The ultimate guide to choosing your own farms

Why are more and more families choosing this popular seasonal activity and when is the best time to go?

When you think of farms, you probably always thought of the song Old McDonald; with red barns, dairy cows and chickens laying eggs. But they are much more than that! Over the past decade, farm visits have become a very popular outdoor family excursion for a variety of reasons. Not only do farm trips teach us about farming and where our food comes from, but they also get our families out of their devices and out of the house and into a different landscape. Plus, farms offer fun and interactive experiences, like picking your own produce. As an added bonus, they provide the perfect backdrop for a family photo.

Below we’ve listed some great reasons to choose this popular seasonal activity with your family, along with tips and helpful information you need to prepare for your next visit to the farm!

Please note: Sometimes Mother Nature has different plans than we do. Be sure to confirm farm opening hours, prices and availability before heading out.

Why choose your own farms?

Sensational landscape

The scenery on these farms and fields is breathtaking and provides great photo opportunities for all the family, which are Instagram and Christmas card worthy all year round. So make sure your phone is fully charged and in the right mode for all the beautiful photos you’ll be taking. Take a photo and capture those memories!

Health benefits

There’s nothing like smelling fresh lavender, biting into a crunchy strawberry or picking the perfect apple from a tree. Picking your own produce has both mental and physical health benefits. Going outside has been proven to increase your vitamin D levels and reduce feelings of stress. A visit to these fields and farms gives you and your family the opportunity to stimulate all five senses. In addition, having fresh produce at home promotes a healthy diet. It can make even your picky eater try something new!

Whether you buy products or not, the environment lends itself to a new kind of outdoor experience, so breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the surroundings! Most farms offer rich knowledge about agriculture because it is both interesting and useful to know where your food comes from.

Environmental benefits of choose your own farms

Visiting farms is a great way to support small businesses and local farmers, which in turn helps boost the local economy. This support promotes sustainability and ecological conservation. Support the environment further by carpooling to farms with friends to reduce fossil fuels!

Taste the difference

Let’s face it: Ultimately, one of the best benefits of picking your own produce is stocking your fridge and pantry with all the delicious fresh fruits and veggies! Once you have all the products at home, the possibilities are endless. You can make your own jams, jellies, pies and more. View recipes to make later picking pumpkin And picking apples.

Not the recipe-cooking type? No problem! Most of these farms have a market where you can buy seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables grown on site. They have high quality homemade ciders, coffee, tea, maple syrup, honey, jam, yogurt, cheese, etc. The options are endless! Find a farm with a bakery and win the jackpot! If you’ve never had a warm, fresh apple cider donut, you have no idea what you’re missing! Stock up on your favorite pies to share with your family, a very popular option when it comes to the holidays. No one can resist a fresh farm cake!

Ultimate guide to picking your own fruit, flowers and more!

Strawberries

Nothing beats a fresh, sweet and slightly spicy strawberry. Kids love strawberries in their natural form, but the possibilities for family-friendly recipes are endless. Some favorites include strawberry jam, yogurt and pancakes. Parents looking for a real treat?

Homemade strawberry daiquiris make the perfect summer cocktail. Cheers!

When to go? The strawberry season is usually late May and early June.

How many? Prices range from $5.50 to $8.00 per pound.

Picking tips: When picking the perfect strawberries, look for vibrant red and fully formed strawberries. Strawberries don’t ripen after picking, so you want to grab the ripest ones right away. When you pick your strawberries, grasp the stem above the strawberry, twist and pull. Be careful when storing strawberries in containers not to overfill the container, which can cause the strawberries to become bruised or mushy. When you get home, don’t wash the strawberries until you are ready to use them; washing immediately increases the chance of spoilage faster.

Strawberry picking spots in NYC

Strawberry picking spots on Long Island

Strawberry picking spots on Staten Island

Places to pick berries in New York and New Jersey

Peaches

A bit of a peachy attitude goes well with this sweet summer fruit. Peaches have a bright and sweet taste with notes of sourness. They are called a superfood and contain excellent sources of vitamins A and C. They are versatile; keep it simple with sliced ​​peaches and creams or make a decadent peach cobbler.

When to go? The peach picking season generally runs from late July through September.

How many? Peaches cost about $3.00 per pound.

