The best strawberry picking in New York

Travel time: 1.5 hours by car

For over 100 years, the Morgenthau family has been operating the 270-acre Fishkill Farms. Part apple orchard, part vegetable farm and wholly irresistible, this outdoor destination offers a lot for visitors to love: seasonal events, birthday parties and of course, an extensive pick-your-own season. Strawberry season kicks off in June, followed by blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and other summer fruits. Expect peas, kale and herbs to also make an appearance mid-June. When autumn rolls around, head to Fishkill for your family apple and pumpkin picking soiree. If you're planning on enjoying PYO activities, you must visit the farm before 5pm. 

Travel time: 1.5 hours by car

Are you a sucker for strawberries? Lawrence Farms Orchards (open daily from 9am–4pm) has them at a a berry sweet price: just $5 per person. If you're thinking about whipping up a few strawberry pies this season, this sounds well worth it! The venue's PYO season begins in June with strawberries, peas, lettuce, spinach and other fruits and veggies. Hitting the farm in July? Make sure to grab sweet and sour cherries in addition to your strawberries! 

Travel time: 2 hours by car

From late May onward, Lewin Farms is open for business daily from 9am-4:30pm, so you better make sure you have a few empty baskets at the ready. Strawberries kickstart the pick-your-own season and pumpkins close out the festivities come autumn. As much as we can't resist the eastern Long Island venue, note that Fido and friends aren't permitted on the grounds. 

Travel time: 1.5 hours by car 

Looking for ways to spend a summer afternoon? Ochs Orchard (open daily from 9am–5:30pm) lets you and your family play the role of a farmer with a pick-your-own season starting in June that costs just $5/person (ages 4+). Strawberries are the first fruit that is up for grabs, followed by cherries (late June–early July), peaches (July–September) and other tasty berries and veggies. When the littles have had enough of PYO activities, switch gears and head to the small petting zoo where they can interact with goats and donkeys.

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car

Set in the gorgeous Hudson Valley, Greig Farm welcomes PYO enthusiasts beginning in late May to find the best batch of strawberries on the grounds daily from 8am-8pm. But the rustic destination boasts more than just fresh pickin's. Visitors can also visit Greig's grocery market, which is open daily from 9am–7pm. Those who are looking for a quick bite Thursday through Sunday will want to opt for the venue's Papa’s Best Batch smokehouse and "sammich" shop. There are even two spare bedrooms in the farmhouse and a charming schoolhouse that you can rent on Airbnb if the brood doesn't want to make the trip back home.

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car 

When June arrives, it's go time at Samascott Orchards (PYO is Wed-Mon, 8am-5pm). Kicking off the PYO festivities with strawberries and peas, the charming and rustic spot offers visitors a chance to roam its harvest in search of the juciest berries. There is a $5 minimum for per person (excluding kids 9 and under, $2.50 for 65+). Bring your own containers or purchase them onsite!  

Travel time: 2.5 hours by car 

Roughly 200 of the 300 acres of Wickham's is dedicated specifically to fruit, so you know you're in store for tasty and fresh picks. Employees will provide visitors with containers for collecting and all purchases are made before venturing on the grounds (PYO strawberries Mondays–Saturdays from 10am-3pm, PYO cherries Saturdays only). Pickers are asked to select only what they plan to purchase.