berry picking farms in boston

As soon as the warm weather is here to stay and the flowers are in full bloom, one of my family’s favorite summer activities is to go berry picking. It’s a special treat to visit the very places where native berries grow — and pick them off the bushes (after popping a few in our mouths along the way, of course!). The Boston area is ripe with farms that feature U-pick berries when they are in season. Here are our favorites, plus a list of berry farms we’d love to check out soon!

North Shore

Russell Orchards :: Ipswich

We love spending warm summer days at Crane Beach in Ipswich and then venturing over to the orchard and country store (featuring wine tastings and ice cream!) to pick berries and browse homemade goods. Russell Orchards offers picking for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, plus a handy guide to know when everything is in season — strawberries as soon as school is out in June, raspberries around the Fourth of July, blueberries in mid-July, and blackberries later on in the summer. 

Brooksby Farm :: Peabody

Featuring blueberry, raspberry, and peach picking, this farm has something for everyone throughout the year — and especially in the summer months. Brooksby is home to a variety of animals, so kids can explore the farm and pet and feed the sheep, goats, and other animals in the barnyard! Check their Facebook page for frequently updated information!

South Shore

Tree-Berry Farm :: Scituate

We cut down our own Christmas tree on this farm a few years ago, and now that we live in Scituate we’re so excited to check out the blueberries! Farmed by the same family for four generations, this special spot is a mainstay on the South Shore.

C.N. Smith Farm :: East Bridgewater

Ever since my oldest son was a year old, we’ve visited C.N. Smith every fall for apple picking. But this 80-year-old farm has so much to offer in the summer months, too! You can pick strawberries, blueberries, and peaches and enjoy the farm animals, garden center, and farmstand selling freshly picked asparagus and rhubarb. Bonus: They sell fresh cider donuts every weekend!

MetroWest

Belkin Family Lookout Farm :: South Natick

This spot is always on my family’s summer bucket list. As one of the oldest working farms in the U.S. (it was founded in 1651!), Belkin has more than 180 acres of farmland and 60,000 fruit trees! Featuring strawberries, peaches, nectarines, and plums, this farm has plenty of space to allow the little ones to explore and play. In addition to the fruit, there is a children’s play area complete with train rides, a hay pyramid for climbing, a farm maze, and visits with sheep and goats. For the grownups, there’s also the Lookout Taproom, featuring beer tastings and a place to relax after a bustling day of activities!

Ward’s Berry Farm :: Sharon

Here you can pick strawberries and blueberries and enjoy a hayride through the fields along the way! The farm store at Ward’s also features a variety of home-baked goods and artisan breads, and you can grab lunch at the sandwich counter and deli or a smoothie and ice cream when you’re done picking berries. Feel like packing a picnic? Spread your blanket out in any of the picnic areas while your kids visit the barnyard animals and play areas.

Other Boston-area berry farms

Blue Meadow Farm :: Sudbury

PYO blueberries

The Blueberry Farm :: Hanson

PYO blueberries

Boston Hill Farm :: North Andover

PYO blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries

Carver Hill Orchards :: Stow

PYO blueberries, raspberries, and cherries

Connors Farm :: Danvers

PYO blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries

Hanson’s Farm :: Framingham

PYO strawberries

Honeypot Hill Orchards :: Stow

PYO blueberries

Parlee Farms :: Chelmsford and Tyngsboro

PYO strawberries, blueberries, and cherries

Patt’s Blueberries :: Holliston

PYO blueberries

This post was originally published in 2018. It is updated yearly with the current information for Boston-area families, but please be sure to check with each individual farm for information before visiting.

Kate Cotter
Kate came to New England for college a decade and a half ago, and fell in love with all things Boston. She is the mom of two beautiful baby boys, ages 2.5 & 10 months, and loves watching them explore this lovely area of the country, experiencing Boston through their eyes. Heart-filling: spending time with my family, spontaneous hugs, kisses and “I love you Mommy” from my boys, reading great books, fall in New England, the Adirondacks, golden retriever puppies (don’t have any yet!), coffee, champagne, and serendipity. Can do without: Boston traffic, inconsiderateness, never-ending winters and stir-craziness.

3 COMMENTS

  1. I’m surprised that Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro (different from the one in Chelmsford) didn’t make the list!! They have PYO strawberries and blueberries, as well as peaches, cherries, apples, cut flowers, and pumpkins. Fun for kids with the animal barn, mini-tractor rides, ice cream stand, and bakery.

  2. Thanks Kendra for mentioning us – we really appreciate it! Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro is a separate business from Parlee’s Farm in Chelmsford (cousins). Thanks Boston Moms Blog for the addition ~ strawberry season is right around the corner!

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