Kids will love picking their own sweet berries
One of life’s simplest spring pleasures is picking fresh fruit off the vine. Luckily for your entire berry-loving crew, there are dozens of farms and fields across the DMV that offer a pick-your-own experience. Most u-pick farms open for the strawberry season in mid- to late-May and last through June or even early July. This means you and your littles will have nearly 5 straight weeks to fill a bucket (or two) with ripe fruit. We’ve listed 10 of the best strawberry farms below, many of which boast bonus features—from picnic spots to stocked farmers markets and even wagon rides and catch-and-release fishing holes!
Maryland U-Pick Strawberry Farms
Butler’s Orchard
Butler’s is one of the most popular farms in the DMV, located right off I-270 in Germantown, MD. Their pick-your-own summer options include strawberries, sugar snap peas, English peas, black raspberries, blueberries, tart cherries, flowers, blackberries, potatoes, and red raspberries. They also have a big farmers market where they sell their own baked goods, honey, syrups, decorations, and kitchen accessories. You can also stop by the Farmer’s Porch for a quick bite like sandwiches and pizzas, as well as dishes created from seasonal veggies and produce.
Kids will delight in the farm park, which includes a giant slide, pedal tractors, and a chance to see the farm animals. Plus, be sure to check the website for special events and activities, like cooking classes and wine tastings for adults.
Note that since 2020, the farm has moved to a per-container system for picking, so you’ll be filling up a provided container (instead of paying by weight).
When: Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in May and June (strawberries are usually available by Memorial Day weekend although this year they may be a week early)
Cost: $4/person or $3 online, $6/quart, with bigger sizes at $25 and $45
Where: 22200 Davis Mill Rd., Gemantown, MD
Online: butlersorchard.com
Baugher’s Orchard
Baugher’s Orchard has been a family-owned, working fruit and vegetable farm since 1904. It started out as a 60-acre piece of land and has expanded to become a 600-acre operation and one of the largest orchards in MD.
Enjoy a wagon ride from the market to berries where you’ll find field workers who’ll help guide you on your berry-picking journey. There’s also a petting zoo with coin machines filled with animal feed (so bring quarters). If the littles are still bursting with energy, there are two playgrounds to tire them out on. There are also picnic tables for a lunch out, as well as a farmer’s market full of homemade pies, bread, cookies, preserves, and more, and a restaurant serving up locally sourced meals (don’t miss out on the homemade ice cream, made with fruits picked right from the orchard!). Be sure to come back for other pick-your-own crops like peaches, nectarines, apples, pumpkins, and cherries—free pitting machines are available for the latter.
To find out if the strawberries are ripe for the picking, call the hotline before you head out, at (410) 857-0111. Note that backpacks, strollers, coolers, and large bags aren’t permitted in the orchard, so remember to leave those in the car or back home.
When: The market at the orchard will be opening on May 18 (strawberry picking will be available around that time, too). 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 7 days a week
Cost: Admission is $4 per person, ¼ peck box $15 (larger sizes available)
Where: 1015 Baugher Rd., Westminster, MD
Online: baughers.com
Godfrey’s Farm
Located in Queen Anne’s County on the eastern shore of MD, Godfrey’s Farm is an easy 45-minute drive from the Bay Bridge. They’re open every day from mid-April through Labor Day, growing and harvesting the best produce the Eastern Shore has to offer!
Head out to the family farm for a day of u-pick fun featuring the freshest and tastiest strawberries, tart cherries, peaches, and blueberries. The farm also has a beautiful field of PYO flowers for hand-picked bouquets. There are no reservations needed and the farm doesn’t charge an entry fee. You can call ahead to check the status of the farm and its strawberries, at (410) 438-3509. The farm charges b the bucket and has several types of strawberries to choose from, and the berries are grown on raised beds, making them easier to pick.
When: Wed.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., May to Early June
Cost: You must purchase a bucket prior to entering the field (prices change seasonally).
Where: 302 Leager Rd., Sudlersville, MD
Online: godfreysfarm.com
Swann Farms
Just 35 miles from DC, this wholesale fruit and vegetable farm is just a hop, skip, and jump from the city. Quart and gallon containers are not weighed; once you purchase your picking vessel you are free to squeeze as many juicy berries as you can into the container. Make sure you pack a picnic for those hungry tummies. You can enjoy your home-packed meal under a shaded grove of trees while your kiddos run around.
The farm doesn’t take reservations, but with over 1200 acres of land, you’re sure to find what you need here. Just check the top of the website before you head out to see what’s happening at the farm today. Bring lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables, and stop by the little free library to pick up a new read or donate an old loved tale.
Insider tip: If you are making the trek to this farm, be sure to check out the best Insta-worthy spots nearby.
When: Wed.-Mon. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Tues. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $6/quart container, $23/gallon container
Where: 7740 Swan Ln., Owings, MD
Online: swannfarms.com
Larriland Farm
Strawberry season at Larriland will likely begin in late May when you can also plan to pick kale, chard, turnips, spinach, and radishes (if you can find a way to get your kids to eat these that does NOT involve cheese, please share your genius). Check out their website for a great collection of kid-friendly recipes using all of their produce!
