Do you know there’s tons of kid-friendly best blueberry farms in the U.S.? They are great places to pick your own berries to make your own jam and blueberry desserts like blueberry pie and cobbler. But also, blueberry farms teach children how blueberries grow and how to harvest blueberries! Best of all, there’s nothing like watching them eat right from the blueberry bush.

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Blueberry Fun Facts

July is National Blueberry Month.

Blueberries have quite a history in the United States. They have been part of life here for 13,000 years.

Native Americans were the first to recognize the versatility and health benefits of blueberries, using them for medicinal purposes, natural flavoring and dyeing fabric, hides, and paint.

Early American colonists boiled blueberries with milk to make gray paint.

The blueberry New Jersey’s official state fruit.

The wild blueberry, sometimes called the low-bush blueberry, is native to Maine. Hence, Maine’s official state fruit is the Wild Blueberry.

To learn about the economic impact blueberry production has in the U.S., check out World Atlas’ “Top 10 Blueberry Producing States In America”.

Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the top 10 super foods, rich in powerful antioxidants and minerals, delicious and edible in dozens of culinary forms.

Blueberries are overall, the most nutritional berry. They are much more nutrient-dense than blackberries and are contain a greater number of antioxidants as well as key vitamins and minerals.

Adding blueberries to your daily meal plan may help prevent heart disease, improve brain health, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Blueberries help to protect the body against memory and motor skills loss, as well as chronic and degenerative diseases!

Blueberries help reduce DNA damage, which helps protect against aging and cancer.

One-half cup of blueberries delivers as much antioxidant power as 5 servings of other fruits and vegetables.

What climate do blueberries grow best?

According to HGTV,

“Blueberries typically grow in humid, northern climates that have winter chills, mild summers and low-pH or acidic soils, conditions that limit their range. But many new varieties are available for lower chill areas, very warm areas and coastal areas. The blueberry now has an enormous range.”

When are blueberries ready for harvest in the United States?

Depending on location in the United States, blueberries are ready for harvest anywhere from April to late September. However, prime blueberry picking is between June and August in most parts of the United States.

Before trekking off to a blueberry farm, it would be wise to visit their website for hours of operation. But also, some may require a reservation or ticket purchase.

How do you pick blueberries?

The best time to pick berries is in the early morning hours before heat builds up in the fruit. They are at the peak of sweetness when it’s cooler anyways.

If you’re only looking for small quantities, you can either pick blueberries individually by plucking them one-by-one off the bush.

However, if you’re going to a blueberry farm to score large quantities to freeze, make jellies, jams and pies, you can speed up the picking process by using a blueberry rake which can collect up to 800 berries without dumping.

If blueberries show any hint of green, white or red or is firm, they aren’t ready for picking.

Ripe blueberries should be plump and deep blue with a gray haze on the berry. Don’t rush to pick the berries as soon as they turn blue though.

Wait a couple days to allow their natural sugars to set. When they are ready, they should fall off right into your hand.

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰  Blueberries will stain! So, wear old clothes you don’t care about when blueberry picking.

Do I need special clothes or equipment to go blueberry picking?

You’ll want to wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat to protect you from the sun.

Also, make certain you spray your clothing with Permethrin to keep ticks away. And a good spray of Maxi Deet on your skin to keep them ticks from latching on and mosquitos from biting. Trust me on this one!

We highly recommend wearing closed-toe sturdy shoes, as these are real farms with live blueberry roots and live soil that can be unstable. So, leave the flip-flops and sandals at home or in the car.

Wear clothes you don’t care about as blueberries do stain. Or, you may just want to wear a blueberry apron to protect your clothes.

As well, a pair of snug garden gloves will keep your hands and fingernails from getting blueberry stains.

Most blueberry farms will provide containers to collect your berries.

However, you may have to purchase the containers to take home. Otherwise, they just bag them after measuring. Or, you could bring your own blueberry basket.

Are children and pets welcome at blueberry farms in the U.S.

Unless their website states otherwise, children are definitely welcome. However, adults need to keep close track of them. It’s easy for children to become disoriented in a field of blueberry bushes that are taller than they are.

