With summer fast approaching or already here, depending on when you read this, it’s time to make some plans. Summertime offers many possibilities for some recreation and relaxation.  However, even the best-laid plans can be ruined if you are ill-prepared.  

Even though you may relish the long, hot summer days, those days are brutal on your car. And if you plan on using your car to do anything this summer, you will want to make sure that it is ready to go.  So here are a few items to add to your summer emergency car kit list.  

You can swap out a few items from your winter car kit, but there are a few things that are specific to summertime.

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Emergency Car Kit

Let’s just start right here. A premade emergency car kit will have most of the items that you need and are on the above list.  They are compact, convenient, fit a variety of situations, and reasonably priced.  Here are a few that I found to meet a variety of price points and situations.

The question is, what do you need?  Are you a commuter, going on a road trip, going to the beach for the weekend?  Pick the one that best suits you.  

Even though having a pre-packaged emergency car kit is awesome, it might not have everything you want or need in an emergency.  So, let’s review the rest of the items, and maybe you will just build your own or augment your emergency car kit. 

For the uber-prepared, you can’t go wrong with the Blikzone Auto Roadside Assistance Kit. It’s got everything from jumper cables to a tire inflator. It’s more expensive than the rest, but it has almost everything you will need. The only thing it doesn’t have is a First Aid Kit, which is a bummer, but that is the only thing you will need to buy separately.

BLIKZONE Aqua Car kit Emergency Road Kit with Tire Repair Tools, Jumper Cables kit for car, Heavy Duty Digital air Compressor Portable, Tow Strap and More Car Necessities and Car Essentials for Women

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For a more budget-friendly option that includes all the basics is the Vetoos Roadside Emergency Car Kit. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of the Blikzone, but it covers the basics. It does include the jumper cables and a rudimentary first aid kit. For the casual summertime driver, this would be perfect.

Vetoos Car Roadside Emergency Kit with Jumper Cables, Auto Vehicle Safety Road Side Assistance Kits, Winter Car Kit Essentials for Women and Men, with Car Repair Tool Set, Folding Survival Shovel

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Finally, for the budget-friendly, there is the Lifeline AAA Premium Roadside Kit. It has some of the essential items that you will need in an emergency car kit. It’s a good starter to build a complete kit around. Check it out…

Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit, 42 Piece Emergency Car Kit with Jumper Cables, Flashlight and First Aid Kit,4330AAA,Black

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Supplies for Your DIY Summer Emergency Car Kit

As was mentioned, whether you want to beef up the emergency car kit you bought or build one from scratch, these are the essential items that you will need.

1. Case

You have to have something to put the stuff in.  You can use a tote, a duffle bag, a coffee can, an ammo case, a file case.  Whatever suits your needs and vehicle.  Whatever it is, it should be durable and allow you to get to the supplies easily.

2. Battery Booster Pack or Jumper Cables

You should always have one in your car. Some emergency car kits come with jumper cables, but if you are putting your own together or you want to upgrade the ones you have, check my article on jumper cables. This will help you pick the best one.

My personnel recommendation is to get a battery booster pack. These are self-contained batteries that will jump-start your car by themselves.  Battery booster packs store easily and are reasonably priced.  It’s not a bad combo for some peace of mind.  

Check out my recommendations for battery booster packs.

3. Small Mechanics Tool Set

I am not talking about a 199-piece toolset that you don’t know what half the stuff does. What you want to make sure you have is a small socket set, a few different screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, etc. There is nothing to elaborate, but you will be happy you have them when you need them.  

4. Multi-Tool

I always carry my Leatherman multi-tool around with me.  When you don’t want to rifle through your case looking for your toolset, a multi-tool will many times be the answer.  

Countless times, I have needed the pliers or the small screwdriver that is attached. Yes, Leatherman tools are a little pricier, but I have used other tools, and nothing compares.

5. First-Aid Kit

This will probably be the most used item in your emergency car kit. If you opted to go with a prepared kit, as mentioned above, you most likely already have one.  

However, if you have kids or are accident-prone, you may want a beefier first aid kit.  There is no shortage of selection when it comes to selecting a first aid kit. 

6. Gloves

Who wants to get their hands dirty?  I always have gloves.  I like gloves that have a high tactile feel and are sturdy.  When working with lug nuts whilst changing a tire or trying to manipulate a pair of pliers, you need to have control of your tools.  A simple set of gloves like these are awesome for an emergency car kit.

7. Flashlight

Flashlights are not just for emergency car kits.  You should have a flashlight in your car at all times. You never know when you will need it. 

8. Fix-A-Flat

This selection is somewhat controversial.  I always have a can of Fix A Flat or Slime in my truck.  If I have the option, I am going to change to my spare tire; sometimes, though, that is not an option. 

Having Fix A Flat gives you the ability to get back on the road quickly.  It is not ideal in all situations and should be looked at as a last resort.  But you will be thankful you have it if you need it.

9. Flares or Warning Signals

Again, some prepared emergency car kits come with these.  But if not, you want a set.  These will warn other cars that you are on the side of the road.  If our fine highway workers and survey crews use warning flags and signs, there must be something to them.

In lieu of having any warning system, a buddy with a flashlight will do in a pinch. But they aren’t that expensive, and it’s one more layer of safety.

10. Battery Pack Backup and/or Charging Cord

You never know when you are going to break down.  It will probably be when your cell phone is almost dead, which is the last thing you want.  These little backups are small, inexpensive, and easy to carry around.

Now, they shouldn’t go in your emergency car kit per se’.  You will want to keep this in your glove box or center console. Someplace you can get to easy enough so that it can be recharged.  

Or if the weather gets too hot, you can easily grab and carry it with you.  The extreme temperatures will damage the portable battery. 

Final Thoughts…

Traveling during the summertime is a lot of fun. No matter if you’re going to the beach, on a road trip, or an amusement park, a good time should be enjoyed.

But not everything goes according to plan all the time, so having these few provisions in your car will help you to drive to your destination safely or at least get you back home safely.

It may not have been the trip that you planned for, but at least you will be safe, and you will be prepared just in case something happens.

If you are looking for a complete road trip checklist that you can print off and tick off as you go packing your car, grab your instant PDF here – no sign ups required grab it for FREE!

Stay healthy and safe travels…

PS. Has the warmth of summer passed? Are you heading into the harsh realities of winter? Winter brings an entirely different set of circumstances. Prepare for your travels by checking out my article on how to build an emergency car kit for cold weather.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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Did you know that California is now the fifth-largest producer of sunflowers in the USA?

Why should the Midwest get all the fun when it comes to Sunflower fields? Whilst it’s true the vast majority of the sunflowers in North America do come from the Midwest, California’s sunflower production is nothing to be sneezed at, with well in excess of 70,000 acres planted annually.

Sunflower farms have hugely increased in popularity over even the last 5 years, not just as essentials crops but as tourist destinations in themselves! A fabulous addition to any family road trip this summer is stopping in at a sunflower farm of two on your road trip across the country.

