Now that the warm weather is here, we're here to share the berry best news. Strawberry picking season has arrived, and the naturally sweet treats are ripe for the picking. Pack the family up for a short drive that leads 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. 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 at Donaldson Farms during their Strawberry Harvest Weekends through June 11. In addition to PYO strawberries every weekend, enjoy more strawberries treats (milkshakes anyone?), farm animals, a sandbox play area and more farm fun. Saturday, June 3, the farm will be hosting a Food Truck Festival to kick off summer with music, games and plenty of eats. 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 for current crop conditions before planning your visit. Free entry, pricing by the pound.
Johnson's Locust Hall Farm, Jobstown, NJ
Pick Your Own Strawberries is now open at this sweet family owned farm, where you can simply park and pick for $4.95 a person. Plus, if you visit the farm on June 3 or June 4 you can get in on the fun of the farm's Berry Bash Festival with hayrides to the field. Head back at the end of June for peaches, sunflowers, field flowers and blackberries, plus even more summertime fun. Don't forget to pop in to their market for seasonal décor, fresh baked treats and their famous apple cider donuts. One-quart, 4-quart, and 6-quart flats available for purchase.
Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ
A one-stop shop for berries, Alstede Farms grows strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. PYO strawberries are available now on the farm, where 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 quart container or 6-quart flat, cost to fill, and farm activities.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton NJ
Picking at this family favorite spot is available daily while strawberries last. 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 berries but guests can walk the Farm Trail as well and enjoy the scenery. Cherries and blueberries are coming in mid-to-late June. Call ahead to check crop conditions and availability.
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction, NY
This pick-your-own spot has organic strawberry season kicking off in early June, followed by raspberries, currants, cherries, blueberries, peaches, and more. 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.
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 early June (coming soon!) 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.
Melick's Town Farm, Oldwick, NJ
The Pick Your Own season has begun with ripe strawberries at the ready. Open daily from 9:30am to 6 pm and reservations must be made in advance the day before by clicking here. Be sure to stop by the market pre- or post-pick for fresh baked good, produce, wine and hard cider. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Reservation are made available online the day prior, $2.99, strawberries priced by the pound.
Stony Hill Farms, Chester, NJ
Young and old pickers alike are encouraged to harvest their own strawberries starting in June from Stony Hill’s beautiful two-acre patch. Come on the weekend for a scenic hayride out to the picking fields. After picking, you can make a day of it with their kid-friendly activities including Noah's Ark Playground, trike rides, mazes and more. 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. $7.99 admission online, with additional quarts available for purchase
Ort Farms, Long Valley, NJ
Now open for picking, Ort Farms provides a full day experience of fun at this PYO strawberry festivals. In addition to picking, enjoy their delish food (like sip and swirl ice cream), pony rides, train rides, wine tasting and more. Look out for their upcoming car show on June 3, and their special Berries and Brews Events on Saturday June 17-Sunday June 18. Open daily, call for patch updates. Admission is $5, and a box or basket is required for purchase.
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, with four different types of raspberries available, and lavender viewing available starting June 10, with blueberries to follow in late June. Open daily, tickets sold at the door only, $4 per person, check website for crop availability.
