One of our favorite places to pick strawberries in Orange County is at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. Right now they have STRAWBERRY TOURS which is an hour guided wagon tour around their 30 acre farm. We learn about the different produce they grow, history of the farm, farming methods, sample a variety of farm fresh vegetables next to where they are grown, and then we stop to pick our own strawberries. Each paying customer receives a 1-pound container to fill to take home. I have been taking the children for years, and we still love it!
My kids can be picky when it comes to eating their veggies, however, they will try them on the wagon tour every time. I was surprised so see them try Chinese cabbage. Some of the organic vegetables that we sampled that day were fresh cilantro, celery, snow peas, carrots, and Chinese cabbage. (Your samples may vary based on availability). If you end up with extra, just take it home with you. Here is where a tote will come in handy.
HYDROPONICALLY GROWN
Hydroponically grown strawberries are grown in tubes filled with coconut husks. They run drip irrigation pipes to water these strawberries. If you want to pick fresh strawberries, and don’t have time to go on a tour, consider picking from the Strawberry Garden located behind their market stand on the field. When we went there was plentiful, but it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure they have enough berries for picking. Ask for a green basket from the Market, then pick and pay at $5 per pound. This is not the actual strawberry field, and there is no pick and eat option, but it’s still a fun way to get berries! Call (949) 653-2100 ext 203 to check availability. Watch a short video below to understand more what is hydroponically-grown strawberries at Tanaka Farms.
Tanaka Farm’s Strawberry Tour is one of our favorite tours around the farm. It’s not only educational, it’s also fun to ride on the wagon, try the vegetable samples, and pick strawberries from the vine. Thank you, Tanaka Farms, for hosting our family!
CHECK LIST
Apply sunblock, wear hats, and pack water. The tractor ride around the farm will be about an hour long and is very sunny. If you forget, they have hats and bottled water for purchase. The last part of the tour is about 10 minutes for picking strawberries.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Public drinking water is not available. Bottled water is available for purchase at $1.50 per bottle or bring your own.
- Restrooms are porta potties.
- Your shoes may get dirty. Wear comfortable shoes.
- PETS and WAGONS are prohibited.
STRAWBERRY TOURS
February through June!
TANAKA FARMS5380 3/4 University Dr.Irvine, CA(949) 653-2100 ext. 204www.tanakafarms.com/tours-strawberry/
ADMISSIONS:
- Adult – $18, Child – $18 (Price includes a basket for picking strawberries.)
- Children (age 2 yrs old and under) – Free
- Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. ($7 adult, $14 child) Reservations are recommended.
PARKING:
Park in the designated tour parking lot. Please do not park at the grocery store parking lot.
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