You can catch more of our US sunflower road trip series here, including:

• Sensational Sunflower Fields in Minnesota
• Miami’s Magical Sunflower Season
• Best Sunflower Fields in New York for a Family Day Out
• New Jersey Sunflower Fields and U Pick Farms Not To Miss

But before we dive into where to find the best sunflower fields in California…

We will confirm by mid-year if all the listed venues below are still operating for Fall 2024 – the information below has been based on our experience in the previous few years post-COVID but is still subject to change annually.

Best Time To See Sunflowers in California

To have the best opportunity of seeing sunflower fields, plan your northern California sunflower road trip from mid-June to mid-July. Some will bloom earlier, others a little later, but generally speaking, out west the sunflower season falls a little earlier than in the Midwest.

If you leave it further into August, most sunflowers in California have already been harvested but we’ll point out a few fields below that have historically had a later season, in an attempt to align visitors with corn and pumpkin harvest time in the fall.

You should note that a sunflower only blooms at its best for around 10 days, so you do need to plan your movements carefully if your primary reason for visiting Yolo County or any of the places we mention here is for the sunflower season.

Best Time of Day for Seeing Sunflowers in California

We know if you’re road tripping with kids a lot is going to revolve around nap times and stomachs! But if you can plan it, visit either early in the morning before the flies, bugs, and heat can become a nuisance (not to mention everyone squinting in the sun!).

Alternatively, save your sunflower fields exploring until the evening golden hour for the best photo opportunities.

What to Know Before Visiting California Sunflower Fields with Kids

There are a few things you should bear in mind when planning a sunflower road trip in California with your kids:

• You are still visiting someone’s working farm and private property; Come properly dressed for the occasion and explain the rules and etiquette (often repeatedly to the little ones!) so everyone knows what is expected of them
• Never trample on the flowers or pick any you are not supposed to
• Carefully follow any farm or field rule specifics, this can include sticking to designated paths and not climbing on any machinery
• Do expect even in summer the fields can be muddy as they’re kept well watered; we’d leave their best party frocks and white clothes at home, even if you think it’ll make for a cute photo
• Amenities on hand will vary by farm and field; some are still quite rustic (i.e., they may not have restrooms), and others will have cafes, playgrounds, and the full works to entertain the littles – we’ve tried to help you narrow this down
• If I sign says no trespassing, respect it. Not all sunflower fields are open to the public, you should never just assume a farmer will be happy for you to stop and pose with their flowers. Stick to designated farms that have opened their fields
• Avoid wearing perfumes or any strong fragrances – you want the bees focused on the flowers!
• Don’t swat at the bees! They will be hanging around but as long as you leave them alone, they’re there doing an important job
• If you are seeking more professional photos that cannot be achieved from the roadside and without trespassing, contact the farm owners in advance to arrange a visit

What to Pack for a Sunflower Road Trip

In addition to our road trip essentials, for a sunflower day trip or longer road trip, make sure you pack for all the family

• A camera!
• Sunhats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Benadryl – if your kids are prone to allergy
• Closed-toe shoes or even better boots are recommended
• Snacks (bearing in mind any farm rules about bringing your own food)
• Clippers (if self-picking is allowed)

Where to See Sunflowers in California

The best area in California to immerse yourself in a sea of sunflower fields is Yolo County in California’s Central Valley. Look for the towns of Davis, Dixon, Winters, and Woodland and you’re sure to spot around 70,000 acres of sunflowers, even from the freeway.

You’ll find most of the places we’ll mention below within 2 hours of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

We’ve also included a few sunflower farms in southern California if you want to get your fix without driving so far north, but trust us when we say it’s worth the scenic drive to northern California if you’re a big sunflower fan!

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best fields to explore with your family, and why you’ll love them.

Best Sunflower Fields in Northern California

1. Muller Joe & Sons Ranch, Woodland (M3 Ranches)

A gorgeous farm just outside of Sacramento with some of the most beautiful sunflowers to be found in northern Califonia, you’ll find the season here runs from mid-June to mid-July.

They do plenty more than just sunflowers here on this active ranch in Yolo County so it’s best to let them know you’re coming in advance and get the exact location where pictures are permitted.

There are no fancy facilities here, just incredible picturesque booms.

Cost: Free

Location: 15810 Co Rd 95, Woodland, CA 95695

2. The Cloverleaf Farm, Davis

If you’re a northern California local you may well have spotted this field from the corner of your eye off the I-80. Peaking from mid-June to mid-July, no formal appointments are needed just for photos, or look out for U-Pick season dates where you can get permission to walk amongst the fields.

Follow their instagram here or pop over to their website (NB, may not be running 2023 due to a poor crop season)

Cost: Free – pay for U-Pick only

Location: 9055, Olmo Lane, Davis, CA 95616

There are no doubt more destinations we can add to this list in 2023 and beyond! If there are any cool sunflower field spots in California you think we’ve missed or timings we have wrong, drop us a note at familyroadtripblog@gmail.com so we can include them next year.  

More Fun Sunflower Facts!

A few more interesting facts our sunflower-lovers may want to know before you head off on a sunflower hunting road trip this summer:

• Sunflowers are actually a native North American species
• The biggest producer of sunflowers and sunflower oil in the world is Ukraine
• There are more than 70 different species of sunflowers! Some are even purple and red
• A sunflower takes 80 to 120 days to grow – growing 2 to 2.5 inches per day
• A sunflower is actually made up of thousands of mini flowers that make the full flower.
• The long petals on a sunflower are called ray florets
• Sunflowers can grow over 16 ft tall!
• Young sunflowers always face the sun. This means the direction they face will change throughout the day
• A mature flower will face east, attracting up to 5 times more pollinators
• Want sunflowers for your vase? The best time to clip them is early in the morning after the dew has dried.
• Sunflower seeds are loaded with nutrients and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and polyunsaturated fat

Looking for the ideal finish to your sunflower road trip in California? You’ll want to try one of our fun & witty sunflower Instagram captions to show off your sunny delights!

More on Road Tripping California

When planning your California road trip, there are a few things to be mindful of:

• Before you set our road-tripping in California, always check for the latest highway updates. Many of the most scenic drives in California are susceptible to both bushfires and landslides.

• So much more than just the sunflowers! Make sure you check out these 12 Scenic Drives in Northern California, or these unmissable majestic nature-spots in California.

• Many parts of California away from the big cities have poor to non-existent cell phone signal. Always have downloaded maps if using a phone app or take good old-fashioned paper maps.

• Summer means bushfire season for much of northern California. Stay alert to bushfire warnings with the National Weather Service and Cal Fire when planning your daily drives.

• If you’re still trying to decide where to go in California (it’s a seriously big state!) our guide to the highlights of Northern California vs Southern California might help you decide.

• Never forget an important item for your family again! Download our ultimate family road trip checklist before you set out.

Let’s get in the car and go for an unforgettable and utterly instagrammable California sunflower road trip adventure this summer and fall.

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Spectacular Sunflower Fields in California – Summer/Fall 2026 appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Did you know that Minnesota is now the country’s third-biggest producer of sunflowers (after North Dakota and South Dakota)? In fact, the Dakota’s and Minnesota now produce 75% of the country’s sunflowers.

