The warmer weather brings along a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, just begging to be picked. Better still, many local farms offer pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout Connecticut, making for the perfect family outing.
Still being relatively early in the summer, we’re in the heart of berry season. Strawberry season in CT runs from early June to mid-July, and blueberry season / raspberry season / blackberry season in CT picks up from early July through mid-August. Take a trip with your kids to get your fill of these delectable sweet fruits while they’re plentiful, cheap, and at their sweetest!
Though this list isn’t comprehensive (there are more than 30 pick-your-own berry farms in CT!) these 7 berry farms are perfect for families with kids.
1. Lyman Orchards in Middlefield
Now on its 275th year, Lyman Orchards continues to be a classic family attraction in Connecticut. Enjoy being a farmer one afternoon and pick your own strawberries, jostaberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches throughout the summer months. In the fall, enjoy picking eco-friendly apple and peaches, nectarines, and pears. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Lyman is open from 9am to 6pm but call 24 hours in advance for crop and field conditions. More tips for picking at Lyman Orchards.
2. Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford
Bishop’s Orchards works hard in growing high quality and delectable fruits to enjoy every year. PYO season varies due to weather changes but generally runs from mid-June to the end of October. Enjoy your own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and pears. In the fall, families can pick over 20 varieties of apples and pumpkins that are perfect for a Thanksgiving soup! Yum! Call the PICK line in season for daily updates, hours, and locations. 203-458-PICK.
3. Gotta’s Farm and Cedar Mill in Portland
All are welcome to visit Gotta’s Farm, a 4th generation farm that is proud to grow quality plants, fruits, and vegetables. You can bring your family to PYO strawberries, peaches, apples, and pears when they are in season. Gotta’s Farm is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 6:30pm. Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 6pm.
4. Drazen Orchards in Cheshire
Since 1951, Drazan Orchards has specialized in wholesale fruit and produce. Drazen invites you and your family to take a scenic walk or wagon ride to the pick your own blueberry patch. Click here for harvest dates. Call 203-272-7985 to plan your next visit.
5. Rose’s Berry Farm in South Glastonbury
Rose’s Berry Farm is the largest blueberry farm in the state and aims to provide customers with fresh produce year to year. PYO favorites include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, pears, peaches, pumpkins and Christmas trees. Pets are not allowed.
6. Jones Family Farm in Shelton
Families from all around Connecticut visit Pumpkinseed Hill Farm and Valley Farm to enjoy strawberry and blueberry picking in June and July. Hours change depending on the weather. Please call (203) 929-8425 before visiting for picking conditions.
7. Ellsworth Hill & Orchard Berry Farm in Sharon
Ellsworth Hill & Orchard Berry Farm is family-owned and operated in beautiful Sharon, Connecticut. Come and enjoy the scenic view while your family picks their own delicious fruits like strawberries, peaches, cherries, raspberries, plums and more! Download the Ellsworth Hill 2017 Pick your own brochure and call 860-364-0025 before visiting for picking conditions.
Ready, Set, Pick!
Nothing compares to picking your own fresh berries right here at your own local berry farms. Little kids will love learning about how food is grown; older kids will have a fun, hands-on experience, and you’ll love keeping them busy and entertained for a morning or afternoon. It’s a win-win!
Can’t wait for pick-your-own apple season to hit the state? Check out our comprehensive list of all of the pick-your-own apple orchards in CT!