Also, leave your pets at home. This includes emotional support animals. Only trained and leashed Service Dogs are permitted on the farms.

How do you freeze blueberries?

In a large bowl of clean cool water, adding in about 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, gently slosh them around for a couple minutes.

Then rinse and strain them in a berry colander. Spread them out in a single layer on a clean dishtowel and gently pat them dry.

Then pack the blueberries in reusable freezer bags. But, remove as much air as possible without squishing them. That will help prevent freezer burn (as if they’ll last that long!).

Anytime you need them, just take out a handful at a time for blueberry smoothies, sprinkle on your yogurt or eat them frozen as a refreshing healthy snack on hot days.

Frozen blueberries can also be added to champagne or wine to add a little more flavor. 

Speaking of wine, see what Wine Enthusiast recommends for Blueberry Wines!

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰  Is space a premium in your RV or boat? Check out these Collapsible Kitchen Gadgets and Storage Containers for RVs

So, now that we know everything about blueberries, grab your buckets, Tilley hats and sunscreen. We’re going to show you 8 blueberry farms in the U.S. that you just gotta go visit!

Must Visit Family-Friendly Blueberry Farms in the U.S.

True Blue Farms

True Blue Farms lays claim to having the largest blueberry farm in the U.S. But also, the berry farm lays claim to the proud title of “Blueberry Capital of the World”.

The farm is located in the Michigan’s Fruit Belt just a few miles inland from the shores of Lake Michigan.  The climate is moderated by what is referred to as ‘lake effect’ – which keeps the area warmer when it‘s cold and cooler when it’s warm.

Blueberry farming has been a long time tradition in the same family; dating back four generations to the mid 1900’s. Starting with just 25 acres of blueberries to now being one of the largest growers in North America; producing millions of pounds of blueberries.

Libby & Son U-Picks Fruit & Farm

Located in Limerick, Maine, Libby & Son U-Picks Fruit & Farm was voted USA Today’s 2021 Top 10 Best Orchards in the Country!

And for good reason as Libby’ & Son has more than 40 acres of blueberries, apple, plumb and peach trees, as well as raspberries. Families are welcome to make a day of it picking your own blueberries.

Their blueberry picking season starts in early July and goes on into October. Prime blueberry picking is from mid July to mid August.

Make sure you follow their specific directions to get to their farm. Make sure you check their website FAQs for other details.

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰  If you enjoy blueberries and love festivals, then trek on up to Downeast Maine for the Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival in August every year! Crafts, musical entertainment, road race, pie-eating contest, food, kids’ activities, and more!

What is Wild Blueberry Land?

While you’re in Maine, don’t forget to visit the Blueberry Dome at Wild Blueberry Land in Columbia Falls. This unique roadside attraction stocks anything and everything ‘blueberry’!

It’s a great stop to enjoy freshly made blueberry scones, muffins, cookies, and ice cream. The Wild Blueberry Land is open from June to mid-October.

Mountainview Blueberry Farm

Mountainview Blueberry Farm is a large U-Pick Blueberry Farm located in the beautiful farming community of Snohomish in the Snohomish River Valley. 

Its’ 9 acres of luscious blueberries are nestled down low against a hillside, overlooking surrounding farms framed by the Cascade Mountain Range. On a clear day you can even see Mount Baker to the north. 

Just be aware, you’re going to walk 1/4 mile out to the furthest section of the field and back 1/4 mile while carrying a 25 pound bucket of blueberries.

If you don’t care to walk that far, you are always welcome to pick in the front block just past the entry tent.

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰  While you’re visiting your favorite blueberry farm, you may want to see if any of these  10 Enchanting Lavender Farms to Visit in the U.S. are in the area also!

Bella Organic

Bella Organic is a 100 acre Certified Organic Farm located on the beautiful Sauvie Island, in the City of Portland. They also farm an additional 100 acres in Clackamas County.

Bella Organic grows over 70 varieties of berries, fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, vineyard grapes, herbs, and nursery stock.