So what better place to take a sunflower road trip in the US this summer!

Sunflower farms have hugely increased in popularity over even the last 5 years, not just as essentials crops but as tourist destinations in themselves! A fabulous addition to any family road trip this summer is stopping in at a sunflower farm of two on your road trip across the country.

We’re starting this US sunflower road trip series in our US Editor’s home state of Minnesota! Let’s bring a splash of color and excitement to your Midwest family road trip with these superb locations.

But before we splash into this colorfest…

Best Time To See Sunflowers in Minnesota

To have the best opportunity of seeing sunflower fields, plan your Minnesota trip from mid-July and through August, even a few can still be spotted in early September.

Each field will be planted at a slightly different time so there will always be something in bloom if you plan for these dates.

The blooms only last for about 10 days in each field before they need to be harvested, so you do need to plan your Minnesota sunflower road trip carefully to avoid disappointment. And remember Mother Nature plays her hand too (we’d always check in on the farms’ social accounts in advance).

What to Know Before Visiting Minnesota Sunflower Fields with Kids

There are a few things you should bear in mind when planning a sunflower road trip in Minnesota with your kids:

• You are still on someone’s working farm and private property
• Come properly dressed for the occasion and explain the rules and etiquette (often repeatedly to the little ones!) so everyone knows what is expected of them
• Never trample on the flowers or pick any you are not supposed to
• Carefully follow any farm or field rule specifics, this can include sticking to designated paths and not climbing on any machinery
• Do expect even in summer the fields can be muddy; we’d leave their best party frocks and white clothes at home, even if you think it’ll make for a cute photo
• Amenities on hand will vary by farm and field; some are still quite rustic (i.e., they may not have restrooms), and others will have cafes, playgrounds, and the full works to entertain the littles – we’ve tried to help you narrow this down (based on the best of our knowledge from the 2021 sunflower season)
• Avoid wearing perfumes or any strong fragrances – you want the bees focused on the flowers!
• Don’t swat at the bees! They will be hanging around but as long as you leave them alone, they’re there doing an important job
• Opening hours can be weather dependent, call in advance if unsure and to avoid disappointment
• Some events and festivals are ticketed. Again, book online in advance (we’ve tried to annotate these once for you below)

What to pack for a Sunflower Road Trip

In addition to our road trip essentials, for a sunflower day trip or longer road trip, make sure you pack for all the family

• A camera!
• Sunhats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Closed-toe shoes are recommended
• Snacks (bearing in mind any farm rules about bringing your own food)

And don’t forget our collection of fun and playful sunflower captions when you’re ready to share your day’s adventures on the ‘gram!

Best Sunflower Fields in Minnesota

Without further ado, let’s start making our way around the best locations for a family sunflower trip in Minnesota.

1. Joyer Adventure Farm at Waldoch Farm

A fabulous all-rounder family farm experience, Joyer Adventure Farm combines an animal farm, low ropes course, games, and a hay wagon ride, in addition to their wonderful and abundant sunflower fields.

With 10’s of thousands of blooms over 6 acres, their sunflower fields are planted with blooms to come all the way from mid-July through to September. They have U-Pick flowers on offer, allowing you to take home a sunflower from your adventure or flowers available to purchase too.

Plenty of amenities on hand here for a full family day out.

Cost: Visits here are ticketed and must be pre-booked online $10.99 – $14.99. No pets.

Location: Waldoch Farm Garden Center, 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN, 55014

2. Treasured Haven Farm

A working farm, here they space out their field planting for gorgeous blooms all the way from mid-July to mid-September. The sunflowers are raised from organic seeds and harvested for pet treats, birdseed, or ground into animal feed for the farm’s animals.

Photo opportunities abound here including farm animals, woodlands, and prairie areas in addition to around a million magnificent blooms.

On-site amenities include parking, toilets, benches for picnics, and a gift shop that operates during sunflower season. They aim to open daily from July 29 thru August 15 and Friday through Monday during the shoulder seasons.

Stay tuned here for exact opening dates in 2023.

Cost: $20 per carload, cash preferred

Location: Treasured Haven Farm, 53407 Government Rd, Rush City, MN 55069

3. Fish Sunflower Fields

For a more rustic approach to sunflower season, Fish Sunflowers have 11 different fields located within about an hour of Minneapolis. All are free to roam and enjoy, as long as you respect the rules.

Being just fields, there are no bathroom amenities so plan accordingly.

Cost: Free

Location: Various – check what’s blooming when here.

NB – We’ve recently seen they are taking a rest year in 2023 but leaving them on our list in case you’re searching for future seasons

4. Green Barn Garden Center

Primarily a garden center where you can purchase flowers and plants, they have also been planting black oil sunflowers here in the adjacent field for around 25 years. Expect to see the blooms from the end of July and through August. On weekends, food trucks will also stop by making it a complete family day out.

Here they can even help you with that classic farmyard photo including props like tractors, a fire truck, and wagons to stand on (for an additional fee)

Cost: Free to enter but pay for photo opportunities

Location: Green Barn Garden Center, 26501 Highway 65 NE, Isanti, MN 55040

5. Fresh Acres Farm & Corn Maze

Running since 2016, the past few years they have planted around 5 acres of incredible sunflowers to experience on this beautiful property in Monticello, Minnesota. Expected to bloom around August, it’s best to pre-book a ticket online.

Their season runs into fall as they also operate 2 corn mazes and have a fabulous lineup of outdoor activities for the title ones including inflatables, food, and petting opportunities.

Cost: $8 per person, stems $2

Location: Fresh Acres Farm, 8102 72nd St NE, Monticello, Minnesota,

A Few More Minnesota Sunflower Fields to Consider in 2023

We can’t be certain yet that all of these will be planted and go ahead so keep an eye on their Facebook pages:

• Sunflower Ranch, Big Lake, Minnesota (Sunflower Fest has previously been held last weekend in August but not clear from their website if they have canceled this year’s event)
• Minnesota Harvest, Cider Bar, bakery & U-Pick Orchard, Jordan, Minnesota
• Brand Farms, Farmington, Minnesota

There are many more up-and-coming destinations in addition to this list! If there are more you think we need to add for 2023 do drop us a note at familyroadtripblog@gmail.com so we can include them next year.  

And Sunflower Fields Further From Home

Whilst its true that the vast majority of sunflower production in the United States occurs in the Midwest – predominantly North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, there are still further sunflower spotting opportunities across the country.

Many outside of the midwest are planted for domestic use and aesthetics, but nonetheless make for colorful late summer family road trip opportunities and fun days out with the kids in a colorful farm setting.

Why not also try this year:

• Spectacular Sunflower Fields in California – particularly concentrated around Yolo County west of Sacramento, but we’ve dug out a few early fall options in Southern California too

• Best Sunflower Fields in New York – thousands of acres can be found in popular NYC day-tripping destinations, including Long Island and the Hudson Valley, or take an entire weekend in Upstate New York to discover some floral treasures alongside farm animals and other summer festivities on the land.

• New Jersey Sunflower Farms also bring some late summer color and joy on the east coast.

