We’ve driven past The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch more times than I remember, and yet somehow, this picturesque, 50-acre expanse of nearly 80 million flowers somehow escaped us. Originally started as a family farm in the 1920s, Paul Ecke III now grows Giant Tecolote Ranunculus where poinsettias once bloomed.
Each year, over 100,000 visitors walk The Flower Fields admiring this beautiful sensation that lasts for just 8 short weeks. We visited for the first time last year on a trip to San Diego and found that there is more to see and do than we had anticipated. This year, we arranged to spend the good part of a day not only enjoying the vibrant bloom but all of the activities at Carlsbad. The experience merges the beauty of nature with engaging activities. If you’ve been thinking about a visit, here are 5 Things Your Kids Will Learn at The Flower Fields.
- How to grow plants: The Organic Demonstration Garden features presentations focusing on garden design, planting styles and more .
- Water conservation: The Flower Fields’ water quality awareness model showcases + 20 management practices that help farmers protect precious water resources.
- Local history: Constructed as a tribute to The Flower Fields’ history, be sure to visit the 1,500 square foot greenhouse which displays a beautiful rainbow of Ecke’s poinsettias.
- Composting and recycling in nature: Learn how worms are used as the “world’s greatest recycler.”
- The relationship between art, music and nature: The Artist Gardens features your favorite painting displayed in a colorful garden using flowers as art.
Through The Flower Fields educational programs, children can engage in hands-on activities as part of a class field trip or independently on-site. Many of these programs run throughout the year and information, including free printable activity sheets, can be found by visiting the website.
While you’re at The Flower Fields, be sure to take a tractor ride which also includes information on the history of the site. This is also the best way to see the American Flag of Flowers, a patriotic display of red, white and blue petunias planted on a 300 x 170 foot hillside after 911.
After a visit to The Flower Fields, have kids release some of their energy by running through the Sweet Pea Maze and then exploring the whimsical playhouses and giant mushrooms that were once part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead (included with admission). They can also test out their sluice mining skills at the Carlsbad Mining Company.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm through May 8th, 2016. Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children.
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