There’s nothing that kicks your summer off to a sweet start like taking the kids to find u-pick berries at a farm near Boston. Strawberry season rolls out first in early June, followed by raspberry and blueberry seasons. The stone fruits end the season starting in August. These nearby farms offer u-pick berries for families that teach kids where their food comes from and lets you go home with a sweet treat. Read on to find one near you.
North of Boston
Brooksby Farm
A favorite of Boston families, you can u-pick berries at this farm about 20 miles north of the city. Owned by the City of Peabody it's got perks you can't miss, like friendly barnyard animals for kids to play with and a play yard to wear them out after the picking is done. As for u-pick, get ready to pick raspberries, peaches, blueberries and cherries starting in July and running into September.
Location: 54 Felton St., Peabody
Online: brooksbyfarm.org
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Parlee Farms
This farm plans to open for its 35th season of u-pick berries in mid-June, so sign up on the website to receive picking updates. You can pick your own strawberries here or grab some from the farmstand. They offer five varieties of strawberries for picking and even have late-summer varieties available at the farmstand.
Location: 95 Farwell Rd., Tyngsboro
Online: parleefarms.com
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Smolak Farms
This spot hasn't announced an opening date for u-pick berries for 2022 yet. If things stay as they were last year, count on a $2 per person entrance fee and the cost to pick is $8 per quart of strawberries. Check the website before heading over as picking conditions change frequently.
Locations: 2 North Andover locations and one at Small Oxx Farm in Boxford
Online: smolakfarms.com
Marini Farm
Here you can pick strawberries along with veggies like lettuces and asparagus before you return in the fall for pumpkin season. Check the current picking conditions online, but right now, the start of the strawberry u-pick season is planned for mid-June.
Location: 259 Linebrook Rd., Ipswich
Online: marinifarm.com
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Russell Orchards
Strawberry picking has not yet begun at this u-pick farm in Ipswich. The fruit is slowly ripening. Once it's ready, you can get your strawberries here at $5.75 per pound. Raspberries and blueberries are also available for picking later in June and July.
Location: 143 Argilla Rd., Ipswich
Online: russellorchards.com
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Cider Hill Farm
Strawberry picking opens in early June on this u-pick farm. You'll love this spot to bring the kids. You can pre-order your baskets to save time at the farm or get yours when you arrive. Check the website for fruit availability before heading over. You can also pick blueberries here in July. Mark your calendars for the Strawberry Festival on June 18 and 19. Snag tickets while you still can.
Location: 45 Fern Ave., Amesbury
Online: ciderhill.com
West of Boston
Sunshine Farm
Strawberry picking typically starts mid-June but check their Facebook page for current conditions. You'll definitely want to swing by the ice cream stand for a cold treat after picking.
Location: 41 Kendall Ave., Sherborn
Online: facebook.com
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Tougas Family Farm
The whole family will love this spot for strawberry picking, and the kids will especially enjoy the playground. Real fruit slushies and apple cider donuts are also a huge draw. The u-pick season is expected to begin in early June.
Location: 234 Ball St., Northborough
Online: tougasfamilyfarm.com
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Ward's Berry Farm
Pick-your-own is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. unless the crops are picked out earlier in the day. Strawberries are the first to come in season, followed by raspberries and strawberries. This spot also sells great sandwiches, and has a brand-new bouncy pillow where kids can get their jump on. Psst.. there's piglets too.
Location: 614 S. Main St., Sharon
Online: wardsberryfarm.com
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Verrill Farm
Concord is home to this lovely farm where you can pick strawberries in mid-June. They also have a farmstand where you can get homecooked meals in addition to fresh fruits and veggies. Come on Thursday and you can snag some BBQ!
Location: 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord
Online: verrillfarm.com
South of Boston
Tangerini Spring Street Farm
After 25 years farming under the capable Tangerini family, this farm was proudly taken over by Linda and Steve Chiarizio in 2019. During the summer seaon, families travel to pick their own strawberries, blueberries and sunflowers throughout the summer months. Many take advantage of farm-fresh food served at the Farmer's Porch Restaurant after working up an appetite.
Location: 139 Spring St., Millis
Online: tangerinisfarm.com
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C.N. Smith Farm
Family-owned and operated for over 80 years, this farm offers more than just u-pick experiences for families. They're also a great spot to find your fairy garden needs. And if hunger strikes, the donut barn is where you should head (open only on weekends). Get ready to pick strawberries and blueberries in June and July straight into peaches that usually go into early September.
Location: 325 South St., East Bridgewater
Online: cnsmithfarminc.com
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The Blueberry Farm
This farm is open for blueberry picking from early July through August. Check their Facebook page for opening dates and current conditions.
Location: 698 W. Washington St., Hanson
Online: facebook.com
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Tree-Berry Farm
Blueberry-picking season opens in late June. Kids are welcome and they can even accommodate larger groups of kids if you let them know you are coming in advance.
Location: Rt. 123, Scituate
Online: treeberryfarm.com
Good to know:
1. The availability of berries can vary from week-to-week. Check the website or call before you head out to ensure there is enough produce to be picked.
2. Try to arrive first thing in the morning when the temps are low and the berries are most plentiful for the best picking.
