If you’re like us, you’ve got at least one picky eater at your dinner table every night. Why not make a more productive use of his or her, uh, “talent” with a fun-filled day of berry picking at one of our area’s fruitful u-pick farms! Whether this is your family’s debut at the berry patch or your brood’s filled up more than a few baskets before, we’ve rounded up nine local farms—each just a short drive away—perfect for newbie and seasoned pickers alike. We promise, it’s a berry good time!
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown, NJ
Pick your own strawberries (and red and black raspberries later in the season; weather and crop condition permitting) with your fam. Although there won't be hayrides or pony rides this year, the market will be open for a post-pick sip or snack. Saturday, June 6th the farm will be hosting a Food Truck Festival and look out for their Summer on the Farm events coming soon! Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm; Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Check their website or call (908) 852-9122 x1 for current crop conditions before planning your visit. Free entry, pricing by the pound.
Johnson's Locust Hall Farm, Jobstown, NJ
Pick Your Own Strawberris is OPEN at this sweet family owned farm, but picking in the safest way possible. Reserve your desired time via their website and don't forget to pop in to their market for their Apple Cider Donuts while you're visiting. $25 per reservation, includes one picking flat with 6 empty quarts to fill.
Melick's Town Farm, Oldwick, NJ
The Pick Your Own schedule opens on Friday, June 5th and Strawberries are at the ready. Open daily from 9:30am and reservations must be made in advance by clicking here.
Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ
A one-stop shop for berries, Alstede Farms grows strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Right now their pick your own dates are TBD but visit their site for updates or to check out their Farm Camp which launches in July. Open daily from 9am – 7pm. Check their “What Can I Pick Today?” webpage or call (908) 879-7189 before your visit for current crop conditions. Weekday admission, $6.99, weekend admission, $8.99.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton NJ
Picking at this family favorite spot is available daily while strawberries last. Families interested in heading out for the day should check their website before and follow the new guidelines. When you arrive, you'll not only be rewarded with fields of ripe berries but guests can walk the Farm Trail as well and enjoy the scenery. $4.95 per pound with a minimum of $5/per person ages 3 and up.
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction, NY
Strawberries kick off their pick-your-own season in early June (delayed due to a chilly Spring), but come back in July for cherries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries and again in August for peaches and nectarines. Fishkill’s orchards are certified sustainably grown and produce an environmentally friendly low-spray fruit. Follow and favorite their Facebook and Instagram pages or call (845) 897-4377 for current crop conditions, farm updates, and upcoming events. Open daily from 9 – 6; U-pick customers must arrive by 5pm. $5 for adults and kids over the age of 12, free admission on Tuesdays.
Sussex County Strawberry Farm, Andover, NJ
In business for more than 30 years, this two-family-owned-and-operated farm believes “the best berries are the ones you pick yourself.” Picking season begins in mid-late June for strawberries and late August for red raspberries. Call (973) 579-5055 or check their Facebook page before your visit for picking times and conditions. Berries pricing by the box, $8.25 for 2 qt. box-$16.50 for 4 qt. box.
Hillview Farms, Gillette, NJ
Open nearly 150 years, Hillview’s bumper crops of apples, peaches, pumpkins, tomatoes, and assorted vegetables and flowers span a whopping 53 acres. U-pick blueberry season lasts through July. Open daily 9am to 6pm. U-pick fields close at 5pm. Visit their website or call (908) 647-0957 before your visit for picking times and conditions. Free admission, $3.59 per pound.
Stony Hill Farms, Chester, NJ
Young and old pickers alike are encouraged to harvest their own strawberries starting mid -June from Stony Hill’s beautiful two-acre patch. Head back in the fall to challenge yourself in their super-sized corn maze. Open daily starting in June from 10am to 5pm (picking until 4pm; fields close at 5pm). Call (908) 879-2908 or check their Facebook page prior to your visit to see what U-pick varieties are ripe and/or to check for weather closings. $4.99 admission, strawberries $3.99 per pound
