Is there a sweeter summer outing than a family field trip to a strawberry festival or pick your own farm? Grab your baskets and check out our guide to some of our area’s prime Bergen patches and picking spots.
Strawberry picking
**Strawberry-picking season starts anywhere between the last weekend in May and second week of June, but we recommend calling the farm before you venture out for picking….weather and seasons vary.
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown, NJ, (908) 852-9122, open daily from 9am to 6pm. This farm has strawberry picking down to a science- offering Strawberry Picking Group Tours which give families a brief education and a hayride, plus include a visit to the farm’s petting zoo. Or families can visit during their Annual Strawberry Festival the weekend of June 15th which includes live music, games and pony rides.
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Jct., NY, (845) 897-4377, open daily 9am to 6pm. If you’re into organic farming, Fishkill is the place to pick. Their strawberry patch is open as of May 30th, with ripe, pesticide free berry-goodness.
Oasis Family Farm, Robinsville, NJ, (609) 259-7300. Hit their Strawberry Festival on Saturday and Sunday May 30th/31st for the handcrafted strawberry honey ice cream, short cakes and pie, and stay for the kids fun zone, gem mine and fossil dig. (note: this is not a pick your own farm)
Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ, (908) 879-7189, open daily 9am to 7pm. Alstede’s Strawberry Harvest Festival is happening weekends through June 20th. Hayride up to the strawberry patch. Enjoy strawberry treats including strawberry ice cream, shortcakes, shakes, sundaes, slushies, and pie! Then hop on pony rides, moon bounce, wagon ride and more. (PYO $3.49 per pound + $5 admission per person (children under 2 free); receive a $3 coupon & free hay ride with admission).
Sussex County Strawberry Farm, Andover, NJ, (973) 579-5055, open weekdays 7am to 7:30pm, saturday 7am to 4pm, sunday 7am - 3:30pm. Call after June 9th for picking conditions.
Stony Hill Gardens,Chester, NJ, 908-879-2696, open daily 11am to 4pm (weather dependant). Call for picking conditions.
Raspberries (season begins late June)
Sussex County Strawberry Farm, Andover, NJ, (973) 579-5055, open weekdays 7am to 7:30pm, saturday 7am to 4pm, sunday 7am to 3:30pm.
Silverman’s Farm, Easton, CT, (203) 261-3306, open daily 9am to 5pm. Pick your own, a gourmet farm store and petting zoo for the littles.
Blueberry picking (season begins in July)
Hillview Farms, Gillette, NJ, (908) 647-0957, open daily 10am to 5pm
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Jct., NY, (845) 897-4377, open daily 9am to 6pm, May through November
