With summer on its way, 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, vendors, and shopping in their farm market. Strawberries priced by the pound. Check their website for growing conditions and weather updates, Saturdays-Sundays.
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. Right now, you can enjoy fresh and colorful strawberries through June. Don't forget to pop in to their market for seasonal décor, fresh baked treats and their famous apple cider donuts. On June 7-8, the farm is hosting a Berry Bash Festival Then, come back in the summer for peaches, sunflowers, and the most popular — blackberries. Single to 6-quart options available, Fridays-Sundays
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Starting in late June, 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 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
Pick your own strawberries is happening now through early June, with cherry and blueberry picking coming up later in the month. 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 fruits or flowers 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 29 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 available right now, with even more fruits and veggies to come throughout the summer. Fishkill’s orchards are certified sustainably grown and produce an environmentally friendly low-spray fruit. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages or call (845) 897-4377 for current crop conditions, farm updates, and upcoming events. U-pick reservations available for the week.
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.” Strawberry picking season starts in early June, with raspberries and blackberries 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
Strawberry season is well underway at Melick's, and the farm will get 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 to come late June and blueberries to follow in the height of summer. 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 (opening June 14) that are sure to bring calm to your life. Raspberry picking is available starting on June 7, with blueberries and blackberries to come later in June. Don't forget to bring your camera or phone for the most scenic photo opps. Open daily, tickets sold at the door only, check website for crop availability.
