Strawberry picking is one of summer’s great joys, but the Connecticut strawberry season is short, usually lasting only from early or mid-June to early July, so don’t miss out! Visit one of these awesome Connecticut strawberry picking farms, and watch the excitement on kids’ faces as they hunt for the biggest, reddest berries on the farm. Just be sure to call ahead to make sure fields are open and full of berries. Read on for our guide to the best farms and orchards for strawberry picking with kids.
Be sure to also visit our Connecticut Farms and Berry Picking Guide, where you can find all of the state’s best spots for pick-your-own produce, farm-fresh ice cream, and more.
Hartford-Area Strawberry Picking Farms
1. Dondero Orchards — South Glastonbury
Celebrating more than 100 years of history, this farm offers pick-your-own strawberries daily in June, and blueberries and raspberries in July. Fill up a basket and pay by the pound. While there, don’t forget to check out the bakery and pick up a strawberry-rhubarb pie.
2. Rose’s Berry Farm — South Glastonbury
Luscious strawberries are ready to be picked along with a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables in this scenic location. It has strawberries in June and 40 acres of blueberry plants in July. Opened in 1908, Rose’s offers a hearty old-fashioned farmers’ breakfast every Sunday starting at the end of June. Relax on the deck and overlook the beautiful fields while enjoying a tasty home-cooked meal. Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic on the beautiful grounds.
3. Starvish Farm — Enfield
The 2022 strawberries are ready to be picked at the beginning of June. Open daily 8am-5pm, weather permitting.
Get the family out for luscious local strawberry picking. Photo courtesy of Scantic Valley Farm
4. Scantic Valley Farm — Somers
A great place to pick strawberries with an amazing view. The farm typically opens in mid-June.
Fairfield-Area Strawberry Picking
5. Jones Family Farms — Shelton
As the only farm in Fairfield County with pick-your-own strawberries, Jones tends to get packed on summer days, but that shouldn’t deter families from going. It’s such a fun experience! Strawberry picking begins in early June, and reservations are required. Picking in the pre-season is at the Pumpkinseed Hill location. A reservation is good for up to 8 people, and prices for the strawberries are per basket.
Litchfield-Area Strawberry Picking
6. Deeply Rooted Farms — Harwinton
This family-run farm begins u-pick berries in mid-June and into early fall. Pints of pre-picked strawberries are currently available.
The search continues for the perfect strawberry at Lyman Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Strawberry Picking at Eastern Connecticut Farms
7. Scott’s Yankee Farmer — East Lyme
Founded in the 1960s, this 125-acre farm produces delicious strawberries. If the visit is timed right, families may even be able to pick some summer raspberries. Strawberry picking starts in early June. Please check for reservation information and take note of the new picking field at 444 Boston Post Road.
8. Buell’s Orchard — Eastford
The deliciousness of their fruit may only be surpassed by the kindness of Buell’s orchard farmers. This farm is so much more than family-friendly – it is a local tradition that families shouldn’t miss.
Strawberry picking is one of summer’s sweetest treats. Photo courtesy of Bishop’s Orchards
Strawberry Picking at Southern Connecticut Farms
9. Bishop’s Orchards — Guilford
It’s hard to miss the signs for Bishop’s up and down I-95, but that doesn’t make a trip to this Connecticut institution any less charming. Admission to the berry patch is free. Just pay by the pound for what’s picked.
10. Lyman Orchards — Middlefield
This is a one-stop destination for family fun. For over a century, the Lyman family has been harvesting this land—and it shows. Make sure to check out the calendar to keep up with the crop and events. This farm has a beautiful location with lots of camera-worthy spots. Strawberry picking season starts in early June. Call the hotline for updated picking information.
This article was first published in 2016.