Lakewinds’ Guide to School’s Out Snacks and Activities

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School is out, which means the kids are home and many of us are likely looking for creative ways to keep them fed and entertained. We’ve put together a few easy ideas for family fun this summer.

BEST SUMMER ACTIVITIES:

  • Take a farm tour: many of our farm partners offer tours to community members. Take the kids for a visit to learn more about the journey their food makes from farm to table, and to instill the importance of fresh, local products. Upcoming events below:
    • Zweber Farm Discovery (June 27) – The Zweber family will be on hand to welcome you to their farm. Take a guided tour to see the calves, take a walk in the pasture, and learn how the milking process works. Presented by Organic Valley: http://ov.coop/MWfarmdiscovery
    • Eat Local Farm Tour – Each year, Twin Cities area food co-ops host the free event to support and showcase local growers. Look for guidebooks in store mid-June to participate.
  • Get outdoors: soak up the sun at a local park or at the beach. Don’t forget the essentials, like Badger sunscreen, an EWG top sunscreen pick, DEET-free bug repellent from Bug Band and a BPA-free Kleen Kanteen water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Nurture that green thumb: Summer is a great time to explore new local produce and also take a stab at growing some of your own. The best part? When kids grow kale, kids eat kale. Challenge your family to grow something outside of tomatoes and herbs and spend the growing season brainstorming what you’ll create with the bountiful harvest. Check back for gardening tips, recipes and more throughout the summer. Resources:

BEST SUMMER SNACKS:

  • DIY trail mix from the bulk bins: have the kids pick out their favorite items from the bulk aisle to create their new go-to, healthy trail mix. Mix things up with naturally sweetened candies, dried fruit and local nuts like Barsy’s Almonds.
  • Perfect Portable snacks: Convenience doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. Grass Run Farms Smoked Beef Stick, dried fruit (our favorite is mangos), Snapea Crisps or a made without gluten Energy Bar from the Lakewinds Deli all make great, healthy snacks on the go.