• You can even find sunflower fields in Miami! The tropical climate means unlike the rest of the country, prime growing time is actually over winter.

More Fun Sunflower Facts!

A few more interesting facts our sunflower lovers may want to know before you head off on a sunflower-hunting road trip this summer:

• Sunflowers are actually a native North American species
• The biggest producer of sunflowers and sunflower oil in the world is Ukraine
• There are more than 70 different species of sunflowers! Some are even purple and red
• A sunflower takes 80 to 120 days to grow – growing 2 to 2.5 inches per day
• A sunflower is actually made up of thousands of mini flowers that make the full flower.
• The long petals on a sunflower are called ray florets
• Sunflowers can grow over 16 ft tall!
• Young sunflowers always face the sun. This means the direction they face will change throughout the day
• A mature flower will face east, attracting up to 5 times more pollinators
• Want sunflowers for your vase? The best time to clip them is early in the morning after the dew has dried.
• Sunflower seeds are loaded with nutrients and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, fiber and polyunsaturated fat

Let’s get in the car and go for an unforgettable (and utterly instagrammable!) Minnesota road trip adventure this summer.

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 5 Sensational Sunflower Fields in Minnesota To Visit Summer 2026 appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Won’t you agree that sunscreen is just one of those products that seems to get everywhere, no matter how much you try to avoid it?

This protective liquid makes your car interior appear messy and can be one of our road trip nemesis!

And while you can not just wipe it away, given that most sunblocks are waterproof and water resistant. There are ways how to remove sunscreen from the car interior.

Read on to find out the best methods with a step-by-step guide for eliminating sunscreen from a car interior.

You can find all our vehicle care advice articles over here

Best Methods For Removing Sunscreen Off Car Interiors

If you are one of those drivers who use sunscreen to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun, then you would want to know how to effectively remove the sunblock stains from the car interior and protect your vehicle.

Read on to find out the best methods of how to remove sunscreen off car interior.

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Method one: How To Get Sunscreen Off Car Seats With Baking Soda And Vinegar

Vinegar is a household product that has many practical applications. Vinegar is versatile as it can remove everything from grease to rust and oil stains. Vinegar can also be used to scrub off sunscreen residue since most types of sunscreen are oil-based. This is how to use the vinegar cleanse with baking soda for the best results.

Step one:

Leave your car doors open. Vinegar has a pungent smell. You, therefore, need to employ ventilation to help eliminate vinegar odors while working. Leaving your car doors open will also cause the vinegar to dissipate more quickly.

Step two:

Make an abrasive paste by combining the baking soda and vinegar. The ratio for mixing the vinegar with baking soda should be ½.

The abrasive paste will help remove sunscreen from your car’s interior.

Step three:

Scrub the sunscreen stains off your car interior using a clean cloth or sponge soaked in the abrasive paste you made in step two. Squeeze out excess water from the sponge and gently wipe the surface in gentle circular motions. If your car has leather seats, you should avoid rubbing too hard as the leather might get damaged.

Step four:

Rinse with some clean water and let it dry. If the stains remain intact, you might need to repeat the process.

As for the vinegar residue, you should follow with a baking soda and water wipe down to neutralize the acid. This is especially important if you are dealing with leather car seats.

Method Two: How To Clean Sunscreen Off Car Interior With Alcohol

Alcohol can be in different forms, from rubbing alcohol spray to alcohol wipes and everything in between. Alcohol-based cleaners are great for removing many types of stains, including those left by sunblock and greasy residues.

Rubbing alcohol is a safe bet as it has been proven to work well for stained, harsh surfaces, making it great for sunblock stains. It will do wonders for your car seats and interiors, but you should never forget to test an inconspicuous spot first and check for any discoloration.

Step one:

Rub alcohol on the stained area by pouring some of it on a clean cloth. After you have rubbed the alcohol in, you should wait for a couple of minutes to allow the fabric to absorb it well.

For faster application, use alcohol-based products that come in spray bottles to aid in faster application. They are also handy and easy to apply.

Step two:

Rub with a soft sponge or cloth in circular motions. You need to use circular motions as it helps cause the stains to come off the material and is also not tough on the fabric. The second step takes time and effort, especially when dealing with dried, large stains. So, when in this stage, try practicing some patience.

When rubbing, whether using a sponge or cloth, ensure that it is clean to prevent it from leaving behind grime. You also need to squeeze out the fabric thoroughly with your hand before rubbing to ensure that you use a moisture-free sponge/cloth.

Step three:

You can wet a clean cloth for rinsing and wiping down thoroughly. To remove the leftover alcohol, rinse with clean water. You will want to remove the alcohol as it can damage the fabric seats over time. If it was a small stain you were dealing with, you should clean over the affected area using a wipe or a damp clean cloth.

After lifting the stains and dealing with the alcohol residue, use a paper or a microfiber towel to dry the area. You can also opt to use a clean cloth as it works fine.

When using alcohol cleaners, here are some tips:

• To prevent any damage to your car interior, ensure that the concentration of alcohol that you use is not too intense. You should start with a weaker mixture to be on the safe side. The alcohol-to-water ratio when dealing with easy-to-remove and more minor stains should be1:10. If you find the combination too weak, you can always make a stronger concentration so that the ratio is now 1:5.
• Having some alcohol wipes in the car is always a great idea. You can use alcohol wipes for minor stains.
• The last thing you want is to damage your car’s interior when using alcohol cleaners. Therefore chooses an alcohol cleaner that is safe for car upholstery.

Method Three: Getting The Sunscreen Residue Off Your Car With Soapy Water

While soapy water is effective on new and old sunscreen stains, you should note that it can not help in extreme stains. You should, therefore, not use this method when dealing with too large and deep hard-to-remove stains.

Step one:

If you are dealing with a fresh stain, you should wipe or bloat the excess sunscreen by using a paper towel or a dry clean cloth. After you have wiped, then you can apply some soapy water.

While you can as well skip this step, do not, as it helps make the method more effective and more manageable. While wiping, ensure that you are not using circular, gentle motions as this may create more mess by spreading the sunscreen around with soapy water; just dab in a way that you are not spreading the mess. 

Step two:

Make soapy water using either a car interior detergent or a dish soap. The mixing ratio should be about one liter of water to two tablespoons of dish wash. Then stir the mixture until you make suds. Always check whether the dish soap or car interior detergent is safe for leather and upholstery.

Step three:

In the third step, use a sponge or cloth dipped into the soapy water and wrung it out before starting to rub. Repeat if necessary until the sunblock stains have been removed altogether.

Step four:

After you have dealt with the stain, you should eliminate the soap residue by rinsing it with clean water. You can use a towel or paper towels to get rid of the excess moisture.

Method Four: How To Remove Sunscreen Off Car Interior By Using Commercial Cleaners

When dealing with sunscreen stains, a wide range of car interior cleaners can be used and are effective. Some of the best ones include:

• Leather Cleaner
• Interior Detailer Cleaner
• Dashboard Cleaner

The above cleaners have a similar cleaning process that is simple and removes sunblock stains from the car interior.

Step one:

Depending on your chosen solution, apply a few drops of your car cleaner, or spray over the stains.

