Your guide to local Pick-Your-Own Farms with summer fruits!

The first time I took my son apple picking, I spent $25 on a bag of fruit that took us approximately six minutes to pick. Not exactly “making memories” material.

It’ll be a few more months before apples are in season, however July and August is the perfect time for picking peaches and berries. And, if you employ a few clever ways to make the experience last longer than I did on my first go-round, visiting a local farm makes for a great outing with the family.

Ready to do this? I’ve got all the info you need below including peak seasons, a list of local pick-your-own farms and a few tips to eke more “experience” out of your “experience”.

Make a Game of It

Most kids will go straight for the lowest hanging fruit, so make a game of the “perfect pick”. Choose only the brightest raspberries, the fuzziest peaches or plumpest blueberries that the tree/bush has to offer.

Chow Time

Pack a picnic lunch or snacks and cop a squat in the orchard or a shaded grassy area for a scenic break.

Make a Day of It

Take advantage of the farm’s other activities. Many allow you to visit with the farm animals, walk along scenic trails, stay for a story hour and more. Check the farm’s website or Facebook page for upcoming activities.

Say Cheese

What’s more picturesque than your little darlings and a New England farm backdrop? Get them to stay still for a few shots by bribing them with cider donuts or other farmer’s market treats. Works every time. And don’t be shy, ask a passerby to take a family pic, you’ll be so happy you did.

Shun the Grocer

Hit up the farmer’s market and have your family help choose items to be used in preparing dinner. Most markets sell meat and produce, and some even have fresh pastas and herbs. Doesn’t get any fresher than that.

When you’re ready to hit up the farms, remember that the season for any particular fruit is no more than three or four weeks, so don’t delay if you are looking for something specific.

General Picking Peak Seasons

• Strawberries: early-June through early-July
• Cherries: June through July
• Blueberries: early-July through early-August
• Peaches: early to mid-August thru mid-September
• Raspberries: early-August through September
• Apples: mid-August through October

Local Pick-Your-Own Farms

Strawberries:

• Applecrest Farm, Hampton Falls (603) 926-3721
• Boston Hill Farm, North Andover (978) 681-8556
• Butternut Farm, Farmington (603) 335-4705
• Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury (978) 388-5525
• Maple Crest Farm, West Newbury (508) 641-5955
• Monahan Farm, East Kingston (603) 642-8186
• Saltonstall Farm, Stratham (603) 828-2526
• Smolak Farms, North Andover (978) 682-6332
• Tendercrop Farms, Newbury (978) 462-6972

Blueberries & Raspberries:

• Applecrest Farm, Hampton Falls 603-926-3721
• Blueberry Bay Farm, Stratham 603-580-1612
• Butternut Farm, Farmington 603-335-4705
• Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury 978-388-5525
• McKenzie’s Farm, Milton 603-652-9400
• Monohan Farm, East Kingston 603-642-8186

Blueberries:

• Emery Farm, Durham 603-742-8495
• Hickory Hill Farm, Dover 603-742-0553
• Inkwell Farm, Epping
• Saltbox Farm, Stratham 603-436-7978
• The Friendly Blueberry Patch, York, ME 207-363-3415

Peaches:

• Union Lake Peach Orchard, Barrington 603-664-2196
• Butternut Farm, Farmington 603-335-4705
• Applecrest Farm, Hampton Falls 603-926-3721

It’s always a good idea to call ahead and inquire about picking conditions as crop availability can change daily.

For a full list of local farms and fruit for all seasons, visit our Pick-Your-Own Directory.

See you on the farm!