As the warm rays of the sun grace the fields, it’s time to embark on a delightful journey to the strawberry fields of New York. Strawberry picking is not only a fun and rewarding activity but also a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. In this article, we’ll introduce you to New York strawberry picking, highlight the bountiful orchards, and the unforgettable memories you can make with your young ones.
The strawberry picking season in New York typically begins in late May to early June and continues through June to July. During this time, strawberry fields burst with vibrant red berries, beckoning eager pickers to indulge in the ultimate summer treat. The exact timing may vary each year, so it’s best to check with local orchards for the latest updates on when the strawberries are at their peak ripeness.
New York is home to numerous picturesque orchards and farms that offer strawberry picking experiences. From the charming Hudson Valley to the rolling hills of Long Island and beyond, you’ll find a variety of destinations where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while harvesting these ruby-red gems. Here are our picks:
1. Ochs Orchard (Warwick, NY)
Location: 4 Ochs Ln, Warwick, NY 10990 (1h 30 minutes drive from NYC)
Ochs Orchard provides a scenic setting for strawberry picking with beautiful views of the Warwick Valley. Enjoy the picturesque landscape as you pick ripe strawberries and savor the farm-fresh flavors.
2. Alstede Farms (Chester, NJ)
Location: 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930 (1h drive from NYC)
Although not in New York, Alstede Farms in nearby Chester, New Jersey, offers a fantastic strawberry picking experience. With abundant fields and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a perfect destination for strawberry enthusiasts. With its sprawling fields, scenic beauty, and a wide variety of farm-fresh products, Alstede Farms has become a beloved destination for families, food enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
3. Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY)
Location: 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 12570 (1h 30 minutes drive from NYC)
Barton Orchards is a family-friendly farm where you can experience the joy of strawberry picking. Explore their fields and fill your baskets with delicious strawberries to take home.
4. Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY)
Location: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 (1h 30 minutes drive from NYC)
Fishkill Farms offers organic farming practices and a sustainable approach. Join them during strawberry season for a delightful picking experience while supporting their commitment to eco-friendly agriculture.
Besides strawberries, Fishkill Farms also offers a diverse range of farm-fresh produce, such as apples, stone fruits, berries, and vegetables. What’s more, Fishkill Farms also offers aromatic herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, mint, and more, allowing you to add a burst of flavor to your dishes straight from the farm.
5. Outhouse Orchards, North Salem
Location: 139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY 10560
For a charming apple picking adventure in North Salem, New York, Outhouse Orchards is the place to be. This family-run orchard offers a relaxed and picturesque setting for apple picking enthusiasts. Enjoy strolling through the orchard’s rows of apple trees, savoring the flavors of the season, and relishing the simplicity of the countryside.
Strawberry picking is an activity that appeals to all ages. Let your kid(s) enjoy their search for the ripest and juiciest strawberries and parents and adults can find solace in the simplicity of the task. It’s an opportunity to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and experience the pleasure of hands-on farming.
1. Kids Just Love Strawberries
Who doesn’t love strawberries? Strawberry picking engages all the senses, offering a rich sensory experience for children. They can feel the texture of the strawberry plants and berries, smell the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries, hear the sounds of nature around them, and taste the delicious fruit right from the source. This multi-sensory engagement enhances their sensory development and overall cognitive growth.
2. Hands-on Learning
Strawberry picking provides a hands-on learning experience for children. They have the opportunity to engage with the natural world, witness the growth process of strawberries, and understand where their food comes from. It promotes a deeper connection to the earth and fosters an appreciation for agriculture and the environment.
3. Family Bonding
Strawberry picking is a wonderful activity for families to enjoy together. It creates special moments of bonding and shared experiences, fostering family connections and creating lasting memories. Children can learn from their parents or older siblings, share in the excitement of finding ripe strawberries, and work collaboratively to collect a bountiful harvest. It’s a time for laughter, storytelling, and enjoying quality time as a family.
4. Healthy Eating Habits
Strawberry picking introduces children to fresh, seasonal produce and promotes healthy eating habits. They learn to appreciate the taste of ripe, organic strawberries and understand the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. This hands-on experience may encourage them to be more open to trying new fruits and vegetables, fostering a lifelong love for nutritious foods.
5. Make Some Memories With Your Loved Ones
Strawberry picking is not just about the fruit; it’s about the memories created along the way. It’s about the laughter of children as they compare their finds, the friendly conversations with fellow pickers, and the shared excitement of discovering a hidden patch of ripe berries. It’s about embracing the beauty of nature, connecting with the land, and experiencing the joy of a timeless tradition.
- Dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear for walking in the fields.
- Check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly.
- Bring containers to store your picked strawberries, as well as sun protection like hats and sunscreen.
- Follow the instructions of the orchard staff regarding where and how to pick the strawberries.
Monday - Friday
9:00am-5:00pm EST/EDT