UPDATE: 1/14/2026 - Oranges are now SOLD OUT
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Looking for a simple weekend outing that gets kids outside and away from screens for a bit? Orange Picking Saturdays are back for 2026, and they are an easy win for families who want something fun, affordable, and close to home.
Hosted by the La Verne Heritage Foundation, this seasonal event takes place at Heritage Park, home to one of the last working orange groves in Southern California. It is the kind of outing where kids can explore, parents can slow down, and everyone leaves with a bag of fresh oranges.
| Why Families Love Orange Picking Saturdays |
Starting Saturday, January 10, 2026, families can stop by every Saturday while oranges are available. For $8 per bag, kids can help pick oranges straight from the trees, with pickers and bags provided. Each bag holds about eight pounds, so there is plenty to bring home for snacking, lunches, or fresh juice.
Beyond the grove, there is more to explore. The historic Weber House will be open for free tours, which is a great way to sneak in a little learning without it feeling like school. Families can also browse the Heritage Barn Store for fun finds like jams, sauces, olives, handmade soaps, children’s wooden painting kits, and small souvenirs that make nice keepsakes.
This is a flexible, drop-in kind of event, making it perfect for busy weekends when you want something low-pressure and kid-friendly.
Orange Picking Saturdays at a Glance
📅 When: Saturdays beginning January 10, 2026, while oranges last
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Where: Heritage Park, 5001 Via de Mansion, La Verne
💲 Cost: $8 per bag of oranges, picker and bags included (bags hold 8 lbs of oranges)
For seasonal updates and reminders, families can check the La Verne Heritage Foundation events page.
| School Day Fun with Spring Squeeze Field Trips |
Families with younger kids should also keep the Spring Squeeze field trips on their radar. Designed for schools, preschools, and Mommy & Me groups, these weekday morning tours give children a hands-on look at what life was like on a citrus farm in the late 1800s.
Kids enjoy a tractor ride through the grove, meet farm animals, walk through the garden, and learn about smudge pots, windmills, and early farm life. The experience wraps up with tasting fresh-squeezed orange juice and making a simple craft using an orange rind.
Spring Squeeze Field Trip Details
📅 When: Weekday mornings, March 11 through April 24, 2026
📍 Where: Heritage Park, 5001 Via de Mansion, La Verne
📞 Scheduling: Appointments required. Call Kay Jones at (562) 506-3845
If your family loves simple outings that do not require a lot of planning, this is a great one to add to your calendar. Fresh air, hands-on fun for kids, and a little slice of local history all in one stop.
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