Come blueberry harvest time, you can expect to fill your baskets with blueberries as well as strawberries, marionberries and early variety blackberries.

Their farm store sells an array of organic eggs, cheeses, ciders and beers, vinegars, homemade pies, local art, books and their own Bella brand clothing line. And, they have their own Winery/Cider House and courtyard outdoor cafe. 

For the kids, Bella Organic puts on events; including an Easter egg hunt in the spring and haunted/corn maze in the Fall.

And a huge plus for you eco-conscious visitors, Bella Organic is 100% run on solar energy, making it an ultra-green stop!

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰ For more blueberry farms in Oregon, check out Oregon Blueberries.

Demeo Farms

DiMeo Farms boasts that they have the most beautiful pick your own organic blueberry farm in New Jersey. They claim to have the best blueberry picking (32 varieties!) in New Jersey at their historic 106 year-old family blueberry farm. 

Visitors of all ages can pick organic, non-GMO, Heirloom blueberries. Enjoy special “blueberry picking music” with kayaking and nature trails along the Hammonton Creek and fully shaded picnic grove area for you to enjoy a relaxing picnic in the forest.

Visitors do have to schedule a blueberry picking appointment though. Demeo Farms is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. But, they are a cash only farm.

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰  Check out NJMom’s comprehensive guide of other Blueberry Picking Farms in New Jersey.

Halfway Acres

Halfway Acres is the only USDA Certified Organic U-Pick Blueberry Farm located in the center of Orange County, NY. Just 60 miles North of New York City, this small non-commercial blueberry farm is a small, family-friendly farm in a beautiful rural setting.

Since the berries are left in their natural state, the season only lasts until the middle or end of July. It’s rare that they have berries into August.

Being an organic farm, visitors do have to contend with the elements. Terrain can be a bit grassy or rough in spots. Be aware, there’s poison ivy in some areas, so long sleeve shirts and pants, socks and shoes are advised.

Clorley Farms

Clorley Farms, formerly Conn’s Blueberry Farms, is located actually located in grape country in North East, Pennsylvania.

This Erie lakeshore blueberry farm has nearly 1,500 Highbush Blueberry bushes that are open for U-pick business ​from mid July and August every year. They also have chicken and duck eggs for sale.

Their farm has other residents that help give the farm purpose; a dog, 4 cats, a bunch of chickens, ducks, a turkey, pigs, and some goats that hang around.

✰ OUTSIDER TIP ✰ Toss a handful of frozen blueberries in a fruit infuser water bottle to make your own antioxidant drink. (Squish them a little first to release their magic powers into your drinking water!)

Jeter Mountain Farm Orchard

Jeter Mountain Farm is settled on 411 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been an active farm in Henderson County since 1813.

Once you arrive at their farm, you’ll hop on board for a wagon ride out to the u-pick blueberry orchards. Starting in late July, you can pick blueberries until you’re blue in the face. Check their harvest calendar for other fruit pickings.

In the Jeter Mountain farm store, they stock butters, jars of pickles, garden salsas, soaps and their favorite baking mixes are just a few of the products.

When you’re finished berry picking and shopping, it’s time to visit their Cider Barn and their 1813 Smokehouse.

And for the little ones, their 6,000 square foot covered children’s play area will give your kids free range to burn off energy before their ride home.

On the weekends, enjoy the southern sounds of live Bluegrass music while sipping hard cider and munching down some BBQ. All while eyeing the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Check out these Blueberry Cookbooks!

Final thoughts on these must visit family-friendly blueberry farms in the U.S.

Like any farm, blueberry farms in the U.S. are a great way to get the kids outside and teach them the importance of where our food comes from.

But also, picking your own blueberries helps relieve stress and gives you opportunity to stock up on blueberries for cooking and eating.

Just exhibit a bit of courtesy; while most blueberry farms allow sampling, please refrain from grazing or making a meal of the blueberries. Remember, farming is their livelihood.

We hope these blueberry orchards inspire you to find one in your own location. Or, if you time it just right, during your travels, you can have a good ole blueberry pickin’ time!

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