The Battery Urban Farm features more than 100 varieties of organically-grown veggies, fruits, flowers, grains and plants, plus a wild turkey named Zelda. (In fact, the farm was designed in a turkey shape in her honor). Every season, thousands of student farmers from New York City schools help tend the crops. Not only is this is great way for kids to learn about the farm-to-table movement, it also inspires participants to make healthier eating choices. Plus, thousands of pounds of produce are donated to public school cafeterias and a pair of downtown food pantries

Although some of the farm's programs are strictly for schools or organized groups, there are activities that are open to the public, too. Highlights include:

Open Volunteer Hours: On the third Saturday of every month, the farm welcomes volunteers of all ages. To participate, just fill out this form two weeks prior to the Saturday you want to attend and then meet the farm team at the entrance. While all ages are welcome, volunteers under 15 must be accompanied by an adult and everyone under 18 must bring a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

City Seedlings Summer Program: A Parent & Me camp where children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers can work on the farm during its most fruitful season. Tending crops, examining the plants, sampling fresh produce and meeting the resident creatures are all on tap. There are still spots in select sessions this summer so visit the website for more info and to register.

Earth & Harvest Festivals: Twice a year, the Battery Urban Farm throws big family fetes at the start and end of the growing season: the Earth Festival in April and the Harvest Festival in October. Both fests are FREE and open to the public and feature arts and crafts, games, workshops and other activities, all themed around the farm and its educational mission.

Pick Your Own Harvest: Although the Battery Urban Farm has offered a weekly vegetable CSA in the past, for the first time, New Yorkers actually have a chance to pick their own vegetables right from the ground. Pick Your Own Harvest takes place on Thursdays in July, August, September and October from 4 to 6pm. Advance registration is required (online registration for July opens this Thursday, June 19). There will only be a handful of slots per month and while it's pay-what-you-can, the suggested per-session donation is $25. If you're interested, make sure you sign up for the Battery Urban Farm's email list so you are alerted when registration for the next month becomes available.

Of course there are plenty of other fun things to do with kids in Battery Park so be sure to spend some time exploring the 25-acre green space, which is run by the Battery Conservancy. The farm just happens to be one of its most fabulous secrets.

Battery Urban Farm is located in Battery Park, just inside the lawn on State Street between Bridge and Pearl Streets.

All photos are courtesy of the Battery Conservancy