Blueberry picking is a perfect summer activity for the whole family: the bushes are low, the berries pop off the plants easily, and your family can literally pick hundreds without breaking the bank—or your back hauling them home. Lucky for us, blueberries are the official state fruit of New Jersey, and they are plentiful throughout the Garden State.

We’ve assembled a list of some of the best pick-your-own farms NJ has to offer for family fun, so read on for our recommendations on where to find this sweet summer treat and find more fun things to do in the Garden State this season in our Summer Fun Guide.

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Where to Pick Blueberries in New Jersey

DiMeo U-Pick Blueberry Farms – Hammonton

If chemical-free farming appeals to your family, DiMeo is the place to go. This old-fashioned farm offers naturally grown, heirloom blueberries, and picking is by appointment only. You can even take home a fruit-bearing blueberry bush to plant, too!

Emery's Berry Patch – New Egypt

With 20 acres dedicated to blueberries, this farm is serious about blueberries! Pick your own, visit the farm store, and meet the barn animals all in one trip. Be sure to call if you want to pick because sometimes it closes its fields to allow the fruit to ripen.

Blueberry picking is just the beginning of the fun at Alstede Farms. Photo by the author.

Alstede Farms – Chester

Alstede Farms is a pick-your-own favorite for many NJ families for the diversity it offers. In addition to pick-your-own berries (and tons of other items throughout the growing season), the farm sells tickets and wristbands for pony rides, a moon bounce, corn box, hay pyramid, and more. Hayrides and admission to the mazes are included in the pick-your-own fee, and everyone can enjoy the farm animals and farm store. Alstede gets very busy on the weekends during peak hours, so plan accordingly. You must purchase a pick-your-own ticket in advance via its website. The best way to guarantee your entry is to purchase a ticket with a check-in time.

Haines Berry Farm – Pemberton

Home of the Whitesbog Fest, this farm offers a wagon ride to the pick-your-own blueberry fields as well as a roadside market with lots of goodies. To cut down on crowding and lines, it asks that customers who want to purchase pre-picked berries or other items order and pay online first. Also, you must schedule your U-pick time two days in advance.

Phillips Farms – Milford

While apples may be the specialty here, bushels of pick-your-own berries abound as well. The roadside market features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, tomato products, and hanging baskets. Note that the pick-your-own area is closed on Tuesdays, and you should call its message line in advance for up-to-date picking information.

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Pick blueberries to your heart's content at Happy Day Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Happy Day Farm – Manalapan

This farm has crops of blueberries and raspberries that will delight children of all ages. There are tons of farm activities (some for an additional cost), including a two-acre acre sunflower maze, hayride, Hi-Striker, a lavender garden, giant checkerboard, wooden train, playground, pedal carts, tire mountain, horse lasso, sand crane, and more. Since picking conditions depend on the weather, check availability on the website or social media feeds before heading out. Take note: This farm is cash-only.

Johnson's Corner Farm – Medford

There's a lot to do at this farm, which hosts some creative farm activities. In addition to blueberry picking and the farm store, you can try gem mining, hayrides, and kids activities, like pedal go-karts, splash pads, farm animals, playing in the sandbox, and more. Tickets for pick your own must be purchased in advance through the website. Evening picking sessions are held on Wednesdays and Fridays, too.

Snyder's Farms – Somerset

This lovely 80-acre farm has a nice pick-your-own blueberry and strawberry area that's perfect for kids. U-pick is open only on the weekends. Return later in the season for all the fun at its Fall Festival.

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Pick your fill at Lindsay's Farm in Hammonton. Photo courtesy of the farm

Lindsay's Farm – Hammonton

This farm follows organic farming methods and has a small but growing blueberry crop. Follow its Facebook page for constant updates on its crop. Lindsay's Farm is cash-only.

Terhune Orchards – Princeton

Terhune has two acres devoted to blueberry bushes ripe for picking. Check out the farm store and barn animals during your trip, and on Tuesday, July 13, and Wednesday, July 14, enjoy a blueberry-themed Read & Pick program for a small fee. All customers ages 3+ are required to wear masks while on the farm. Be sure to check out its annual festivals.

This article was originally published June 2011 and is updated annually.