Discovering Pick Your Own Farms in Massachusetts
When it comes to picking your own strawberries near Boston, Massachusetts, there are plenty of options to choose from. From small family-run farms to larger commercial operations, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top pick-your-own farms in the area:
Parlee Farms 🍓
Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, MA, is one of the top destinations for strawberry picking in the Boston area. With over four acres of strawberries to choose from, visitors can pick their own berries during two strawberry seasons. Farmer Mark has been growing strawberries since he was 12 years old, so visitors can trust that they’re getting high-quality, fresh berries.
Verrill Farm 🍅
Located in Concord, MA, Verrill Farm is a family-owned farm that offers pick-your-own strawberries in season. In addition to strawberries, the farm also offers a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade baked goods, jams, and other local produce.
Russell Orchards 🍎
Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA, is known for its apple orchards, but the farm also offers pick-your-own strawberries during the summer months. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities, such as hayrides, farm animals, and a farm stand that sells local produce and baked goods.
Tougas Family Farm 🌸
Located in Northborough, MA, Tougas Family Farm is a popular destination for pick-your-own strawberries and other fruits and vegetables. The farm also offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as hayrides, a playground, and a farm store that sells local products.
Smolak Farms 🌳
Smolak Farms in North Andover, MA, offers pick-your-own strawberries during the summer months, as well as a variety of other fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy a petting zoo, hayrides, and other activities.
These farms are just a few of the many options for pick-your-own strawberries near Boston. Whether you’re looking for a small family farm or a larger commercial operation, there’s something for everyone. So grab your basket and head out to the fields for a fun and delicious day of strawberry picking! 🍓
Family-Friendly Activities and Amenities
For families looking for a fun summer day out, strawberry picking is the perfect activity. Not only is it a healthy and child-friendly outdoor activity, but it also offers a chance to enjoy fresh air and the beautiful scenery of Boston’s surrounding countryside. Many farms in the area offer additional amenities and activities that make it a great experience for all ages.
Special Events and Seasonal Picks
One of the top farms for family-friendly activities is Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro. In addition to their mid-June strawberry picking season, they also offer blueberry and raspberry picking in mid-July through late September. They have a playground for kids, hayrides, and a petting zoo with farm animals. They also have a farm shop where you can purchase fresh produce, pies, and other desserts.
Another great farm for families is Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon. They offer strawberry picking in mid-June, as well as cherry and blueberry picking later in the summer. They have a farm stand where you can purchase fresh produce and snacks, as well as a hayride and petting zoo for kids. They also host an annual Strawberry Festival in mid-June, which includes live music, hayrides, and, of course, their famous strawberry shortcake.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm in South Natick is another great option for families. They have over 180 acres of farmland and 60,000 fruit trees, including strawberries, peaches, nectarines, and plums. They offer hayrides, a playground, and a petting zoo with farm animals. They also have a farm shop where you can purchase fresh produce, pies, and other desserts. In addition, they have a Christmas tree farm and sell fresh-cut trees during the holiday season.
When it comes to prices, most farms charge by the pound for the berries you pick. Prices can vary depending on the farm and the picking season. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the farm’s website for updated information on pricing, hours, and policies.
Overall, strawberry picking near Boston is a great summer activity for families. With fresh air, healthy snacks, and plenty of child-friendly activities, it’s a fun and educational way to spend a day outside.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Boston or its suburbs during the summer, you might want to consider going strawberry picking. This is a fun and rewarding activity that both adults and kids can enjoy. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit:
Top Farms for Strawberry Picking
- Ward’s Berry Farm (Sharon, MA)
- Parlee Farms (Tyngsboro, MA)
- Lookout Farm (South Natick, MA)
- Marini Farm (Ipswich, MA)
What to Bring
When going strawberry picking, it’s important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You’ll be walking around the farm and bending over to pick strawberries, so you want to be comfortable. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, you might want to bring a cooler with ice packs to keep your strawberries fresh on the ride home.
Best Time to Go
The strawberry season in Massachusetts typically runs from mid-June to early July, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s always a good idea to call the farm ahead of time to confirm their hours and make sure they have strawberries available for picking. Some farms also have special events, such as festivals or live music, so be sure to check their website or social media pages for updates.
Other Things to Do
Many of the farms that offer strawberry picking also have other activities and attractions, such as hayrides, farm stands, and even ice cream stands. This makes for a great day trip or weekend outing. Some nearby towns to consider visiting while in the area include North Andover, Northborough, Concord, Sherborn, and Framingham.
Getting There
Most of the farms listed above are located within an hour’s drive of Boston, so you can easily make a day trip out of it. However, if you don’t have access to a car, you might need to consider other transportation options. Some farms offer shuttle services from nearby train stations, so be sure to check their website or call ahead to inquire.