The best blueberry picking farms in New Jersey offer the 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. Luckily 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 New Jersey has to offer, so read on for our recommendations on where to find this sweet summer treat. Find tons of other great things to do in the Garden State this season in our Summer Fun Guide.
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Best Blueberry Picking Farms 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.
Emery’s Berry Patch – New Egypt
With 20 acres dedicated to blueberries, this farm is serious about their fruit. 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 the fields are closed to give the berries time 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 has pony rides, a bounce house, a wagon ride, and more, along with 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—there’s a separate ticket for some of the activities—via the website. The best way to guarantee your entry is to purchase a ticket with a check-in time, and though you can walk-in, entrance isn’t guaranteed and there’s a $5 additional charge.
Haines Berry Farm – Pemberton
Kids will love the wagon ride to this farm’s blueberry fields—and you’ll love checking out the roadside market with lots of goodies. If you just want to shop and not pick, the farm asks that customers purchase pre-picked berries or other items online and then pick them up at the farm. Also, you must schedule your picking time 2 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—and admission is just $4 per person. Older kids cn also try their hand at paintball, which is open on the weekends. Kids of all ages will like the shaved ice and lemonade available. 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—including a splash pad in the summer. 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. Note that they don’t take credit cards.
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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 2 acres devoted to blueberry bushes ripe for picking. Check out the farm store and barn animals during your trip, and on Tuesday, July 12 enjoy a blueberry-themed Read & Pick program for a small fee. Be sure to check out its annual festivals.
This article was originally published June 2011 and is updated annually.