Step two:

Using warm water is a good option. Dip your clean cloth in the warm water and wring it out to make it damp. Ensure that the fabric is not soaking wet.

Step three:

Set the car interior cleaner on top of the stains. Wipe them away with the cloth by using either circular motions or dabbing.

Step four:

Get a wet cloth or towel that you shall use to soak any residue and excess water. Then give it around five minutes to let it dry.

Step five:

If you are dealing with challenging stains, you might need to repeat the process to eliminate the stain. After the stain has been dealt with, then wipe the fabric with a clean cloth to make it dry completely.

How To Get Sunscreen Out Of Fabric Car Seats

1. In a small spray bottle, combine one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and one cup of warm water.
2. To the mixture, add one teaspoon of baking powder.
3. Use a clean white cloth sprayed with the cleaning solution. Then gently dab and rub any stains on the fabric car seat.
4. Let the car seat fabric dry.

How To Get Sunscreen Off Leather Seats

1. Combining equal parts of white vinegar and water, make a cleaning solution in a small bucket.
2. Dip it into the solution using a microfibre cloth to make it damp but not wet.
3. Wipe your leather car seats, ensuring that you are rinsing the cloth regularly.
4. Then with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, dry the leather seats. 

More Vehicle Care Tips

We hope you’ve found this guide to sunscreen removal helpful. If you’d like more tips on car care and common vehicle issues on your family road trip, you may also be interested in:

• How to keep your car clean when you have kids
• Top tips for removing bad odors from your car
• How to get sand out of car carpet

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post How To Remove Sunscreen Off Car Interior Easily appeared first on Family Road Trip.

If you’re looking for the ultimate place to escape this summer with the family, visiting a national park or two is one of the best ways to spend the warmer months outdoors together.

The USA is home to some seriously breathtaking destinations, especially when you look at the myriad of national parks it boasts. Home to sky-high peaks, extensive deserts, cascading waterfalls, and pretty much everything in between, the national parks in the USA are some of the most beautiful places you’ll find in the entire world.

Whether you’re on the lookout for spots to spend a few days tucked away amid nature or a full-blown backpacking adventure to take advantage of the warm weather, here are some of the best national parks in the United States to visit during the summer months.

Looking for road trip ideas in different seasons?

• These are our favorite national parks to visit from December to March
• Spring can be the best month to visit these popular national parks March to May
• Catch these spectacular fall national parks from September to November

The Best US National Parks to Visit in Summer

1. Crater Lake National Park

Location: Oregon

Home to winter wonderland-like scenery during the winter, the landscape you’ll find at Crater Lake National Park is equally breathtaking in the summer.

The best time to visit this stunning Oregon national park for great weather and hiking is from July to September. The rest of the year, the landscape gets blanketed in snow, which is gorgeous to look at but makes it pretty difficult to access, especially when you consider snow can reach heights of 40 feet!

At Crater Lake, you’ll find an ancient lake that was formed over 7,000 years ago due to a massive eruption of a volcano that created a caldera. It is the deepest lake in the United States and has some of the bluest water you’ll ever see.

The best way to explore Crater Lake during the summer is by going on the most famous Oregon scenic drive – the 33-mile Scenic Rim Drive. Boating on the lake mid-summer is also possible.

Entrance Fee: $30 per private vehicle in the summer (May 22 to October 31)

2. Kenai Fjords National Park

Location: Alaska

Even though it’s not very popular, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is one of the most beautiful national parks to visit in the summer.

Due to snowfall and extremely cold temperatures, this national park is closed during the winter months, making summer the ideal time to visit.

Here, you’ll find Exit Glacier, a humongous glacier you can drive over or explore on foot by following a pretty easy hiking trail that is only one mile long. The hike begins at the Nature Center and will take you all the way to the best viewpoints the park has to offer.

Another great way to explore this sensational Alaska national park is by booking a cruise around Kenai, which will take you to see fjords, gorgeous scenery, and wildlife.

As a tip, Kenai Fjords is a wonderful place to see wildlife, so keep your eyes out for moose, sea otters, killer whales, and black and brown bears.

Entrance Fee: There is no national park entry fee for Kenai Fjords National Park

3. Glacier National Park

Location: Montana

Out of the 150 glaciers that Glacier National Park was once home to, only six remain today as a result of global warming. Sadly, scientists calculate that all of them will be gone over the next few years.

This means that now is the chance you have to see the glaciers the park still homes, and one of the best times of the year to do that is during the summer when temperatures are comfortable and the park remains accessible.

To get to Glacier National Park in Montana, you can drive through a gorgeous scenic road that will get you to the heart of the park. This road is actually only open from mid-June to early October, making summer and a small part of fall the only time of the year when this national park remains accessible.

Once inside the park, you can take up the chance of a lifetime to hike trails to see the glaciers from up close.

Other must-do activities include hiking to see wildlife, lakes, waterfalls, and streams as well as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Helicopter tours are also available during the summer in order to see the glaciers from the top!

As a bonus, Glacier National Park gets blanketed by colorful wildflowers during the summer months, making it a colorful treat to hike through!

Entrance Fee: 7-day permit for private vehicles in summer is $35

NB the park is continuing to pilot a vehicle reservation system with a $2 fee for Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor and the North Fork area of the park to reduce congestion (May to September – book here)

4. Yellowstone National Park

Location: Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Even though Yellowstone is absolutely stunning year-round, the best season to experience its beauty in its full glory is during the summer months.

This humongous national park spans an area of 3,472 square miles, making it one of the biggest in the United States, so much so that it’s spread over Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho!

The main reason most people visit Yellowstone National Park is to see its famous geothermal sites, which include geysers, fumaroles, bubble mud pots, and hot springs.

Still, even though you definitely want to take up the chance to see them, don’t forget to explore the rest of the park’s landscapes as well, which you can do by hiking, boating, horseback riding, and biking!

Top Tip – download the NPS App and save it for offline use to get the most out of your time in the park and easy access to maps

Entrance Fee: $35 for a 7-day pass for private vehicles

• We take you through exactly how to drive from Seattle and the west coast to Yellowstone

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Colorado

Home to over 300 miles of hikeable terrain, exceptionally beautiful alpine lakes, and glorious views of peaks as far as the eye can see, Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven when it comes to outdoor adventures.

Here, you can choose from a wide array of activities, with hiking being one of the most popular things to do within the park.

During the summer months, The Rockies in Colorado get blanketed with colorful wildflowers all over, which adds a pop of color to the already beautiful landscape.

Hikes at Rocky Mountain range from easy lakeside strolls like Bear Lake to tough challenges that will have you conquering fourteeners like Longs Peak.

Plus, during the summer months, the Trail Ridge Road, known as the “Highway to the Sky”, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado, is fully open. This is easily one of the most scenic roads in the entire world!

Entrance Fee: $30 for 1 day in a private vehicle or $35 for 7 consecutive days

6. Yosemite National Park

Location: California

Although Yosemite is accessible any time of the year, summer is the best time to see the park’s landscapes.

