What to Do with Leftover Apples from Apple Picking - A Parent's Guide to Kid-Friendly Activities and Apple Recipe Ideas
- Jennifer Medley
- Oct 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7, 2024
As a parent, the joy of apple picking with your kids during the vibrant fall season is unparalleled. However, being left with a surplus of apples afterwards can lead to the dilemma of what to do with them. My family usually gets sick of eating apples after about a week of trying to use up our stock, so I've had to find some creative ways to use them over the years. Here's a collection of some of my favorite ways to use apples after we've gone apple picking.
Creative Crafts
Apple Stamping
Cut apples in half and use them to create unique patterns on paper or fabric. Experiment with different apple varieties and stamping techniques to achieve various effects.
Apple Tree Art
Construct a paper apple tree and decorate it with colorful leaves and apples. Get creative with your design and use different materials like glitter, stickers, or fabric scraps.
Apple People
Let your kids' imaginations run wild as they create adorable apple people using apples, sticks, and other natural materials. Add personality to your creations with buttons, yarn, paint, and other embellishments.
Delicious Treats
Caramel Apples
Dip apples in melted caramel and customize them with toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or even edible glitter. If your kids are too small to bite into a whole apple, cut up the apples and serve the caramel and toppings fondue-style! This novel serving method is sure to excite even the pickiest of eaters.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
A classic and healthy snack that's perfect for kids of all ages! If you don't like peanut butter, substitute for any nut or seed butter for the perfect sweet and salty snack.
Apple Chips
Dehydrate apple slices for a crunchy and nutritious treat. Some air fryers now come with a dehydrating option, so this is a perfect opportunity to test that setting. Alternatively, you can bake your apple chips if you don't have a dehydrator or air fryer. Experiment with different apple varieties and seasonings to find your favorite flavor!
Applesauce
Applesauce is super easy to make a home! Just put the apples in a pot with cinnamon and sugar and cook them down. If you cook it enough, the apples will break down into smaller pieces. For a smoother consistency that's more like the store bought kind, you can blend or mash the applesauce.
Engaging Games
Apple Bobbing
A messy but fun game that's sure to get kids laughing. Fill a tub of water with apples and challenge them to catch as many as they can with their teeth! This is a great sensory experience for your kids and a great option for a fall party.
Apple Guessing Game
Blindfold your kids and have them guess the type of apple they're eating. This is a fun way to learn about different apple varieties and their unique flavors! When you're done, you and your kids can pick your favorites and think of different ways to use each one.
Educational Activities
Apple Life Cycle
Teach kids about the different stages of an apple's life, from flower to fruit. Use diagrams, pictures, or even plant a real apple tree to help them understand the process. You can also use pieces of the apple itself to illustrate your lesson, allowing for both an educational and yummy experience!
Apple Science Experiments
Conduct simple experiments with apples to teach kids about science concepts. For example, you can test which type of apple juice is sweeter or make apple cider vinegar. Another experiment my kids and I like to do is leave out apples and test to see which one goes brown the quickest. Then, we try different methods to slow down the browning.
With so many fun and engaging activities to choose from, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy apples with your kids. Whether you're looking for creative crafts, delicious treats, or educational experiences, apples offer endless possibilities for family fun. Don't let those leftover apples go to waste; instead, transform them into opportunities for quality time with your children. These simple yet enjoyable ideas are sure to create lasting memories and deepen the bond between you and your kids.
So, grab those apples, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a journey filled with laughter, mess, and scrumptious delights. It's time to turn those apples into cherished moments that will warm both your heart and your stomach!
what to do with leftover apples from apple picking
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