🍑 August Pick-Your-Own Guide: Farm-Fresh Fun on the North Shore MA!
Blueberries, Peaches, Sunflowers & Sweet Summer Memories Await!
There’s no better way to savor summer on the North Shore than with a juicy, sun-ripened fruit plucked straight from the branch! August is bursting with pick-your-own adventures, from sweet peaches and plump blueberries to vibrant sunflowers and crisp veggies. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing, fresh ingredients for baking, or a photo-worthy family activity, these North Shore farms offer something delicious and delightful for everyone.
🌟 What’s In Season in August?
- 🍑 Peaches & Nectarines
- 🫐 Blueberries
- 🍅 Tomatoes & Sweet Corn
- 🌻 Sunflowers & Cut Flowers
- 🥕 Farm-fresh Veggies
- 🍏 Early Apples (late August)
📍 Best Pick-Your-Own Farms on the North Shore
1. Smolak Farms – North Andover, MA
A classic North Shore destination with peach and blueberry picking, hayrides, ice cream, barnyard animals, and more. Don't miss their beautiful cut-your-own flower garden!
📅 Open daily | Walk-ins welcome
🌐 smolakfarms.com
2. Cider Hill Farm – Amesbury, MA
August means peaches, blueberries, sunflowers, and the first taste of early apples! Enjoy tractor rides, kids' play area, cider donuts, and live music on weekends.
📅 PYO daily | Sunflower Festival mid-August
🌐 ciderhill.com
3. Russell Orchards – Ipswich, MA
Stroll through their scenic orchard to pick juicy peaches and blueberries in early August, and apples later in the month. The farm store is loaded with pies, cider, and gifts.
🐷 Bonus: Say hello to the barnyard animals!
🌐 russellorchards.com
4. Appleton Farms – Ipswich, MA (The Trustees)
Pick your own veggies and herbs in the family-friendly Learning Garden on select dates. Enjoy picnicking, guided nature walks, and farm-fresh food at the Appleton Farm Store.
🌱 Best for: Veggie lovers, toddlers, farm-to-table foodies
🌐 thetrustees.org/place/appleton-farms
5. Long Hill – Beverly, MA (The Trustees)
While not a fruit-picking farm, Long Hill offers cut-your-own flower gardens and garden-inspired family programming all summer long. Bring home a bouquet of zinnias or cosmos!
🌸 Great for photos & floral DIY fun
🌐 thetrustees.org/place/long-hill
6. Brooksby Farm – Peabody, MA
This hidden gem is gearing up for early apple and tomato season in late August. Stop by their farm stand for peaches, corn, local honey, and homemade baked goods.
🐐 Visit the petting zoo while you’re there!
🌐 peabody-ma.gov/brooksbyfarm
7. Connors Farm – Danvers, MA
Known for fall fun, but don’t overlook their summer PYO options—including peaches, blueberries, and sunflowers! Family fun includes the play area, pedal carts, and mini zip line.
🎡 Bonus: Book a barnyard birthday or enjoy fresh kettle corn!
🌐 connorsfarm.com
🎒 Tips for a Great PYO Adventure
- Go early in the day for the best picking and cooler temps.
- Bring hats, water, and sunscreen—fields can get sunny fast!
- Pack containers or check if the farm provides them.
- Call ahead or check websites/socials—crop availability changes daily.
- Bring cash—some stands are old-school and don’t accept cards.
🧁 What To Do With Your Pickings?
- Make peach freezer jam or no-bake blueberry cheesecake bars
- Create your own sunflower centerpiece
- Roast fresh corn and tomatoes for a summer salad
- Bake fruit crisp with a crunchy oat topping
- Freeze berries for smoothies, pancakes & school snacks
📸 Don’t forget to snap a photo!
Tag your pick-your-own adventures with #MacKidNorthShoreMA for a chance to be featured!
Ready to fill your baskets and make some sweet summer memories? Whether you're peach picking in Ipswich, flower gathering in Beverly, or blueberry hunting in Amesbury, there's a bounty of fun waiting for you this August on the North Shore!