Note: It’s advised to call this farm at (410) 442-2605 or check the website before you go to make sure there is still fruit to pick (it goes fast!). The size of the container determines how many people are allowed to go into the field, something to keep in mind if you have a large group coming.
When: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Prices change seasonally
Where: 2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD
Online: pickyourown.com
Shlagel Farms
This farm has been in operation for 111 years and boasts responsibly grown fruits and vegetables. They’re most well-known for their delicious strawberries, which you can pick by the pound. Unlike a lot of the other farms on this list, Shlagel allows you to bring your own container to fill, so you can reuse one from home.
While you’re here, stop by the greenhouses, where you’ll find beautiful hanging baskets and plant arrangements. If you’re there on a weekend, you can also snag a shake and a shortcake at the milkshake trailer. And definitely don’t miss the strawberry sign photo-op!
Reservations aren’t required and you can check the farm’s Facebook for that day’s status. While there’s a phone number listed on the website, please be aware that this is a home number—don’t call after 8 p.m. or before 6 a.m.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Cost: $3.79 per pound
Where: 12850 Shlagel Rd., Waldorf, MD
Online: shlagelfarms.com
Strawberry-Picking Farms in Virginia
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Located in beautiful Berryville, Mackintosh Fruit Farm is a family-owned PYO farm nestled in the beautiful Northern Shenandoah Valley in Clarke County, VA. Their produce is first-rate, and the pick-your-own crops are well-known as some of the best throughout the area. Their assortment of fruit selections allows their PYO customers early, mid, and late-season varieties.
This year, you can’t make reservations—picking is first-come, first-served, and once an area is picked out, it closes. This means that while the official time for field closing is 5 p.m., it could close earlier. Call ahead before you head out! Their phone number is (540) 955-6225.
When: Thur.-Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (U-Pick opening date to be announced)
Cost: $2 admission per person, kids under 5 free, prices vary by season
Where: 1608 Russell Rd., Berryville, VA
Online: mackintoshfruitfarm.com
Wegmeyer Farms
If you’re looking for an authentic picking experience and fresh, juicy, strawberries, hit up Wegmeyer Farms in Northern Virginia. You’ll get an intimate experience in a historic venue with picturesque views. The strawberries here are grown on raised plastic beds, so you’ll have an easy time picking clean, crisp berries. Need a little help in the field? They also offer pre-picked berries. And don’t leave without picking up a jar of Wegmeyer Farms strawberry preserves that do something special to toast, crackers, or yogurt.
A reservation is required to visit for strawberry picking. Note that there are no advance reservations—you can only reserve a time slot online the day before or the day of your visit. The farm also offers a drive-thru farmers market that sells fresh items like donuts and freshly squeezed strawberry lemonade.
When: Opens May 8. Times vary; check the website for reservations and time slots.
Cost: $30 per group, which includes your first gallon bucket (holds about 5 lbs of strawberries)
Where: 38299 Hughesville Rd., Hamilton, VA
Online: wegmeyerfarms.com
Messick’s Farm Market
Grab a bucket and pick strawberries and blueberries at Messick’s Farm. Produce isn’t the only food available at this farm market. You can order a fresh batch of oysters! Visit on a weekday to avoid an additional entry fee, or head out on the weekends to take part in the strawberry festival, which includes hayrides, barrel train rides, fake tattoos, zip line, bounce pillow, and more. (Strawberry picking isn’t included in the admission to the festival). Entry to the festival is $13 per person and $8 for seniors (3 and under are free).
While you’re here, you won’t want to miss the farm’s famous homemade frozen custard ice cream, made from local dairy cream. The custard window is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and serves up custards (of course), milkshakes, sundaes, cones, and floats. And even if you come on a weekday, kids will still get to romp around in the farm playground, where they can slide, bounce, race rubber duckies, mine for gems, and take hayride tours of the farm.
When: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: $5.49/lb, additional entry fee on weekends
Where: 6025 Catlett Rd., Bealeton, VA
Online: messicksfarmmarket.com
Great Country Farms
This over 400-acre working farm is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside Bluemont, VA. Admission includes u-pick strawberries by the pound, as well as encounters with the farm’s adorable baby bunnies, lambs, and goats. Plus, kids will get to hang out in the 12-acre farm play area! Then, chow down on a treat from the Roosteraunt Concession Stand or the Knead It Bakery, while adults can grab a drink from Henway Hard Cider.
Stop by on May 20, 21, 27, 28, or 29 to check out the strawberry festival, a Jubilee celebration that features live music, contests, wagon rides, family games, and delicious local food. Note that there’s no reservation system for strawberry picking—it’s first come, first served.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day
Cost: $4.99/lb plus admission at $12/adult, 10/child or senior, free for 2 and under
Where: 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA
Online: greatcountryfarms.com
