Family excursions make for great holidays, so why not take the kids to harvest your own tree in the wild or at a real Christmas tree farm? We make it easy with this guide to the U-Pick Christmas tree farm nearest you and tips on how to select one.
Why Choose a Real Christmas Tree for the Holidays?
Real Christmas trees are trending. People love the scent of real trees in their house, enjoy having a bit of the “outdoors” inside, and love the thought that these trees come from Canada or the U.S.
Plus, unlike plastic trees, they are eco-friendly. Live evergreens are fully recyclable. Many towns recycle real Christmas trees as mulch or use them to bolster sand dunes after the holidays. Additionally, professional farmers replant three trees for every one that is cut. Your family will appreciate the cutting tips and help that local farmers offer. Everyone enjoys discovering that real Christmas tree farms are the sustainable way to go.
In fact, the U.S. Forestry Department encourages families to plan ahead for harvesting a tree from federal lands. Not only can you select a beautiful tree in the wilderness; you will know that you are helping keep the forest healthy and wildfire-free by pruning out small trees.
Tree Permits Available from US National Forests; Some Free for Kids
Beginning each October, U.S. Ranger Districts and National Forests issue Christmas Tree Harvest Permits on their website Recreation.gov. Sort listings by zip code, find a forest near you, check the opening dates of the harvest season and pay the fee (about $10 to $15 per tree.) Be sure to follow their safety tips before venturing out into the wild.
New for this season: If your child participates in the Every Kid Outdoors pass program for 4th graders, they are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through their local National Forest. To obtain a free Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov to apply using the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher by checking the box indicating you have a pass and entering the pass or voucher number (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
For a very special touch to your Christmas tree, check out the Every Kid Outdoors coloring page ornament for your student to decorate and adorn your tree’s branches for all to enjoy.
What are U Pick Christmas Tree Farms?
If you can’t get to a national forest, never fear. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), more than a quarter of the estimated 30 million trees harvested last year were cut at U-pick Christmas tree farms.
From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, you can plan a road trip to one of the nearly 5,000 choose-and-cut real Christmas tree farms in the United States. (Depending on your location, you may find the the many farms in Canada closer.) The NCTA has a helpful website which refers you to real Christmas tree farms either by location (by your zip code) or by the type of tree required. At some of them, you’ll need to make advance reservations before visiting.
If you’re planning a minication to a Christmas tree farm near you, keep in mind that supply is expected to be tight again this year. The NCTA advises customers to be flexible and consider different types of trees. They want every family to be delighted with their purchase.
Plan to Visit a Small U Cut Christmas Tree Farm
In the Northeast, a typical adventure begins at the 400-acre Jones Family Farms which celebrates more than 75 years of U-pick harvesting. The Homestead Farm, Valley Farm and Pumpkin Seed Hill Farm have joined the main one at 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. The Jones Family runs a typical winter operation on their spread. According to Doug R., a Family Travel Forum dad, most cut Christmas trees bought from stores in December have actually been harvested and frozen several months before.
That’s why, each year around Thanksgiving, he takes his family directly to Jones Farm. Spend the entire day among Balsam Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, White Fir, Douglas Fir, and Angel White Pines so you can bring home a more recently cut, real Christmas tree which is sold by the foot.
“The kids love running around this beautiful New England style farm, and sometimes there’s a Santa sighting,” adds Doug R. “Our dog loves it, too.”
While you’re in the Northeast, head over to explore these New York City family-friendly holiday events.
What To Expect From Small Family Tree Farms
At the small family Christmas tree farms, expect balls of twine, a big Christmas gift shop and maybe some photo ops with Santa. Most are pet-welcoming if your dog is on a leash. Several sell snacks like homemade donuts and hot chocolate. Most have down-home advice about the best tree for your needs.
First tip for all newcomers: Measure your ceiling at home and bring the same tape measure to the farm!
