Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s is inviting children to spend part of their summer outdoors with a trio of hands-on educational programs designed to spark creativity, teach practical skills and connect participants with nature.
The farm will host three pop-up sessions in August, giving children the opportunity to explore the property, harvest fresh produce, create nature-inspired crafts and discover where their food comes from through interactive, hands-on experiences.
The Farm to Table Culinary Adventure will be offered on Aug. 18 for children ages 6 to 9 and on Aug. 19 for ages 10 to 13. Both sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
During the culinary program, participants will harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs from the farm before working together to prepare a fresh meal featuring pizza, salad and a beverage. The program includes all materials and food. Accommodations are available for children with food allergies.
The final session, Farm Treasures Art Exploration on the Farm, will take place Aug. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon for children ages 7 to 12.
The art program encourages participants to explore the farm while collecting natural materials such as grasses, bark and pinecones to create original works of art. Children will also use gourds grown on the farm to design decorative birdhouses and other nature-inspired projects. The gourds are cultivated specifically for crafting, then dried before being transformed into art pieces.
“The kids really have a great time when they’re given a lot of materials to explore with,” education manager Delia Serrano said.
Registration for each session is limited to 12 participants to maintain a small-group, hands-on learning environment. Families are encouraged to register early because enrollment is limited. Participants should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and a snack, while wearing weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Although promoted as summer pop-up sessions, the programs build on educational offerings that have long been part of Crossroads Farm’s mission. Farm staff develop seasonal programming throughout the year, first opening registration to returning families before making any remaining spaces available to the public.
Beyond its own programming, the farm also partners with the Malverne Recreation Department to provide educational experiences for children in kindergarten through seventh grade during the summer. Farm educators also lead gardening programs in local school districts, including West Hempstead and Valley Stream, extending Crossroads Farm’s educational mission beyond its own grounds.
“The summer presents a more carefree environment,” Serrano said. “We pride ourselves in offering real hands-on experiential learning opportunities, where we’re an outdoor classroom.”
As the education program continues to grow, Crossroads Farm credits the support of local families, schools, scout groups and the surrounding community for making its programming possible. Through experiences that blend agriculture, art and cooking, the farm hopes to help children develop a deeper understanding of where food comes from while creating lasting summer memories and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
“The education program is thriving and growing, and we’re just so grateful to be able to offer our programs to our families,” she said, “and share our mission with them.”
Registration is open, for more information, visit XRoadsFarmLINY.com.