This is the time of the year when Tioga Road is open, which is one of the highest mountain passes in the United States and one that provides access to some of the most noteworthy highlights Yosemite has to offer.

Tioga Road, one of the most scenic drives in Northern California connects Yosemite National Park to many of the mining towns of the Sierra, taking you all along the mountains through lakes, hiking trailheads, meadows, and other glorious landscapes.

Here, you’ll get to see some of the best viewpoints Yosemite has to offer, including Half Dome and El Capitan.

Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle valid for 7 days

NB: timed reservations are no longer required to drive through Yosemite during summer peak hours; permits are only needed for hiking Half Dome

7. Denali National Park

Location: Alaska

Denali is the second-largest national park in the United States, and due to the fact it is located in Alaska, summer is the ideal time to visit weather-wise.

Denali National Park is known for its quintessential Alaskan nature, abundant wildlife you can only find in this part of the world, and glorious hiking opportunities.

When visiting the park, your chances of spotting deer, moose, and grizzly bears are pretty high!

Even though the park has about 90 miles worth of drivable roads, you can only cover 16 miles of them by self-driving. In order to explore further afield, you’ll need to take a guided tour, which is highly recommended to see more of Denali as well as get to learn about the unique landscapes and wildlife it harbors.

As a bonus, summer means that sunlight prevails pretty much all day, which gives you plenty of time to explore the park!

Entrance Fee: $15 per person aged 16 years and over

8. Mammoth Cave National Park

Location: Kentucky

With over 365 miles and five levels of caves mapped out, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to one of the longest caves systems in the entire world. This is considering a huge portion of the caves have yet to be explored, which means its exact length still remains unknown.

During your visit to this extremely unique national park in Kentucky, you’ll get the chance to explore under the ground by making your way through cave passageways, buried cathedrals, and gigantic chambers.

There are plenty of cave tours available, with some being considered easy and kid-friendly to more challenging ones for avid cave explorers.

Aside from exploring underground, there are plenty of other things to do after you check out the caves, ranging from hiking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and even a zip line across the park!

There’s no wonder this is one of the most popular national parks on the east coast.

Entrance Fee: No park entry fee though tours are charged, cost varies depending on the tour chosen – $8 to $66

• Extend your time in Kentucky with these incredible scenic drives and byways

9. Hot Springs National Park

Location: Arkansas

Filled with glorious nature and a somewhat morbid history, visiting Hot Springs National Park is a wonderful way to see some of the best the state of Arkansas has to offer.

The main thing to do at Hot Springs is to soak up your worries away at the many ancient thermal springs spread all over, all of which come with gorgeous views of mountains.

Aside from that, Hot Springs is known for having a history of gambling and gangster activities. In fact, it was once Al Capone’s favorite vacation spot. Today, that’s just part of the park’s history, and all you’ll find is peaceful nature and historical sites to relax in.

Aside from enjoying the natural hot springs and scenic driving in Arkansas, make sure you also take the chance to go on a few of the hikes available and tick off on visiting as many thermal baths set inside historical buildings, including the Bathhouse Rock.

Entrance Fee: Hot Springs National Park is free to enter, as are the historic buildings.

10. Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the very few desert areas in Utah where the weather is bearable during the summer months, making this time of the year ideal for exploring the state’s desert magic.

Here, you’ll be able to find striking views of hoodoo amphitheaters, which are the main highlight of visiting Bryce Canyon. In fact, this national park is home to the largest collection of them in the entire world!

A few of the best viewpoints to see hoodoos and other striking rock formations include Natural Bridge, Rainbow Point, Bryce Point, and Yovimpa Point.

If you want to get closer to the hoodoos, there are plenty of excellent hiking trails that are doable during the summer season, including the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop, Peek-A-Boo Loop, and Fairyland Loop, to name just a few!

Entrance Fee: $35 for a private vehicle, valid for 7 days

Top Tip: We explain here how to visit all of the Utah Mighty 5 in one week – but be warned, you’ll need to plan this road trip well in advance to beat the crowds. You may want to consider some of the smaller stops and equally spectacular state parks in Utah, from Zion to Bryce Canyon and beyond.

11. Grand Teton National Park

Location: Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is gorgeous year-round, but due to weather conditions, summer is the best time to visit because you’ll find pleasant temperatures.

Plus, due to its northern location and mountainous terrain, snow can limit accessibility and activities any other time of the year, making summer the only time of the year you can visit that guarantees you’ll be able to see as much as possible.

Grand Teton is an absolute gem when it comes to nature. Home to an endless array of wildlife, beautiful idyllic lakes, and extraordinary wildlife, getting bored while exploring this national park is hard.

One of the best things to do at Grand Teton is driving the 42-mile loop around the park, which will give you the chance to see a few lakes, stand at scenic overlooks, and even detour to other roads that have plenty of fun trailheads.

Another must-do drive is Signal Mountain, which will take you all the way up to the mountain in order to get beautiful birds-eye views of the landscape.

Other fun experiences include kayaking Jenny Lake, visiting the historic Mormon barns at the Mormon Row Historic District, and of course, hiking as many trails as you possibly can!

Yellowstone might get the lion’s share of attention, but don’t miss Grand Teton off your Wyoming itinerary!

Entrance Fee: $35 per private vehicle for 7 days

12. Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Arizona

No national parks list would be complete without mentioning Grand Canyon National Park!

Home to one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States and one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, the Grand Canyon is a must on pretty much every traveler’s bucket list.

Summer brings in tons of crowds to the South Rim section of the park, making the season not exactly ideal for visiting the Grand Canyon. However, the lesser-known North Rim section of the park is open during summer (it remains closed during winter).

This part of the Grand Canyon is only visited by about 10% of visitors to the park annually, which pretty much means you’ll get tons of hiking trails and viewpoints all to yourself! Undeniably one of the most scenic drives in Arizona and amongst the most epic and jaw-dropping views anywhere in the world.

We’d recommend including stops at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on a drive between Zion National Park and Grand Canyon for the ultimate summer national park road trip!

Entrance Fee: $35 per private vehicle, valid for 7 days

What are some other amazing national parks to visit in the summer season? If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to leave your recommendations in the comment section below!

More Tips for National Park Visits in the USA

• If you think you’ll be visiting 3 or more national parks (or NPS-managed properties) within 12 months, it makes complete sense to get yourself an America the Beautiful annual pass.

• Got a 4th Grader in the Family? Did you know this means ALL THE FAMILY can enjoy free entry to America’s national parks for 12 months? Get your “Every Kid Outdoors” pass as soon as they hit the 4th grade – learn more here.

• Never forget an important road trip item again! Make sure you download our road trip essentials checklist before your next family adventure.

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 12 Best USA National Parks To Visit In Summer 2026 appeared first on Family Road Trip.

You probably thinking of the Midwest as soon as we mention sunflower fields, but did you know there are thousands of acres of sunflowers planted in New York?

Many farmers are happy to open their sunflower fields to the public for appreciation, photographing, and fun family mazes and some even operate U-pick to bring home your own magnificent blooms.

The blooms don’t last forever so you need to time this touch of summer magic just right.

