Free or Low-Cost Outdoor Ideas for Children #3: Blackberry Picking

Blackberry Picking: The Perfect Free Outdoor Family Activity

As the days get shorter and the first signs of autumn start to appear, hedgerows begin to burst into life, filling with delicious assorted berries. It’s at this time of year that there’s one simple pleasure that brings families together – blackberry picking. This timeless activity is not only free, but also a fantastic way to engage (and fuel!) children during a walk. Why not get out there this weekend before the children go back to school?

Beyond the fun of the hunt, blackberry picking teaches children about the seasons, the importance of patience, and the value of food that doesn’t come from the shops. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce them to the idea of foraging, connecting them with the land in a way that few activities can. Don’t stop at blackberries though, at this time of year you can also find damsons, crab apples and elderberries too!

And the best part? Once home, you can all enjoy the ‘fruits’ of your labour (pardon the pun!). From warm blackberry crumble to a simple bowl of berries with cream, the delicious possibilities are endless. You could even use them to make a delicious flapjack ready to fuel your next walk! So, next time you’re out on a walk, look for those bramble patches and enjoy a simple, joyful, and entirely free family adventure. (Don’t forget to being a tub with you!)

Mum’s Notes:

• Don’t pick the berries too low to the ground (we go by a rule of thumb not to pick anything below our elbows). You don’t want to be eating anything a dog, fox or other wildlife might have done their business on!
• If the berry doesn’t pull away easily it’s not ripe. Don’t force it, as it won’t be tasty sweet treat anyway!
• As well as the obvious thorns, watch out for wasps! We’ve had several near misses over the years, especially later in the season when the berries are too ripe, where wasps are busy enjoying them and are often tucked behind the berry – so always double check before you grab that juicy looking berry!
• Don’t pick berries by busy roads. There are some who may be concerned on how vehicle emissions might affect the berry, but for me I’d be more concerned of having the children by heavy traffic.