Blueberry season is a cherished time in New England, and Boston’s surrounding areas offer some of the best spots for picking these delicious berries.
Whether you’re a seasoned picker or a family looking for a fun weekend activity, there’s something magical about gathering fresh blueberries straight from the bush.
From charming farms with scenic views to hidden gems known for their bountiful harvests, the options are plentiful.
Dive into a delightful adventure and discover the top seven blueberry picking spots near Boston that promise not just juicy berries but also an unforgettable experience.
Top 7 Best Blueberry Picking Spots Near Boston
Blueberry picking is a popular summer activity near Boston, offering a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors while gathering fresh, sweet fruit.
Here are the top 7 best blueberry picking spots near Boston:
1. Turkey Hill Farm—Haverhill
Located atop a picturesque hill, Turkey Hill Farm offers breathtaking views that make blueberry picking even more enjoyable.
This farm provides containers for collecting berries and features essential amenities like bathrooms and drinking water.
Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 8am – 4pm, but it’s wise to call ahead or check their website for blueberry availability.
The farm only accepts cash, so remember to bring some. Besides blueberries, visitors can also enjoy raspberry and flower picking during the summer months.
Turkey Hill Farm ensures a memorable outing with its scenic beauty and variety of picking opportunities.
2. Boston Hill Farm—Andover
Boston Hill Farm in Andover offers a delightful blueberry picking experience. Open daily from 9am – 7pm year-round, the farm features a well-organized u-pick area.
Visitors can enjoy more than just berry picking; the property includes a play area with picnic tables perfect for family outings.
Children love the petting farm, home to chickens, geese, bunnies, goats, sheep, and calves. After picking, stop by the ice cream stand for a treat, with numerous flavors of Richardson’s ice cream available.
To plan your visit, it’s best to call ahead or check the farm’s website for the latest picking schedule and ensure the best experience possible.
3. Tougas Family Farm—Northborough
Tougas Family Farm in Northborough is a top spot for blueberry picking. Alongside blueberries, they offer strawberries, apples, cherries, and more.
After picking, kids can visit the barnyard to see goats or have fun at the playground. The farm kitchen serves homemade baked goods, ice cream, and delicious strawberry donuts.
Visitors should call ahead or check the website for picking availability, hours, and pricing. This family-friendly farm guarantees a fun and fruitful day.
4. Ward’s Berry Farm—Sharon
Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon boasts eight varieties of blueberries, making it a top spot near Boston. They offer provided containers for easy picking. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides, visit barnyard animals, and grab a sandwich in the farm store.
The farm is open Monday through Friday, 9am – 6pm. Always check their website or call for specific picking hours and conditions.
This comprehensive farm experience makes Ward’s Berry Farm a delightful destination for families and blueberry lovers alike.
5. Parlee Farms—Tyngsboro
Parlee Farms offers a delightful blueberry picking experience along with numerous family-friendly activities.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 2:30pm and Sunday from 8am to 1pm, visitors should call ahead or check Today’s Farm News for blueberry availability.
Activities include Annie’s Animal Barn with over 60 farm animals, a Farm Stand with local produce and baked goods, and an Ice Cream Stand.
The farm also offers picking options for apples, cherries, peaches, and strawberries. Visitors are advised to bring cash and wear comfortable clothing for a pleasant visit.
Connors Farm, another excellent choice, features a beautiful landscape and convenient amenities.
Open daily from 9am to 6pm, visitors can also enjoy their famous corn maze and farm market. Remember to bring sunscreen and water for a comfortable outing.
6. Cider Hill Farm—Amesbury
Cider Hill Farm isn’t just about blueberry picking; it offers a full family experience. Alongside picking blueberries and raspberries, children can enjoy the Tyke Yard and sandbox.
Before leaving, grab one of their famous cider donuts from the farm stand. The Pitchfork, their on-site food truck, offers delicious bites, perfect for a farmside picnic.
The farm operates daily from May, 8am to 6pm. Visitors should check the farm’s website or call ahead for up-to-date picking schedules and event details.
If timing’s right, don’t miss the annual Blueberry & Flower Fest. This combination of farm activities and unique events ensures a memorable visit for all.
7. Smolak Farms—North Andover
Smolak Farms in North Andover is a delightful destination for blueberry picking and more. They offer U-pick blueberries and a variety of other fruits and vegetables, ensuring a fresh and wholesome experience.
Open from 7am to 6pm daily, the farm boasts a playground and farm animals, making it perfect for family visits.
Special events and festival weekends feature hay wagon rides, duck races, and wee wagons check the events calendar for details.
The farm stand has seasonal treats, local produce, homemade donuts, and an ice cream window. Always verify daily picking times and conditions on the website before heading out.
Facilities You Can Expect at Blueberry Picking Spots Near Boston
Blueberry picking spots near Boston not only offer fresh berries but also a variety of facilities designed to enhance the overall experience.
