Fresh berries just taste better when you pick them yourself. And what better way to spend a summer afternoon than a trip to a local pick-your-own farm? Farms throughout the state have delicious strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries growing and ready to pick in the summer season. Several of them also have farmstands, food trucks, animals, and entertainment. The Massachusetts strawberry season usually begins in June and is followed by raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry picking later in the summer. Here are nine fun places throughout the state to go berry picking in Massachusetts. Be sure to check out these individual farm websites to see what is in season.

1. Cider Hill Farm

You can easily spend a whole day with the family at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury. Pick your own raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, and stay for a meal at The Pitch Fork food truck. The farm also hosts a hard cider bar on summer weekends. There are tire swings, tricycles, and a sandbox to keep the little ones entertained when you hit one of my favorite berry farms!

2. C.N. Smith Farm Inc.

C.N. Smith Farm Inc. in East Bridgewater has both strawberries and blueberries for you to pick. You will definitely want to stop at the farm’s donut barn and grab a scrumptious pastry, coffee, or ice cream. C.N. Smith Farm also has a farm grill and garden center. This is a great spot for berry picking MA.

3. Hollis Hill Farm

At Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg, you can pick your own strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Enjoy a sandwich or bowl at the farm’s restaurant followed by delicious ice cream. Hollis Hills also has a full summer entertainment schedule featuring movie nights, live music, and seasonal festivals. Pick your own raspberries at Hollis Hill Farm!

4. Parlee Farms

At Tyngsboro’s Parlee Farm, you get to travel to the berry fields via tractor! The farm has strawberries and blueberries to pick as well as cherries, nectarines, and peaches. Stop and feed the sheep and chickens and then spend some time shopping for honey, veggies, and maple syrup at the farmstand.

5. Russell Orchards

Russell Orchards farm in Ipswich is one of my favorite pick-your-own farms. Not only can you pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, but you can also pick jostaberries (a cross between a gooseberry and a blackcurrant). Russell Orchards is also a winery that produces a variety of fruit-based wines and ciders. They have a fun tasting room where you can sample their products. There is also a store and bakery where you can purchase baked goods, cider, ice cream, and local products. Not bad for berry picking in Massachusetts!

6. The Big Apple Farm

The Big Apple Farm has apples and so much more! On a visit to this Wrentham farm, you can pick blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. There is also a delicious bakery where you can buy cookies, muffins, and donuts. Explore the farm equipment and stop by to say hello to the animals.

7. Tangerini's Farm

Tangerini's Farm in Millis features pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries. They also have a delicious farm stand and ice cream shop. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at their on-site restaurant. Tangerini's Farm also has CSA shares, so you can bring home fresh vegetables and fruits each week.

8. Tougas Family Farm

Tougas Family Farm in Northborough is the perfect place to bring the family. Kids can pick blueberries, strawberries, and peaches, then visit with the goats in the barnyard. There is also a playground and ice cream to enjoy. Tougas’ farm store carries farm-made donuts, jams, and soups. Visit the farm's Tougas Family Farm website for more information.

9. Tony Andrews Farm

Tony Andrews Farm in Falmouth is one of the biggest strawberry producers in the area. You can pick the strawberries and peas in June and sunflowers later in the summer. Be sure to return for the annual corn and tomato festival in August.

Have you visited any of the farms listed above? Or maybe you know of another great pick-your-own berry farm in Massachusetts. We would love to know more about your experience. For more fun on the farm, be sure to visit the alpacas at Luina Greine Farm in Groton or relax with a beer at Lookout Farm in Natick.

If you’re visiting all of them, make sure to stock up on our favorite road trip snacks!