Now that summer is officially here, we're here to share the berry best news. Berry picking season has arrived, and the naturally sweet treats are ripe for the picking. Pack the family up to drive to a fun-filled day at a pick your own farm, and prepare to fill up your basket. Whether eaten raw, cooked in a pie, or mashed in a jam, berries picked straight from the vine offer a farm-fresh taste, plus it saves you a trip to the grocery store. Plus, some spots even have fruit like peaches ripe and ready. Make a day of it and head to one of these farms around Bergen County for pickers young and old.
Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown, NJ
Now open, visitors can pick their own strawberries and raspberries at Donaldson Farms while they're in season and supplies last. In addition to PYO strawberries every weekend, you can enjoy pony rides and duck races, farm animals, and shopping in their farm market. And be sure to really get in on the fun by entering their strawberry season photo contest. Strawberries priced by the pound. Check their website or call (908) 852-9122 x1 Tuesdays-Sundays, pricing by the pound.
Johnson's Locust Hall Farm, Jobstown, NJ
Pick Your Own season is now open at this sweet family owned farm, where you can simply park and pick for $7 a person. Right now, you can grab fresh and juicy peaches through mid-August, along with blackberries and more veggies and flowers throughout the summer. Don't forget to pop in to their market for seasonal décor, fresh baked treats and their famous apple cider donuts. Coming up on June 29, you can also enjoy the Evenings on the Farm from 6-9 pm with live music, food trucks, and games. 1/4 peck and 1/2 peck available for peaches, pints available for blackberries
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Starting in July, Bergen County's local farm is open for peach picking, and the intoxicating scent can almost be smelled as you drive by. While reservations haven't opened up quite yet, you can take a ride to the picking area which is filled with rows of peach trees and plenty to pick. Once you're done, visit the farm market, hang with the animals, and let kids play in the play area so you can enjoy a full morning or afternoon outdoors. Farm open 8 am-5 pm daily
Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ
A one-stop shop for berries, Alstede Farms currently has excellent conditions for picking strawberries, raspberrires, and peas. You can take a tractor ride to the fields with plenty of space for everyone. Visit their site for updates and enjoy some of their fun farm activities such as hayrides, mazes, and animals while you’re there. Check their “What Can I Pick Today?” webpage or call (908) 879-7189 before your visit for current crop conditions. Admission includes access to the fields, a specific container of your choosing, and tractor ride, and select farm activities.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton NJ
While strawberry season is over, Terhune Orchards is now open for cherry picking, with blueberries and blackberries coming up. Families interested in picking for the day should check their website for conditions before heading out. When you arrive, you'll not only be rewarded with fields of ripe cherries or beautiful pick your own flowers at the patch, but guests can walk the Farm Trail, hang with the animals, and enjoy the scenery. Plus, don't miss the firefly festival on June 30 with special activities planned. Call ahead to check crop conditions and availability.
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction, NY
This pick-your-own spot has organic strawberries and raspberries available right now, with even more organic fruits and veggies to come throughout the summer. 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. U-pick reservations available three days in advance.
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 is well underway for strawberries through about July 1, with with raspberries coming in late August. Call (973) 579-5055 or check their Facebook page before your visit for picking times and conditions. Berries pricing by the box.
Melick's Town Farm, Oldwick, NJ
While pick your own strawberry season has ended at Melick's, the farm is getting ready for its U-pick peaches season starting in July along with its U-cut flowers straight from the fields. Open daily, be sure to stop by the market pre- or post-pick for fresh baked good, produce, wine, and hard cider. While you're there, enjoy some family fun like wagon rides and visits with the animals. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Reservation are made available online.
Stony Hill Farms, Chester, NJ
Pickers of all age are encouraged to harvest their own berries starting in June from Stony Hill’s beautiful two-acre patch. Right now, you can grab fresh strawberries, with raspberries and (making their appearance for the first time this year) blueberries to come. Come on the weekend for a scenic hayride out to the picking fields. After picking, visit the farm market for fresh baked goods and summery plants. Open daily 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.
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan, NJ
Just as its moniker implies, there’s plenty of times in store (and on the field) for your family to make for a happy day. Pick from their produce or enjoy the beautiful lavender fields that are sure to bring calm to your life. Raspberry picking is available now, with blueberries and blackberries to come during the summer. Plus, head to the lavender fields to cut your own bundles and for plenty of photo opps. Open daily, tickets sold at the door only, check website for crop availability.
