Strawberry Picking Season is Here...
And nothing screams summer in the Garden State quite like getting your hands dirty by heading to one of our favorite local far,s om tje Garden State.
Picking strawberries is one of the best things to do in late spring and early summer. After a long winter, getting out on a farm and picking red, juicy, sweet strawberries right off the plant is the BEST!
You won’t be able to resist the urge to bite into a strawberry to bring back memories of strawberry juice dripping down your chins as a cherished thought from childhood.
And then there is everything you can make with strawberries– strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcake, Nutella and strawberry crepes. Really… is there anything you can’t make more delicious with some fresh strawberries?
Whether this is your first time strawberry picking or you’re and old pro, you'll want to check out our list of nearly 20 farms for strawberry picking in New Jersey where your sweeties can get their hands on bushels of juicy red berries.
You pay a minimal fee to ride out to the picking fields. Afterwards, let your kids play on the great playgrounds (there are two of them) and visit the petting farm! Also, there is a market with delicious pre-picked fruits and veggies plus amazingly delicious baked goods. There is also a snack bar open seasonally and a restaurant just down the road.
Strawberry picking season in New Jersey is short-lived, kicking off in late May or early June and running until the berries have all been plucked, so let's get pick' in!
Garden State Strawberry Farms
1. Battleview Orchards – Freehold
This century-old, family-run farm is known not only for its sweet strawberries but also for its delicious apple cider donuts made fresh year-round—score! There’s a $5 per person fee to go strawberry picking, which is credited toward your final purchase. The country store is open daily.
2. Bonacorsi Family Farm – Frenchtown
This strawberry picking farm in New Jersey has two Hunterdon County outposts, and the Frenchtown location is home to thousands of strawberry plants ripe for the picking. Note: This farm is cash-only and provides all the containers. https://www.facebook.com/bonacorsifamilyfarm/
3. Alstede Farms – Chester
You can easily spend an entire day at this family farm, which offers everything from strawberry picking to feeding barnyard animals. Strawberry picking starts in late May. https://alstedefarms.com/
4. Donaldson Farms – Hackettstown
During strawberry picking season, the atmosphere at this family farm is downright carnival-like, with duck races and pony rides. There’s no entry fee for the strawberry patch; fruit is charged by the pound. Pint containers and flats are available for purchase, or you can bring your own container, though no paper or plastic bags are allowed. https://donaldsonfarms.net/
5. Farms View – Wayne
Around since 1894, this farm is the real deal. In addition to strawberry picking for the whole family, kids can greet goats, chickens, donkeys, and a horse at the farm's barnyard. Call before you go, 973-839-1212, to confirm fields are open. https://farmsview.com/u-pick-strawberries-northern-new-jersey/
6. Ort Farms – Long Valley
Quieter and less commercial than other NJ farms, Ort Farms still has a lot to offer with story times, crafts, farm animals, a tractor playset, and a hay pyramid. Strawberry picking is expected to open in late May. http://www.ortfarms.com/
7. Peterson Farm – Flemington
Since berries grow in full sun, the farm recommends coming early in the morning to pick when temperatures are at their coolest. The farm provides strawberry picking trays and carriers, which you can re-use for a discount on your next visit. https://petersonfarm.net/u-pick/
8. Johnson’s Corner Farm – Medford
With a Discovery Barnyard play area that's home to go-karts, climbing rocks, splash pads, and more, your kids won’t be bored at this Burlington County farm. In May, enjoy a hayride out to the strawberry picking fields to pluck fresh berries. Tickets are cheaper if you purchase them online. https://johnsonsfarm.com/
9 . VonThun Farms – South Brunswick, Washington
Going strong for five generations, this strawberry picking farm in New Jersey's Middlesex County offers good, old-fashioned farm fun. No pets: cash is preferred. Check the website for its seasonal events, like their annual Strawberry Festival. http://vonthunfarms.com/
10. Melick’s Town Farm – Oldwick
Home to one of NJ’s largest apple orchards, the Oldwick Farm Market location is also a sweet spot for strawberry picking in New Jersey. Don’t leave without walking through the market, where you’ll find lots of fresh fruits and veggies, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, and the farm’s apple wine. In past years, reservations were required with slots opening at 4pm the day before your visit.
11. Phillips Farm – Milford
If you want an old-fashioned, straightforward, strawberry picking experience, check out this farm situated along the Delaware River. Perfect for berry lovers, it has strawberries now. Return later in the season to harvest blueberries, blackberries, and red and black raspberries. The farm is closed for picking on Tuesdays.
12. Snyder’s Farm – Somerset
Scarlett strawberries, developed by the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, are grown for picking at this farm, which is open on weekends only, 9am-4pm. It is $7 for a quart and $3 for a wagon ride to the fields. Snyder's accepts cash-only. http://snyders-farm.com/
13. Stony Hill Farms – Chester
You may forget to pick strawberries at this farm because there are so many other fun activities available. Admission to the picking field also includes access to the rope maze, tile maze, barnyard board game, and trike rides, perfect for little ones. RESERVATIONS ARE NEEDED, and it is strongly recommended to call before visiting, 908-879-2908, to check for closures.
14. Sussex County Strawberry Farm – Newton
Looking for an idyllic place to pick your own fruit? Look no further. As its name implies, this farm is serious about strawberries. Owned by two families who have been working the fields for more than 30 years, it’s a strawberry picking dream! Call 973-579-5055 to confirm the hours before your visit.
15. Wemrock Orchards – Freehold
Nestled at the end of a dirt road and through a forest is this farm’s secluded strawberry patch. There’s no entrance fee; simply pay per pound for whatever you pick. Stop by the ice cream parlor, store or café before you go. Call 732-431-2688 to confirm crop availability before you visit.
16. Terhune Orchards – Princeton
The strawberry picking patches at Terhune Orchards span two acres, and the beds are raised, which makes picking easier. After you’ve had your strawberry fill, there are still plenty of things to do. Check out the farm store and winery, including a brand new sangria! http://terhuneorchards.com/
17. Wightman Farms – Morristown
To pick your own fruit, you need to join the PYO Farm Club at this strawberry picking farm. A membership gives you access to fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The membership comes with two reusable bags, coupons for the farm, and water bottles. Strawberry picking season is May-November, and crops vary by season. http://wightmanfarms.com/index.html
Tips for Strawberry Picking
Always call ahead. Strawberry picking schedules are weather-dependent, and fields frequently close to allow berries to ripen—or if they’re picked out. It’s best to know before you go.
Check out the farm's social media: In addition to websites, most of these farms have Facebook and Instagram pages, which are frequently updated with crop availability.
Leave your pets at home. Most farms do not allow pets; some allow service animals (this does not include emotional support animals). Call or check out their website before you go.
Bring cash. Some farms don't accept credit cards. Come prepared with a few paper bills to avoid disappointment at checkout.
Try not to overbuy—or under-buy. We know...easier said than done! Plan and figure out how much fruit you will use now and how much you want to freeze later. But keep in mind our strawberry season is short, so you may not have a chance to return to a farm before the berries are gone.
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