In the Midwest, try B&J Evergreen for U-pick harvesting in Minnesota. For more than 40 years, they have run “choose and cut” locations in Princeton and Clear Lake. Families can choose to chop down Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine or Blue Spruce trees to really personalize their holiday. Play with farm pets, jump on hay bales. Or, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. If that’s too much of an outing, B&J has a more convenient option. Three tree lots with already harvested trees are in the Twin Cities region. B&J provides free twine, hand saws, bailing wire and friendly helpers.
Or, Go Big and Go Home at Some Big Christmas Tree Operations
Thinking big? Choose your favorite among 50,000 trees on 75 acres of farmland at the Richardson Adventure Farm (9407 Richardson Rd. near Spring Grove, IL), about an hour’s drive from Chicago. This family Christmas tree farm, founded in 1840, runs a choose and cut operation that sells more than 4,000 trees each year.
Tree varieties include Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, White Pine and Scotch Pine. Of course, there’s coffee and hot chocolate, donuts, homemade treats, wreaths and more for sale as well.
“Some families have been coming here since our very first year,” said George Richardson, who works with his family. “It’s a real multi-generational tradition,” he adds. “People who came here as kids bring their own children now.”
Need an affordable rental car for your Christmas tree farm excursion?
Finding A Christmas Tree Farm Near You
The NCTA has a helpful website refers you to real Christmas tree farms either by location (by your zip code) or by the type of tree required. At some of them, you’ll need to make advance reservations before visiting.
There are several more ways to find a real Christmas tree farm convenient to you. Try asking the farmers at your local greenmarket; many have tree nurseries sharing farmland as an additional income source.
In some regions, such as northern California’s wine region, local growers have been supported in marketing their products for more than 30 years by the Sonoma County Farm Trails Organization. This site has a search function and maps showcasing farms which offer real Christmas trees.
Did you know that North Carolina produces more than 20% of the real Christmas trees in the U.S.? The North Carolina Fraser Fir has been chosen for the White House more than any other species. Check out the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association website for information on selection hours.
Christmas Tree Selection & Transport Tips
Follow these Tree Selection and Transport Tips from experienced tree-toting FTF families. Most of the U-Pick farms provides free twine and help getting any real Christmas tree you choose onto your car at any time.
1. Carefully select the size and shape tree that’s right for your home. As noted, you must measure the ceiling height in your home before heading out to the farm.
2. The Christmas tree farmer should supply a handsaw. Do bring work gloves so the kids can help you keep your real Christmas tree steady while sawing.
3. Ask the farmer to wrap or ‘net’ your tree for easy transport. Do bring your own plastic tarp to kneel on while sawing, to drag the tree to the car, and to protect your car roof or trunk from shedding needles and oozing sap. Depending on where you live, you may even find a farm who will deliver through Instacart or another service.
4. If your kids have allergies to pollen or tree sap, wash the tree outside thoroughly with a garden hose before bringing it indoors. Although allergy specialists say that evergreens produce very little pollen in winter, any real Christmas tree will collect pollen and dust.
5. If possible, trim the tree’s trunk again at home. Place it securely in water in a strong stand, away from any direct heat source. It may ‘drink’ several gallons worth in the first few days. Refill water every other day throughout the season, and your tree may last up to 10 weeks.
6. After the holidays, recycle it. Contact your local sanitation department about the recycling process in your town. In some areas they become mulch for local parks, in others, support for wind-blown sand dunes.
Start the Giving Season Early
The Richardson Farm in Illinois, along with many others, participates in Trees for Troops, which last year delivered about 15,000 free, fresh-cut, real Christmas trees to military families at 77 domestic military bases. We love give back gifts like this. To participate, purchase a tree for a local military base at a discount. Next, attach your own holiday greeting. Lastly, send it packed with holiday spirit.
Does your family have a real Christmas tree farm tradition? Let us know about your Christmas inspired travels in the comment field below!
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.