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Best Strawberry Picking in Boston and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Find the right spot to go strawberry picking in Boston this summer! Photo courtesy of Verrill Farm
Find the right spot to go strawberry picking in Boston this summer! Photo courtesy of Verrill Farm
5/19/23 - By Kelley Heyworth

Stawberry picking is a classic family activity. One of the best pick-your-own crops for little hands, strawberries are abundant around Boston. It's a summer rite of passage for families to visit a farm or berry patch and go strawberry picking. And it's so much fun to come home with baskets bursting with berries to put into pies, desserts, or to just enjoy as a snack. We've rounded up some of the best spots to go strawberry picking near Boston, so get ready to get picking!

Be sure to call ahead to the farms to make sure that they have u-pick strawberries available, as some are still working to get up and running, and availability can change daily. Later in the summer, revisit our Massachusetts Farm and Pick-Your-Own Guide for more places to pick fresh produce, get a scoop of farm-fresh ice cream, and more. See where to catch Free Outdoor Movies in Boston this Summer for Kids. Our Boston Summer Fun Guide has even more ideas for keeping families busy during the summer.

Make sure to check each farm's site before heading out to see if there are requirements for reservations or changes in hours of operation.. 

This post was originally published in June 2020; updated June 2022 and May 2023.

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Keep your eyes peeled for those perfectly pickable strawberries! Photo courtesy of Smolak Farms
Keep your eyes peeled for those perfectly pickable strawberries! Photo courtesy of Smolak Farms

Places for Strawberry Picking North of Boston

Smolak Farms

North Andover
U-pick strawberries are available from 8am to 5pm daily at patches in North Andover and Boxford. Cost is TBD per quart, supplied by the farm, along with an entrance fee. READ MORE

Parlee Farms

Tyngsboro
Strawberries are expected to become available for picking in mid-June when the farm officially opens. Check with the farm for updated hours and policies. Pricing still TBD. The farm also has late summer strawberries to purchase at the farmstand in August, no u-pick.  READ MORE

Cider Hill Farm

Amesbury
Starting in mid-June, PYO strawberries are available in the farm's six patches. Pricing still TBD. READ MORE

Russell Orchards

Ipswich
From 9am to 6pm, Tuesdays through Sundays, Russell's strawberry patches are open for $5 entry, which is refunded when berries are purchased ($5 per quart). READ MORE

Marini Farm

Ipswich
The fields should be opening for PYO strawberries in mid-June—selling individual quarts. READ MORE
Make the whole family happy by bringing home a basket (or two) of fresh strawberries. Photo courtesy of Verrill Farm
Make the whole family happy by bringing home a basket (or two) of fresh strawberries. Photo courtesy of Verrill Farm

Places to Pick Strawberries with Kids West of Boston

Tougas Family Farm

Northboro
Strawberry picking opens in June. Groups are assigned picking spots. Consult the farm's website for details and updated conditions. READ MORE

Sunshine Farm

Sherborn
U-pick strawberry fields will open when the strawberries are ripe—usually in mid-June. Walk-ins are welcome, and containers are provided. READ MORE

Verrill Farm

Concord
Strawberry picking season opens in mid-June at this farm. Pickers over the age of 5 are required to purchase a field pass (this year's price TBD), which gives them a single quart container. READ MORE

Ward's Berry Farm

Sharon
Strawberries are ripe for picking sometime in mid-June. U-pick at this farm is strictly first-come-first-serve, so plan on visiting earlier in the season for the best pickings. READ MORE

Boston Strawberry Festivals

Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Amesbury
It's all things strawberries! Take in free live music, hard cider, family-friendly activities, hayrides, homemade strawberries treats and pick-your-own strawberries. Admission to the festival is free. READ MORE

Strawberry Festival: Verrill Farm

Amesbury
Enjoy pick-your-own strawberries in fields near the farm stand (weather & crop conditions permitting). Strawberry shortcake prepared in the farm stand kitchen comes with admission. Fun activities includeive music, food, hayrides, and more  READ MORE

Topsfield Strawberry Festival

Topsfield
The second Saturday in June marks the beginning of summer with the Topsfield Historical Society’s Annual Strawberry Festival where bowls and bowls of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and piles of shortcakes are prepared and served by volunteer members. READ MORE

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