Picking tips: When it comes to picking the perfect peach, there are many things to consider. First you’ll want to examine the skin of the peaches. If there is green on the skin, the peach is not ready to be picked. Also use your sense of smell! Ripe and ready peaches give off a sweet aroma, if there is no aroma the peach needs more time to ripen. Finally, make sure the fruit is not too firm and is easy to remove from the tree. When you bring peaches home, store them in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process. For long-term storage, you can freeze them in an airtight plastic bag.

Picking peaches near NYC

Sunflowers

Did you know that you can pick sunflowers yourself? Sunflowers are often associated with summer. They add a pop of color to any space, whether it’s your backyard, kitchen or living room. Sunflowers can be displayed, used for crafts, composting and more. Sunflower fields open the door for some seriously Instagram-worthy photos. There are usually an abundance of fun activities for families, such as mazes and bouquet making.

When to go?: The picking season for sunflowers usually falls in mid-summer.

How many? Sunflowers cost about $2.00 per flower.

Picking tips: Some sunflower farms or fields allow you to pick your own sunflowers, while others sell them. You are usually allowed to enter the fields for photos, but check the farm’s policies first.

Sunflower fields near NYC

Sunflower mazes near Staten Island

Apples

Nothing says fall like a beautiful, crisp apple picked straight from a tree. Apples are one of the most diverse fruits and are used in so many different delicious ways. Cider, pie, tarts, juice and more are all great options – not to mention biting them the old fashioned way. There are numerous apple varieties, so choose a farm that grows your favorite variety. Or try them all!

When to go?: The apple season normally starts in late August and lasts until about mid to late October.

How many?: Apple prices vary by variety and are typically sold by the pound.

Picking tips: There are many things to consider when choosing your choice of apple. You want to be sure that the apples you pick are free of blemishes or bruises. Apples should feel firm and not mushy. Another useful tip is to look for apples with intact stems, as the stem keeps the apple fresh longer. When picking the apple, make sure that the stem remains intact.

Apple picking near New York

Apple picking on Long Island

Apple picking near Staten Island

Pumpkins

Pumpkin picking is a fall staple and perhaps the most popular fall outdoor activity for families. Carving pumpkins is a cherished tradition for many families after everyone has selected their perfect pumpkin. Kids love picking their own pumpkin, turning it into a unique jackola lantern and proudly displaying it outside on Halloween. Grab a few extra pumpkins to make delicious recipes like pumpkin pie, bread, muffins and more. Pumpkins are very healthy food containing calcium, potassium and magnesium. Don’t forget to roast the seeds!

When to go? Pumpkin picking season typically begins in September and ends on Halloween.

How many? Prices for pumpkins vary widely depending on size, but average around $5.50 each.

Picking tips: Color is everything when it comes to the perfect pumpkin. You want to choose a pumpkin that has a beautiful orange color, without any spots or bruises. When looking for a pumpkin to carve, look for one that has plenty of room for your design and a smooth exterior. When you bring your pumpkin home, you will definitely want to clean it. Pumpkins can be susceptible to bacteria, which can lead to spoilage.

Checking out:

Picking pumpkins in New York

Picking pumpkins on Long Island

Picking pumpkins on Staten Island

Christmas trees

Did you know that you can choose your own Christmas tree? Christmas tree farms allow you to observe these beautiful trees in their natural habitat and take them home to decorate. Picking your own tree creates a special memory of the holidays within the family. Not to mention, having a real Christmas tree will make you happy as soon as you open your front door, thanks to their unmistakable aroma. Most Christmas tree farms also sell wreaths, garlands and more. And as an extra treat for the kids… many tree nurseries offer a visit and photo opportunity with Santa Claus! So grab a hot chocolate or cider and enjoy this Christmas tradition to get your family into the Christmas spirit!

When to go? Christmas tree farms are usually open from late November through December

How many? The average price of a Christmas tree is about $85.

Picking tips: Bundle up! It will most likely be very cold and you want your family to be as comfortable as possible. Always feel free to ask the farm workers questions to find your perfect tree. Your tree should be a healthy green color and the size you desire. Christmas trees can be quite large, so measure in advance and make sure you have enough room in your car to transport it home. Additionally, look for branches with room for all your decorations and ornaments; thin branches will result in falling ‘needles’. When you are at home, you will need fresh water to keep your tree well hydrated. The amount of water you need depends on the size of your tree and trunk.

Cut your own Christmas tree farms NY