Whether you’re visiting for a simple berry-picking outing or looking for a full day of fun, the facilities at these farms cater to a wide range of needs.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
Parking Areas
Most blueberry picking spots provide ample parking space for visitors. Farms like Tougas Family Farm and Parlee Farms have designated parking lots that can accommodate a large number of cars, especially during peak blueberry season.
Restrooms and Handwashing Stations
Clean and accessible restrooms or portable toilets are commonly available at farms like Ward’s Berry Farm and Smolak Farms. Handwashing stations are also often provided near the fields to help you clean up after picking.
Farm Stores and Markets
Nearly all the top blueberry farms near Boston have on-site farm stores where you can buy fresh produce, homemade jams, baked goods, and even farm-fresh eggs.
Cider Hill Farm and Boston Hill Farm are known for their well-stocked markets, offering everything from cider donuts to fresh fruit and vegetables.
Picnic Areas
After a day of picking, you can relax and enjoy your surroundings at designated picnic areas, found at many of these farms.
Parlee Farms and Cider Hill Farm offer picnic tables where families can enjoy a packed lunch or purchase snacks from the farm’s store or café.
Playgrounds and Kid-Friendly Areas
Many blueberry picking spots, like Smolak Farms and Tougas Family Farm, offer playgrounds and other kid-friendly areas to keep children entertained. These farms often feature swings, slides, and other playground equipment, making them ideal for family visits.
Farm Animals and Petting Zoos
For families with children, farms such as Boston Hill Farm and Parlee Farms offer the chance to interact with farm animals. Petting zoos with goats, sheep, bunnies, and chickens are common attractions that add an extra layer of fun to the farm visit.
On-Site Food and Beverages
Many blueberry farms have food trucks, cafés, or ice cream stands for visitors to enjoy after picking. Cider Hill Farm has an on-site food truck, The Pitchfork, offering farm-fresh snacks, while Ward’s Berry Farm has a café that serves sandwiches, smoothies, and more. Parlee Farms is known for its ice cream stand with a variety of flavors.
Containers for Picking
Most farms provide containers for blueberry picking, ensuring you have the right tools for gathering your berries. Farms like Turkey Hill Farm and Ward’s Berry Farm supply boxes or baskets for easy collection, though some may allow or encourage visitors to bring their own.
Hayrides and Wagon Rides
Some farms, like Ward’s Berry Farm and Smolak Farms, offer hayrides or wagon rides around the property, adding a bit of rustic charm to the experience. This is a particularly fun activity for children and offers a scenic tour of the farm.
Special Events and Festivals
During blueberry season, certain farms host special events like harvest festivals. Cider Hill Farm often holds a Blueberry & Flower Fest, which includes live music, food, and additional family-friendly activities. These festivals create a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.
Accessibility
Many farms make efforts to be accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Paths leading to blueberry fields are often designed to be wide and smooth enough for strollers and wheelchairs. Always check with the farm ahead of time to confirm specific accessibility features.
Other U-Pick Options
Many blueberry farms also offer additional U-pick opportunities. Depending on the season, you might find other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or apples. Farms like Tougas Family Farm and Parlee Farms are well-known for their diverse U-pick selections throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is blueberry season in New England?
Blueberry season in New England typically runs from early July to late August. However, the exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions and the specific location within the region.
Do farms near Boston offer other activities besides blueberry picking?
Yes, many farms offer additional activities. For example, Boston Hill Farm has a petting farm and play area, and Parlee Farms features Annie’s Animal Barn and an ice cream stand. Several farms also offer other fruit picking, such as raspberries and apples.
What should I bring for a day of blueberry picking?
Bring cash for payment, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and water. While some farms provide containers, you may want to bring your own. Checking the farm’s website or calling ahead for specific guidelines is also advised.
Are the farms near Boston family-friendly?
Absolutely, many farms are designed with family activities in mind. For example, Cider Hill Farm has a Tyke Yard and sandbox, while Smolak Farms offers a playground and seasonal events like hay wagon rides and duck races.
Do I need to call ahead before visiting a blueberry farm?
Yes, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the farm’s website for current picking conditions, hours, and availability. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Can I pick other fruits during blueberry season?
Yes, many farms offer multiple picking options. For example, Turkey Hill Farm also has raspberries, and Parlee Farms offers apples, cherries, peaches, and strawberries during the summer months.
Conclusion
Turkey Hill Farm in Haverhill provides breathtaking views and a variety of picking opportunities. Boston Hill Farm in Andover features family-friendly activities and an ice cream stand.
Tougas Family Farm in Northborough offers a range of fruits and a playground for children. Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon boasts eight varieties of blueberries and additional activities like hayrides.
Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro combines blueberry picking with animal interactions and a farm stand. Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury has an on-site food truck and special events.
Smolak Farms in North Andover hosts festivals and offers a variety of U-pick produce. These farms near Boston ensure delightful and bountiful blueberry picking experiences.
Timothy Russell Dewart