Nothing tastes quite like summer like popping a fresh, juicy strawberry in your mouth! Whenever it’s hot outside, these sweet red berries are a go-to snack in my household; we enjoy them plain, in yogurt bowls and on top of chocolate ice cream!
This summer, ditch the grocery store and turn picking up a pint of strawberries into a fun day trip by visiting a u-pick berry farm. Kids will love picking their own strawberries, popping them in their basket and taking them home. Plus, many of these farms have other outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Get ready to have some strawberry picking fun with these berry picking tips and u-pick farms worth the drive.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out our summer fun family guide!
Best strawberry picking farms near Detroit
Pick your way around southeast Michigan and beyond with these kid-friendly spots for fresh berries and tons of family fun.
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
- Address: Backyard, 5600 Van Dyke, Almont; Big Apple, 71485 North Ave., Armada; Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; Lyon Township, 61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon
- Cost: A $20 minimum purchase is required.
Known best for its fall celebrations of all things apples, Blake’s Cider Mill, Backyard, Big Apple and Lyon Township locations are growing strawberries this summer. Pea pods, zucchini, summer squash, saskatoon or sweet cherries will be available later in the season. Stop by on Saturday, June 22, 2024 for the annual Strawberry Festival!
Middleton Berry Farm
- Address: 4790 Oakwood Road, Ortonville
- Admission: A minimum pick of $10 is required
- U-pick cost: $4.19/lb
Pick sweet, ripe berries in the strawberry patches at Middleton Berry Farm. There is a designated family patch for families with littles. Bring your own containers, or purchase a picking box for $2. Cash or check only.
Rowe’s Produce Farm
- Address: 10570 Martz Road, Ypsilanti
- Admission: A $10 minimum pick is required.
- U-pick cost: $3.24/lb
For more than 40 years, Rowe’s has offered fresh strawberries, snap peas and a farm market with cobbler mix, pectin for canning and cold drinks for hot summer days. Strawberry season is typically three-four weeks from June-July. Free picking trays are provided. Cash and card are accepted, although there is a $2 fee added to card purchases.
Slow Farm
- Address: 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor
- Admission:
- U-pick cost: $7.50/lb
It’s strawberry season at Slow Farm! Pak on the east side of Whitmore Lake Road, opposite the farmstand driveway, to access the strawberry fields. The certified organic farm offers a variety of organic berries and fresh-picked veggies all summer long.
Spicer Orchards
- Address: 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton
- Admission: The first two guests in each group are free. Additional guests are $5 each. Children 2 and under are free.
- U-pick cost: $4.50/the first 10 lbs. Each additional lb is $3.75.
Strawberry picking begins in early June at Spicer Orchards. Admission includes a wagon ride to the strawberry patch. Bring your own container, or purchase one for $2.
Verellen Orchards
- Address: 63260 Van Dyke Ave., Romeo
- U-pick cost: $7.25/quart
U-pick is a popular activity at Verellen Orchards, so call before you go to ensure there are plenty of berries for your kiddos. After you’ve picked your fruit, head to the store across the street for fresh produce, canned goods, yummy baked goods and other sundries.
Westview Orchards & Winery
- Address: 65075 Van Dyke Ave., Washington
- U-pick cost: Call for pricing
U-pick strawberries aren’t available just yet, but fresh strawberries are available for purchase in the market. When u-pick season begins, a wagon ride will take your family to the strawberry fields where you can pick your fresh berries using the farm’s containers (no need to bring your own). Pick and Play admission includes farm fun activities for kids.
Strawberry picking tips for parents before heading out
While strawberry picking can be a fun time for kids of all ages, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:
- Check if they’re open first. Strawberry season typically runs April-June. Always look for daily updates from the farm, either on their website and social media channels or by calling ahead to see what berry picking options look like for the day.
- Get there early. Arrive as soon as the farm opens to avoid crowds.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear hats and apply plenty of sunscreen if it’s sunny. Put on rain boots if you expect muddy conditions.
- Pack snacks and water. If it’s a long drive, plan ahead with food for the car ride or even a picnic basket with lunch.
- Teach your kids which berries are ripe. Local farms can help answer your berry picking questions, or try a quick Google search to see what a ripe berry looks like.
- Bring a stroller or wagon. Some berry picking farms require a lot of walking. A wagon is a simple way to keep your littles happy.
- Be patient. Depending on your child’s age, they can lose focus fast so try to remind yourself the experience is more about having fun than rushing to fill your baskets to the rim.
