The Kid Scoop got you the 411 on all sorts of fun kids activities in Montréal this summer. We got you the scoop on the best summer camps in Montreal, zoos (my kids can’t miss at trip to the Granby Zoo each summer), and family fun activities…we even told you when the circus came to town.  With those lazy days of summer behind us it’s back to reality and for so many of us Montreal parents that means Back to School.

When I think about back to school not only does it mean Fall is around the corner, but to me, Fall means Apple Picking.  There is nothing better than picking an apple right off the tree. Just the smell of all the apples in the orchard, the warm fall breeze, the sweet tangy taste makes me remember of all the times I went apple picking as a kid. Now that I am a parent I really enjoy continuing these traditions with my family.

I love the conventional way of packing up a lunch and heading out for a Sunday drive to pick apples. I also enjoy playing fun driving games on the way. “I Spy” an oldie but a goodie, “I’m thinking of an animal” (give clues to guess which animal you are), “Memory Game” (I went to market and bought some… apples.’ ‘I went to market and bought some apples, and bananas.’ ‘I went to market and bought some apples, and bananas, and cheese.’ take turns to repeat the list and add an item – using alphabetical order makes it easier on the memory but harder on the imagination.) and my favourite car game of all time, “Who Can Stay Quiet the Longest”. Play this game when you need a few minutes of silence. Everyone tries to refrain from making any noises for as long as possible. I’m continuing the tradition as this was a favourite of my parents too.  Bring along prizes for the winner!

I’ve got the scoop on the great apple orchards around Montreal for you and your family to enjoy;

My two personal favourites are Quinn’s Farm and Verger Labonté. They are close to home and just down the street from one another. There is a little petting farm, a tractor ride out to the orchard and a small playground. The only thing “Mom” you have to think about after a fun filled day is what to make with all those apples.  A yummy apple pie perhaps, maybe some apple muffins or what about apple cookies……well I am not sure about apple cookies. I think you should cheat a little and stop in at the bakery right there on premise and pick up an apple pie to take home. You can get to your picked bag of apples another day.

Here is a twist to apple picking you might enjoy. I like to think of it as an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Have you ever thought of apple picking by train? Yes by train! What a fun way to engage family time and the great outdoors during the Fall. The Agence Métropolitaine de Transport offers an apple “escapade”. The train leaves every Saturday from September 5 to October 10, 2009. You visit a different orchard every Saturday, mainly in the Lower Laurentians. An apple escapade for all.

Check out all our Apple Picking providers at: http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking

The Agence Métropolitaine de Transport - Apple Escapade.

http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/agence-metropolitaine-de-transport

ORCHARDS SOUTHWEST OF MONTREAL

Quinn Farm
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/quinn-s-farm

 Verger Labonté
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/verger-labonte

ORCHARDS SOUTHEAST OF MONTREAL

Au Paradis des Fruits Dunham
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/au-paradis-des-fruits-dunham

Cidrerie et Vergers Léo Boutin
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/cidrerie-et-vergers-leo-boutin

Verger du Pavillon de la Pomme
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/verger-du-pavillon-de-la-pomme

Verger Trois Pommes
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/verger-trois-pommes

ORCHARDS NORTH AND NORTHWEST OF MONTREAL

À la Croisée des Pommes
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/a-la-croisee-des-pommes

Jude Pomme
http://www.thekidscoop.com/en/by-interest/fruit-picking/jude-pomme