There is still time to grab the family, toss on flannels and head over to Eckerts for apple picking and so much more. A couple weekends ago me and the family went there for the first time because it was one of the most recommended by local moms! I wanted to share a glimpse into our day and give you a few of my best tips.
So let me just say that there is really so much to do that you could spend an entire day on the farm and not get bored! Plus you will have a few very sleepy kiddos to take home for naps!
Directions – Follow your GPS or check the detailed directions on their website. It was easy to get to and took us around 35 min from STL. Here is the address too : 2719 ECKERT ORCHARD LN. MILLSTADT, IL 62260
Arrive early – I am always a planner that likes to beat the crowd so we can make sure we fit everything in before naps! We got there at 9:00 and I totally missed that you can buy your tickets online – so I would say do that in advance to save those extra few moments! Buy Tickets Here Be sure to bundle up and wear shoes that are comfortable! If it has rained recently I would have the whole family toss on their rain boots! You can bring strollers too because there are so many activities your little might need a break!
Lookout Point – You will want to stop here right when you enter, I was so shocked that we could see STL from here! The boys were yelling “MOM the arch” !! Great photo opportunity for those that love the #gram.
The Rides – We went to the rides first because there was no line and they are FREE! All the rides are based on height, a few my boys could ride on solo but one I got to join them on!
Feeding the Animals : I am pretty sure that my boys could have stayed here for 3 hours feeding all the animals. They have cows, lamas, kangaroos and goats! You can buy carrots and cups of snacks for them at a desk by the animals or bring a couple dollars in quarters to let the kids use the “snack machines”. Carrots give the most bang for your buck in my opinion.
I loved our photo-bomber in this picture!
Don’t worry there is a hand washing station and restrooms close to the animals! Or wipe your hands on moms pants – that works too.
Apple and Pumpkin Cannons : The boys heard this commotion and went running! Our favorite local “kid comedian” Rutsy Pliers was manning the pumpkin cannon. There are hay bails across the entire hill for everyone to sit on. Rusty gets the entire crowd laughing and picks kids to come down and help him shoot the cannon! We didn’t get picked, but had so much fun!
On the other side of the lake ( its close ) you can shoot apples from a much smaller cannon! It only cost a few dollars, the boys thought they were big guys! They have targets to try and hit, we missed them almost every time ha!
Bounce Pillow – Off to burn some real energy at the big bounce pillow!!! I was so happy to see that they break this into groups of big and little kids! Adults can get up with the little too – obviously I was all in for that!
Pony rides – Maybe the are mini horses, I’m not sure but they were so cute and the boys thought they were real cowboys! This was $2 for a ride.
The boys were asking WHEN they get to ride on the big tractor so the next step was onto picking apples and choosing the BEST pumpkins. Before you jump on the tractor be sure to stop by the apple stand to see what apples they are picking today! Luckily they had samples for us to try – samples for the whole family!
Apple Picking -The best part was the giggles from all the kids as we rode the tractor. The first stop was apples and bonus again they said that we could snack on apples while we pick them!
Insert every mom or girlfriend saying stop what you are doing and lets take a cute picture.
After we gathered two full bags of the best apples we could find we got back on the next Eckerts tractor and headed to the pumpkin patch!
Pumpkin Patch : There are plenty to choose from of all different shapes, sizes and varieties. I learned about pumpkin varieties from one of the young men helping at the farm insert me saying “why are these pumpkins “funky” #blondemoment.
Back on the tractor to eat lunch on a picnic table with my favorite people, 4 pumpkins and two bags of apples! You can checkout our easy apple bar to share with the family once your get all your apples too.
If you and your crew want to head to Eckerts this weekend you can grab your tickets and use our code ” BabblingBlonde ” for $2 off each ticket! Click here to grab them .
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