Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
There is something timeless about wandering through a field of sunflowers with your grandchildren. In Northeast Ohio, where rolling farmland meets changing seasons, flower-picking outings offer a simple way to slow down, enjoy nature, and create memories that last far longer than any bouquet.
On a warm Northeast Ohio morning, a flower field feels like a world of its own. Rows and rows of bright yellow blooms stretch toward the sky. Bees hum lazily from flower to flower and butterflies flutter and drift from bloom to bloom, going about their busy work. Sunflowers have always symbolized joy, hope and resilience. That’s why they make the perfect backdrop for family traditions. They remind us to look toward the light and appreciate the simple gifts each season offers.
Northeast Ohio is blessed with a rich agricultural heritage, and many local farms open their flower fields to visitors throughout the summer and early fall. A flower-picking trip can become much more than a fun outing. It offers natural opportunities to teach children valuable lessons about patience, responsibility and appreciation for nature.
Sunflowers fields can put a smile on your face in a way few other things can. Their golden happiness is contagious – in a good way! To help spread this joy, I have listed a few farms where you can pick your own sunflowers, join in a sunflower festival or simply enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by the beautiful sunflower field! For more sunflower field options, visit northeastohiofamilyfun.com/sunflower-fields/.
Medina Sunflower Farm – This farm is located on 7731 Beach Rd in Wadsworth. CASH only, expected to open early in August.
Maize Valley Sunflower Festival – This event features acres of sunflowers! There will also be 100+ artisans and makers of handcrafted items. Located at Maize Valley, 6193 Edison St. N, Hartville, August 22 and 29.
Ramseyer Farms’ Sunflower Days -Located at 4100 Ramseyer Ln in Wooster. Admission to the farm’s 50+ activities also includes access to the U-pick flower field. It will be loaded with thousands of sunflowers and zinnias.
Maria’s Fields of Hope at Cedar Point – Here, there are more than 240,000 sunflower seeds on 8 acres of land that honors and celebrates the lives of children battling cancer. This is a walk-through field, only.
Plan now which farms to visit! Many of the farms that host sunflower fields also offer other fun farm activities during the sunflower blooming season. Choose which farms have the activities your grandkids will enjoy the most and keep the list handy for when the blooming season arrives. Double-check the bloom schedule before you go – Ohio sunflower fields can bloom anytime between early August and late September. We always recommend checking the farm website or calling the farm for availability prior to visiting. Also, bring your own clippers to cut your own, as some farms will have a limited number of clippers/hand pruners available to borrow.
Check the forecast before you go, as sunflower field visits are often weather-dependent. Protect your grandkids (and yourself!) from the sun – Sunflowers by nature thrive on full sun, so it’s you’ll be spending most of your visit in the sun too. Be sure to load up with sunscreen or wear a hat to keep the sun off your face.
Remember to pause for a while in the fields and have a small picnic or snack among the flowers, enjoying sandwiches and fresh fruit while surrounded by a sea of yellow. Life has a way of rushing by. Children grow, seasons change, and summers become treasured memories. That’s why I believe it’s important to make room for simple adventures. They don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes all it takes is a sunflower field, a sunny afternoon and the people you love most.
Photos by Karen Shadrach