Join us as we journey around the state of New York from Long Island to Niagara Falls, picking out our favorite sunflower field road trips for summer 2022 (we’ll be updating our list soon for known locations in 2023!)

But before we hit the road…

Best Time To See Sunflowers in New York

To have the best opportunity of seeing the vibrant yellow hues, plan your New York sunflower road trip from late July and through August, even a few can still be spotted in early September. Around the second or third week of August, you can almost be guaranteed some sunflower spotting.

Each field will be planted at a slightly different time so there will always be something in bloom in New York if you plan for these dates.

The blooms in each field will only last for about 10 days, and Mother Nature can play her hand too with stormy mid-summer weather capable of wreaking havoc with crops. You will need to plan your New York sunflower road trip carefully and call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Note that you really need a car for these sunflower fields in New York. Even the Long Island sunflower farms are in remote locations you cannot conveniently reach by public transport.

Sunflower-lovers may also be interested to check out:

• Sunflower fields in Minnesota
• Make the most of Miami’s tropical climate for a long sunflower season
• California’s Spectacular Sunflower Fields

What to Know Before Visiting New York Sunflower Fields with Kids

There are a few things you should bear in mind when planning a sunflower road trip in New York with your kids:

• Come properly dressed for the occasion and explain the rules and etiquette (often repeatedly to the little ones!) so everyone knows what is expected of them.
• You are still on someone’s working farm and private property; Never trample on the flowers or pick any you are not supposed to.
• Carefully follow any farm or field rule specifics, this can include sticking to designated paths and not climbing on any machinery.
• Do expect even in summer the fields can be muddy – the flowers still need to be regularly irrigated to grow; we’d leave their best party frocks and white clothes at home, even if you think it’ll make for a cute photo.
• Amenities on hand will vary by farm and field; some are still quite rustic (i.e., they may not have restrooms), and others will have cafes, playgrounds, and the full works to entertain the littles – we’ve tried to help you in this list narrow down what facilities you’ll find at each.
• If it’s a U-pick farm (pick your own sunflowers), do BYO your own cutting tools, rarely will you find these are provided.
• Avoid wearing perfumes or any strong fragrances – you want the bees focused on the flowers, not you!!
• And on that note, don’t swat at the bees! They will be hanging around but as long as you leave them alone, they’re there doing a very important job.
• Opening hours can be weather dependent, always contact the farms we mention here in advance if unsure of present conditions and to avoid disappointment.
• Some events and festivals are ticketed and will require you to book in advance.

What to Pack for a Sunflower Road Trip

In addition to our road trip essentials, for a sunflower day trip or longer road trip, make sure you pack for all the family

• A camera!
• Sunhats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Closed-toe shoes are recommended
• Snacks (bearing in mind any farm rules about bringing your own food)
• BYO cutting shears (if the farm runs a U-pick and you’ll be sunflower picking)
• Online reservations – check if the busiest places will run a ticketed system to control numbers

Best Sunflower Fields in New York

As you’d expect, there are no sunflower fields in any of the boroughs of New York City. You will find plenty on Long Island as well as a few a short drive away in New Jersey (see this separate guide to New Jersey’s Sunflower farms). Head to the Hudson Valley and Upstate though, and you’ll find a treasure trove of yellow goodness in NY!

Let’s hit the road and explore these incredible and utterly instagrammable New York Sunflower fields.

1. Wickham Farms

This working farm in Upstate New York annually plants 12 acres of gorgeous sunflower fields for Sunflower Spectacular – one of the best sunflower displays in New York state.

Wickham Farms also have lavender fields in bloom from the end of June to mid-July and pumpkin picking during their Fall Harvest Festival from early September through to the end of October.

Wickham Farms offers a flower bar for purchases and also offers hot food and dozens of kids’ activities including hay rides, mini-golf, and apple cannons. It’s one of the best places in New York for a family day out at the farm.

Cost: Variable online/at the door and on weekdays/weekends. 2022 pricing we understand will be $13.95 on weekdays/$16.95 weekends booked in advance (Closed Wednesdays). They also offer season passes if you live nearby and want to regularly join the farm yard fun.

Location: 1315 Sweet Corners Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

2. Manor Farm Sunflower Maze

An all-purpose family farm experience on Long Island, Manor Farm has been planting sunflower fields since 2013, with their flowers coming to bloom in about August – you’ll need to keep up to date on their Facebook page to see when blooms are about to peak.

This one has been purposefully designed as a maze rather than a field with plenty of cute additions, perfect for your sunflower photographs.

Not just the sunflowers, there’s plenty to enjoy at Manor Farm across the seasons including Easter hunts, and haunted Halloween trails. Our favorite though is the sunflower maze and the huge variety of sunflowers that can be found here.

You’ll find Manor Farm around an hour from Manhattan, making it one of the most popular sunflower fields close to New York.

Cost: Free but donation recommended

Location: 210 Manor Rd, Huntington, NY 11743

5. Waterdrinker Family Farm & Gardens

One of the most famous sunflower fields on Long Island, Waterdrinker is a classic sunflower farm experience offering indoor and outdoor greenhouses as well as tulip fields extending the flower-viewing season here. You can even hire a professional photographer for an hourly fee!

The Sunflower Festival opens end of August to early September, though some of the flowers may still be blooming by mid-September. You can buy flowers from their sunflower marketplace.

You’ll find food trucks and snacks for sale at Waterdrinker and an outdoor seating area. The Long Island Farm Brewery has even been added in an old potato barn!

Through into the mix lawn games, a corn maze, hayrides, tractor pedal cars, obstacle courses, and farm animals – plus they’re pet-friendly (on leashes) making for a full family outing.

At just 90 minutes from Manhattan, this is one of the most popular Long Island sunflower farms close to NYC – and one of the best family farm days out from late Spring through to fall, even a Winter Wonderland.

Cost: $15 General Admission, Under 2s free; $2 per stem or $5 wildflower bouquets.

Location: 663 Wading River Rd, Manorville, NY 11949

4. Wagner Farms

For a picture-perfect stroll amongst the sunflowers, we highly recommend Wagner Farms in the Upstate town of Rome, around 20 minutes from Utica.

In addition to a magnificent array of yellow flowers, Wagner Farms offer a corn maze and wagon rides. They also offer berry picking, a corn maze, tractor rides, and haunted summer night evenings.

There’s no U-pick here but sunflowers are available for purchase. The season here runs from late July to early September check Facebook for updates on early autumn activities.

Cost: $8 per person, under 2’s free.

Location: 5895 Old Oneida Road, Rome, NY 13440

5. Sunflowers of Sanborn

10 acres of sunflowers, 100,00 sunflowers, and your furry friends are welcome making this the perfect place for a summer’s day out.

Situated around 20 minutes east of Niagra Falls, the large farm Sunflowers of Sanborn is the perfect addition to your scenic drive through Upstate New York. The season generally speaking runs over the month of August, lasting until Labor Day with peak blooms expected in late August.

Grab a bite at the Sunflower Grill and Creamery and snip your own flowers at U-pick fields. Go on a tractor ride and try the maze for a complete family day out.

Cost: Admission free, $1 stems of $5 dwarf sunflowers. Professional photographers can also apply for permits.

