If you’re the kind of family that prides itself on being hands-on, doesn’t mind rolling up a sleeve or two, and you like to eat local…U Pick berry farms are for you! Just picture all those boxes of juicy strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, beautifully stained fingers, and terrific photo ops. Plus, you’ll be set for months when it comes to ice cream toppings, jams and smoothies. The best spots are just a short drive away.
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown NJ
(908) 852-9122
Pick your own strawberries and raspberries on your own or bring a group. Group picking tours include lessons about the berries, a hayride, a snack and a stop at the petting zoo. Strawberry Festival weekends will be announced soon so check the website for dates and times! Open daily from 9 – 6.
Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ
(908) 879-7189
A one-stop shop for berries, Alstede Farms grows strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Plan your visit for one of their Strawberry Harvest Festival weekends in June, or head over in July (7/8-9 or 7/15-16) for their Blueberry Festival weekends. Or, power up for a long day of picking with a pancake breakfast cooked just for you. Strawberry Pancake breakfast is Sunday, June 4th , the Blueberry Pancake breakfast is Sunday, July 2nd, or treat your dad to Father’s Day brunch on the farm. Open daily from 9 – 7.
Wightman’s Farms, Morristown, NJ
(973) 425-9819
Join the PYO (Pick Your Own) club ($15 for a family of 5) and pick all season. Membership includes 2 reusable bags, coupons for the farm and water bottles. Open daily from 8 – 6.
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction, NY
(845) 897-4377
Strawberries kick off their pick-your-own season in June but come back in July for cherries 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. Check out their Facebook Fan Page for crop updates. Open daily from 9 – 6.
Schaefer Farms, Flemington, NJ
(908) 782-2705
A member of the local farming community for four generations, Schaefer Farms grows a variety of fruits and vegetables each year, including blackberries and raspberries. Join their mailing list to be notified when a crop is ready for U Pick. Open M – S 9:30 – 6, Sunday 10 – 5.
Sussex County Strawberry Farm, Andover, NJ
(973) 579-5055
At this family owned farm, they believe that “the best strawberries (and raspberries) are the ones you pick yourself.” Picking season will begin in early June for strawberries. Call ahead for times and picking conditions or follow them on Facebook.
Hillview Farms, Gillette, NJ
(908) 647-0957
Open nearly 150 years on 53 acres, Hillview’s blueberry season kicks off in July. (Peaches are ready in early August) Open daily 9 – 6. U pick fields close at 5.
Love Apple Farm, Ghent, NY
(518) 828-5048
Exhaust yourself picking blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries then revive yourself at the café, bakery and market. Raspberries start off the season in June. Check the website for what’s ripe. Hours vary.
Chatham Berry Farm, LLC, Chatham, NY
(518) 392-4609
If you’re willing to travel for healthier produce, load up the kids and head here. Berries grown at the Chatham Berry Farm, LLC are grown without pesticides, fungicides or insecticides. Check their website soon for pick your own schedules. The bonus? Beer! They hope to be selling their own, made on-site brew by this fall! Open daily 8 – 6.
Stony Hill Farms, Chester, NJ
(908) 879-2908
Check out the website for this family-owned, family friendly farm or like them on Facebook to learn more about strawberry picking conditions. Then head back in the fall to challenge yourself in their corn maze. Open daily from 10 – 5.
