the healthy end - picking your own delicious fruit - then work our way through to the truly indulgent treats including a traditional chocolate and confectionery factory.
Pick Your Own Fruit
Cherry Picking - November marks the beginning of the cherry season in the Adelaide Hills and cherries can be picked right through until the end of January - the exact season naturally depends on location and variety. Growers across the region welcome visitors to either purchase from their 'shed doors' or pick their own. The Cherry Growers Association of SA produces the Cherry Map which includes a guide to all the growers, and tips for picking, storing and cooking cherries. Or download their Fresh Cherries app to plan your perfect cherry picking adventure.
Strawberry Picking at Beerenberg Farm, Hahndorf - From November through to April kids delight in roaming the vast strawberry patch at Beerenberg, foraging enormous sweet strawberries. First head to the farmshop to collect a punnet and pay for entry which is $5 per person, with kids 12 and under free. Be sure to browse and taste the incredible array of sauces, relishes and dressings while you're there. Pick to your heart's content and pay $10.95 per kilogram for the bounty you harvest. Always check the Beerenberg website to ensure the patch is open before making the trip. Don't miss the fresh strawberry icecream!
Apple Picking, Lenswood - The Apple and Pear Growers Association of SA encourages families to get out and experience the joy of picking beautiful crisp apples during the 'Pick a Pink Lady' weekend in May. Visitors can pick their own fruit for purchase, or buy other varieties of apples direct from the grower. Walk through the orchard and enjoy the autumn views then meet the grower and find out about how apples are grown. Enjoy lovely home-made produce near the warmth of heating in the shed or throw a picnic rug out on the ground and take in the picturesque surrounds.
Fig Picking at Glen Ewin Estate, Houghton - From roughly mid-February through to early April wander the gorgeous terraced fig orchard of nearly 12,000 trees where figs have been grown for more than 150 years and pick your fill of fresh figs for $10 per kilogram ($5 entry per person with children under 12 free). In season the orchard is open daily from. Glen Ewin Estate is a gem of the Northern Adelaide Hills so stay a while to soak up the history and view at the bistro and cellar door (open Thursday - Sunday).
Food Producers - Cheese
Udder Delights Cheese Cellar, Verdun - Udder Delights is the perfect place for budding cheese aficionados to broaden their tastes. There are cheeses available for tasting and a huge array of cheeses and other gourmet delights for sale. Snacks and light meals are available, with a menu that includes cheese boards (naturally), high tea, cheese fondue and a kids' board with a roll, cheese, Vegemite, fruit and a gingerbread man - cute! Raised outdoor dining overlooking the main street is perfect for the kids.
Woodside Cheese Wrights, Woodside - Located in the Heritage Park complex next to Melba's Chocolate factory, Woodside Cheese Wrights produces handmade artisan cheeses. Enjoy cheese and produce tastings and browse through the gallery featuring exclusive giftware and the work of local artists. While not all the cheeses in this sophisticated and extensive range will appeal to kids, it's a great way to introduce the concept of seasonality in cheesemaking and different ways the cheeses are finished - from rolling in ash to wrapping in vine leaves or dressing with edible flowers.
Chocolate & Sweet Treats
Melba's Chocolate and Confectionery Factory, Woodside - If you're prepared to accept the potentially large sugar rush that will follow, Melba's is a must for any family foodie outing in the Hills. Yes you can purchase a truly staggering range of lollies and chocolates (and chocolate covered lollies for good measure) but it's watching the process that really captivates the kids. See vintage equipment and friendly staff at work in the chocolate room, the cooling tunnel, depositing room, packing room, panning room and toffee room. Then do some tastings, stock up on goodies and relax at the cafe.
Chocolatiers and Chocolate Cafes - For further chocolate indulgence head to Red Cacao chocolatier and chocolate cafe in Stirling. Their Monkey Plate is a special treat especially for little ones and there is outdoor seating with a bit of lawn to run around on. In Hahndorf visit The FruChocs Shop for a full range of Robern Menz chocolates and confectionery at factory prices.
Hahndorf & Stirling
The village of Hahndorf rates a special mention here because it's home to some food experiences the kids are sure to love. Hahndorf Sweets and Humbugs are traditional lolly shops with incredible ranges, from locally made fudge to sweets from around the world. They are also popular with adults seeking out their childhood favourites! Ye Olde Icecreamery is another option to tempt your sweet tooth and always popular with the kids. And if a meal is in order, Hahndorf's family-friendly pubs fit the bill with their fun atmospheres and traditional German fare.
In Stirling, The Stirling Hotel, Organic Market and Cafe or picnic in Steamroller Park are great options. Hokey Pokey in the main street has an excellent array of chocolates and confectionery, while Red Cacao Chocolatier and Cafe is also a winner with the little ones.