Where to Go :: A Guide to Berry Picking and Local Farms

Updated 2022 by Katie Lewis.

It’s May in North Texas, which marks the start of berry and peach season in the DFW area. Visiting a local pick-your-own farm is a great way to enjoy some fresh air, teach your kids about where our food comes from, and give them a little slice of agricultural life. While I’ll be the first to admit that berry picking with your offspring isn’t always as idyllic as it sounds—one year, my daughter insisted on only picking green blueberries—it’s the memories that count, right? Making blueberry muffins with berries I pulled off the bushes myself always fills me with deep sense of Little House on the Prairie-esque satisfaction.

The best part is that you really don’t have to go far to find a local farm that gives you this opportunity. So, grab the kids, pack a picnic lunch, and head to one of the following:

Storm Farms in Arlington {Strawberries}

Strawberry season in North Texas is a short one, lasting only a few weeks, but check the Storm Farms Facebook page for updates on their pick-your-own, pesticide-free strawberries. I’m here to tell you that homemade strawberry freezer jam is easy to make and beyond delicious. Storm Farms also has fresh strawberry preserves for purchase.
2022 Update: Unfortunately, there is no produce this year. They are in the process of moving, but we will update with new info as soon as we have it!

Pure Land Farm in McKinney {Berries and Vegetables}

Pure Land Farm has blackberry picking from late May through June. Additionally, they will soon be offering seasonal pick-your-own organic produce such as carrots, lettuce, kale, tomatoes, and herbs. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information and dates. Advanced reservations are required at this time. Check website to see what’s ready for picking.

Blase Family Farm in Rockwall {Blueberries}

This cute little farm has blueberry picking from the end of May through the beginning of July. Follow them on Facebook to know when the berries are at peak ripeness and available for picking. Make sure you go back in October for their pumpkin patch, hayrides, and petting zoo. It’s the perfect local spot for those adorable fall photos of your kiddos.

Blueberry Hill Farms in Edom {Blueberries and Blackberries}

DM Contributor Carla wrote all about this quick day-trip destination not too long ago. Just a little over 70 miles outside of Dallas, this family-owned farm also has a country store that sells local honey and fresh preserves. You can pick blueberries and blackberries right off the bush and plop them into some of your favorite desserts at home! They’re anticipating ripe berries about the second week of June 2022. Check their website for updates!

Ham Orchards in Terrell {Peaches & Blackberries}

Ham Orchards is a great place for a fun day trip, complete with yummy BBQ and fresh peach ice cream. While the peaches at Ham Orchards are already picked and waiting for you to take home to make into pies, cobblers, and jams, you can pick blackberries from around the end of May through June. Shop their onsite Farm Market store for a variety of canned goods and fresh produce.

As interest in local organic produce, meat, and dairy grows, Dallas-areas farms are stepping up to the demand. While these two don’t allow you to pick produce, they do sell everything from seasonal veg to raw milk and are definitely worth checking out:

N&P Farm & Dairy in Farmersville

A family-run micro-dairy offering grass-freed beef, pork, and chicken, heirloom quality vegetables, cow and goat milk (raw) and all sorts of extras, subject to availability. Farm days are Wednesday from 10am–5pm and Saturday from 10am–2pm. Cash or check only! While they cannot do official tours, check out the farm overview here and be on the lookout when you visit!

Lucky Layla Farms in Plano

Lucky Layla Farms is the storefront for Lavon Farms in Garland, home to some lovely Guernsey and Jersey milk cows. At Lucky Layla, you can buy raw milk and cheese, fresh butter, and drinkable yogurt. Tours of Lavon Farms are welcome and encouraged!

Whether it’s a quick run to buy fresh milk or a day-long excursion for peaches and blackberries, a visit to one of these is sure to be a great summer adventure for the whole family.

Do you have a favorite local farm for fresh produce? Share in the comments below!