Picking fruit at a farm is a wonderful way to blend education and fun. Children engage with nature, sharpen their fine motor skills by gently picking fruit, and learn about where food comes from — all while enjoying a screen-free, sensory-rich outing.

What’s in Season in August?

• Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are still available at local farms through August.
• Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums are often in their prime through the summer months.

Popular local picks:

• Blue House Farm (San Gregorio): Certified organic strawberries, available weekends 12-5 pm; open May–October. Offers a farm stand and kid-friendly layout.
• R&R Fresh Herbs (Pescadero): U-pick raspberries, blackberries, and olallieberries daily 10 AM–6 PM, with baskets priced per pound or basket.
• Webb Ranch (Portola Valley): U-pick berries until July/August. Small entrance fee, ages 2 and under free, check website or call for available days.
• Swanton Berry Farm (Davenport): California’s first certified organic strawberry farm. U-pick strawberries open weekends 9 am - 6 pm, plus great farm stand.
• Earthseed Farm (Sebastopol): A solar-powered organic permaculture farm with Afro-Indigenous roots. U-pick runs through November. In July/August expect pluots, apples, raspberries, and blackberries. Reservations required, group entry fees apply.
• Boring Farm (Sebastopol): Organic raspberry farm open Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm through August. Reservations required, including parking fee.
• Duckworth (Sebastopol): Three different varietals of organic blueberries with kid-friendly access. 8/2 is the last day of the season, 8 - 10:30 am. Bonus: sheep and ice cream!

Family-Friendly Benefits & Tips

• Berries on low bushes are perfect for young children. Just watch out for thorns!
• Use this time to teach kids about plant growth, farm life, nutrition, and sustainability.
• Call or check social media before heading out to confirm availability, as seasons can shift based on weather.
• Reservations: Earthseed, Boring, and Duckworth often require reservations, so book early.

What to Bring

• Light layers, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sturdy closed‑toe shoes
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Containers or baskets (some farms provide them, but it's helpful to have your own)
• Cooler or insulated bag to keep picked fruit fresh if you're going to be out for a while

Parent Tips for a Happy Harvest

• Start Early: Morning visits beat the heat, crowds, and give you better fruit.
• Pick Together: Let kids pick low-hanging fruit while you handle higher branches.
• Stay Gentle: Show children how to twist or roll berries off gently to avoid damaging farms.
• Keep it Fun: Make it a game: Who finds the reddest berry? Who picks the plumpest?
• Respect the Farm: Stay in designated areas, don’t eat fruit before paying, and leave no litter behind.