Location: 3311 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn, NY 14132

6. Sunflower Valley Farm

This New Hampton sunflower farm in the Hudson Valley is a real treat.

Alongside the beautiful sunflower fields, there’s a sunflower maze, a small petting area, and face painting for kids on offer. You can picnic on the lawn, enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade, and sometimes they have an ice cream truck

With spaced-out plantings, the season here is expected to run from the end of July through until early September.

Cost: $5, under 5’s free. Photo shoot sessions can be booked mid-week if you want the most beautiful photos with the sunflowers

Location: 366 County Route 12, New Hampton, NY 10958

7. Strawberry Fields & Floral Farm

Found on the outskirts of Skaneateles in Upstate New York; not as big as others, but a lovely family experience. You can’t always see the sunflowers from the road as they also plant corn, you will need to visit during their opening hours for a proper peek inside.

We love that there are – as the name suggests – strawberry fields here too. The sunflower fields are in bloom from July to early September and strawberries have a much longer season from mid-June through to October.

Cost: $2 to do the sunflower maze, $1 per stem, or $12 for a guided tour (must be pre-booked)

Location: 4240 E Genesee Street Road, (on Route 20) Skaneateles, NY 13021

8. Garden of Eve

Another good Long Island choice is Garden of Eve organic farm and market. Devoted not just to sunflowers they are open all the way from April through to Halloween with various seasonal events from Watermelon and Tomato Tatic through to Oktoberfest.

The annual Sunflower Festival runs from the end of July to August on weekends. Enjoy 5 acres with over 100,000 flowers to stroll through. They also have extensive lavender fields here too.

For keeping the troops replenished, you’ll find here a cafe, brewery, horse barn, and garden. Sitting around 2 hours from Manhattan it is the perfect sunflower day trip from NYC!

Cost: $5 Tickets online in advance includes one free stem is it now 7.95

Location: 4558 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901

9. North Fork Sunflower Maze

Planted by Sidor Farms, the sunflower maze in Mattituck, Long Island is an absolute gem!

Alongside sunflowers, they grow potatoes (did you know back in the 1940’s Long Island used to be one of the country’s biggest produces of potatoes?)

The result? Delicious North Fork Potato Chips! Made with their own sunflower oil, of course. Make sure you buy a pack and see what everyone’s raving about.

This pet-friendly farm is the perfect sunflower road trip stop in New York, but do check their website before you visit to catch the North Fork Sunflower Maze maze at its peak.

Cost: $8 and free for under 10s

Location: 8350 Wickham Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952

10. Kelder’s Farm

Found in southern New York, Kelder’s is another fun family sunflower experience and makes a great New York day trip. Their Sunflower Extravaganza starts on 1 August when 6 acres will burst into bloom.

This colorful display is accompanied by yard games and a wide variety of farm attractions including jumping pillows, mini-golf, a corn maze and U pick fruit opportunities.

Cost: Day passes $12/weekends more – Under 2 and over 80 free | Season passes available

Location: 5755 US Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY, 12446 US

11. Schmitt’s Family Farm

Most famous for having one of the best pumpkin patches in Long Island come fall, Schmitt Family Farm also offers a short sunflower season too. They have a mini-golf facility, playgrounds, hay rides, a petting zoo, corn mazes, and sell sweet little snacks.

If you’re hitting up the sunflower farms on Long Island, you won’t want to miss this one off your list.

Cost: $10 admission + additional activities cost more

Location: 26 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747

12. Stokoe Farms

Offering a variety of sunflower experiences over the latter half of summer, this location in Rochester has been a family farm for over 200 years!

Blooms should be out starting from early August with more than 20 different varietals giving a vast array of colorful hues.

The Sunflower Experience includes daytime sessions as well as twilight experiences, complete with live music (and ideal for your photographers). You’ll need to check the schedule of events for the upcoming season here, mostly held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The sunflower experiences come complete with farm activities for kids including bouncing pillows and giant slides, rope courses, a cargo climb along with nature trails, and even the chance to cuddle a kangaroo in their Roo Ranch! Enjoy fresh lemonades and a fun family day out on the farm in this top New York nature spot.

Cost: Variable by event

Location: 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY 14546

A Few More New York Sunflower Fields to Consider in 2022

If this isn’t enough, we’d also consider adding these smaller and private sunflower fields to your New York summer road trip route:

• Buttonwood Farm – we’re cheating a little as this is actually in Connecticut but well worthy of a mention amongst its New York rivals with 14 acres of sunflowers. Bouquet purchases here go to support the Make-A-Wish foundation.

• Daniel Thorn Farm – Found in upstate New York, there are no formal farm activities here, but you can pull up for some roadside snaps and appreciate over 200 acres of sunflowers in Clyde, New York.

• Hudson Valley Old Press Oils – free entry to their fields and a small fee for cut flowers donated to local charities; you’ll find them in Plesant Valley.

• Pindar Vineyard – add this to your Long Island itinerary; enjoy their week-long event held in mid-August, where you can visit their small sunflower fields in Peconic, alongside their winery. Sunflowers are $2 a stem to purchase or $12 for six wine tastings.

• Turek Farms – a family-owned farm in Cayuga County, this can easily be incorporated into a Finger Lakes road trip. It’s not one that’s openly advertised as welcoming tourists – which means far fewer tourists, but you also need to be respectful that this is private property- no picking here, just admiring.

Make sure you also pop over to our guide to Sunflower farms in NJ for plenty more options close to NYC!

We’re sure there are many more destinations we could add to this list. Not all properties are open to the public, but this could, of course, change year by year. If there are more Sunflower fields you’d like to see added, or we have the dates/pricing wrong, do drop us a note at familyroadtripblog@gmail.com so we can include them next year.  

More Fun Sunflower Facts!

A few more interesting facts our sunflower-lovers may want to know before you head off on a sunflower hunting road trip this summer:

• Sunflowers are actually a native North American species
• The biggest producer of sunflowers and sunflower oil in the world is Ukraine
• There are more than 70 different species of sunflowers! Some are even purple and red
• A sunflower takes 80 to 120 days to grow – growing 2 to 2.5 inches per day
• A sunflower is actually made up of thousands of mini flowers that make the full flower.
• The long petals on a sunflower are called ray florets
• Sunflowers can grow over 16 ft tall!
• Young sunflowers always face the sun. This means the direction they face will change throughout the day
• A mature flower will face east, attracting up to 5 times more pollinators
• Want sunflowers for your vase? The best time to clip them is early in the morning after the dew has dried.
• Sunflower seeds are loaded with nutrients and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and polyunsaturated fat

Get your family packed in the car and go for an unforgettable and utterly instagrammable sunflower road trip adventure this summer. Don’t forget we have a great collection of cool sunflower captions to complete your sunflower road trip.

More New York Inpiration

If you’re looking for more inspiration to fill your weekends in New York, you may also like:

• 7 of the most unique places to visit in New York State
• The best free things to do with kids in the Big Apple
• 10 Incredible day trips to take from NYC
• A Nature-lovers guide to New York State

© Family Road Trip 2026

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