🌱 The Magic Spud Hunt:
A New Kind of Farm Adventure for Kids and Families
This article is a part of our Track #6 Educational Channel entitled, “Outrageous Outdoor Eating Events (O.O.E.E.).
What do kids, dirt, potatoes, and French fries have in common? If you're thinking "a mess waiting to happen," you're partly right — but here on the farm, it's an organized mess full of laughter, learning, and delicious rewards. We’re proud to introduce our newest OOEE experience: The Magic Spud Hunt — an unforgettable children's farm event focused on the humble (yet heroic) potato!
🥔 What is The Magic Spud Hunt?
The Magic Spud Hunt is our name for a child’s adventure… that participate in an event which is part scavenger hunt, part harvest festival, and part cooking adventure — all centered on celebrating the many varieties of potatoes grown right on your farm or homestead or back-yard. From red-skinned Norlands to fingerlings, purples, russets, and yellows, kids will explore, dig, and discover “magic” potatoes hidden beneath the soil.
This article is to get you planning for this Fall event, right now!
Beth and I have run these events for several years and the Wow! comes when a small child is coaxed to start digging with their hands in a garden plot that has many hidden spuds (potatoes) just beneath the soil’s surface. But we realized that we should give these eager beavers some additional tasks so that they can connect the dots between harvesting, food prep, eating, and planning for next year’s garden.
So, here’s what we’re suggesting…
🍟 From Soil to Fryer: The Spud Kitchen Adventure
After the digging is done, the real excitement begins! Kids wash and sort their spuds, then bring them over to the Spud Kitchen — our outdoor, supervised fry station where families can learn how to:
- Slice their potatoes into fries or wedges
- Use herbs and seasonings from our Simples & Worts garden
- Safely watch their creations sizzle in our big iron kettle fryer
Each child leaves with their own custom cone of fresh, farm-fried potatoes — seasoned to perfection.
🎉 Highlights of the Event
- The Spud Hunt Map & Zones
- Golden Potato Quest
- Tater Tot Art Corner
- Spud Science Station
- French Fry Tasting Table
🧑🌾 Why Potatoes?
Potatoes are one of the most versatile crops on earth — and one of the most fun to harvest. Unlike many crops that need pulling or snipping, potatoes are buried treasure. They teach patience, surprise, and reward. And for children, the joy of reaching into soil and pulling out something they can eat is a lasting memory.
🌾 For Homesteaders & Gardeners: Grow-Your-Own Spud Kit
Want to keep the magic going at home? You can offer a limited number of Grow-Your-Own Spud Kits, complete with:
- 3 potato varieties (starter tubers)
- A grow bag with instructions
- Herbal seasoning pack
- Coloring pages and a mini Spud Hunt game for the backyard
🧺 Event Details
- Date: [Choose your preferred weekend or fall harvest window]
- Time: 10am–2pm
- Location: [Your Farm Name or Event Location]
- Tickets: $10 per child / $5 per adult (includes fries + activities)
- Ages: Designed for ages 3–12, but all are welcome
🔥 A Message from Phil Wilson
At 1782Farm.com, our Outrageous Outdoor Eating Events are about more than food — they’re about community, creativity, and connection. The Magic Spud Hunt is our joyful way to welcome kids into the world of growing food, preparing it together, and honoring the farm-to-table experience in a fun, flavorful way.
Until next time...
I am...
Phil Wilson...
And, here's to living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!