There’s something magical about watching a toddler proudly hold a strawberry they picked themselves or seeing a preschooler discover that cherries really do grow on trees. Fruit picking is one of the Bay Area’s best family outings—combining fresh air, hands-on learning, and delicious snacks all in one adventure.

Whether you have a baby along for the ride or an energetic preschooler eager to fill a basket, there are plenty of family-friendly u-pick farms within a short drive of the Peninsula.

Why Fruit Picking Is Perfect for Young Children

Fruit picking naturally slows families down and encourages curiosity. Children can:

• Learn where food comes from
• Practice fine motor skills by picking fruit
• Explore nature and insects
• Enjoy sensory experiences through sights, smells, and textures
• Burn off energy outdoors

Bay Area Fruit Picking Destinations for Families

Brentwood: The Bay Area's U-Pick Capital

If you're looking for the largest concentration of u-pick farms, Brentwood is the place to go. Located about an hour from much of the Peninsula, it offers dozens of farms and orchards with fruit available from spring through fall. Brentwood is especially known for cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and strawberries.

Family favorites include:

• Very Mulberry, the only u-pick mulberry farm
• Nunn Better Farms for cherries
• Dwelley Family Farms for cherries and seasonal produce
• G&S Farms, which often offers tractor rides during cherry season
• Diablo Cherries, where low-pruned trees make it easier for younger children to reach fruit
• Creswell Family Farms for strawberry picking
• The Urban Edge Farm offers a wide range of fruit including cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, pluots, nectarines, citrus, pomegranates, persimmons, and more
• Farmers Daughter has specialized in stone fruit for almost 40 years and grows many different varieties

And many more!

Coastside: Farms Just Across the Hills

Hop over on 92, then make your way down Highway 1. The coastal location keeps temperatures comfortable even during summer. The drive is part of the fun, with ocean views and plenty of opportunities to stop at beaches along the way.

• 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.
• Swanton Berry Farm (Davenport): California’s first certified organic strawberry farm. U-pick strawberries open weekends 9 am - 6 pm, plus great farm stand.

• 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.

What Fruit Is in Season?

Early Summer (May – June)

• Apricots
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Mulberries*
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Strawberries

*Mulberries: These sweet, blackberry-like fruits grow on trees rather than bushes and are often easy for young children to reach. The berries can stain hands and clothing, so dress accordingly. Because mulberries are delicate and don't ship well, u-pick farms are one of the few places where families can enjoy them fresh.

Summer (June – August)

• Apricots (until July)
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Boysenberries and Olallieberries
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Plums
• Pluots
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Fall (August – October)

• Apples
• Blackberries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Persimmons
• Plums
• Pomegranates
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Harvest timing varies each year depending on weather, so always check farm websites or social media before heading out.

Tips for Visiting with Littles

Go Early

Morning visits are cooler, less crowded, and often offer the best fruit selection. Many farms open by 8 or 9 a.m.

Things to Bring

• Sun hats
• Closed-toe shoes that are washable/can get dirty
• Sunscreen
• Light layers
• Extra clothes for messy little pickers
• Wet wipes
• Snacks and water
• Picnic blanket
• Extra water for washing just-picked fruit, like mulberries
• Cooler or insulated bag to keep picked fruit fresh, especially for delicate fruit like raspberries and mulberries or if you're going to be out for a while
• Containers or baskets 

Consider Using a Baby Carrier or a Wagon

Many orchards have uneven terrain. A carrier is often easier than a stroller for babies and younger toddlers, while a wagon will be helpful for carrying your 

Set Realistic Expectations

Your two-year-old may eat more strawberries than they place in the basket. Your four-year-old may spend more time chasing butterflies than picking fruit. That's perfectly normal.

The goal is family fun, not maximizing your harvest. 

Make Reservations if Needed

Some farms require reservations, so plan ahead before going.

Fruit Picking Etiquette

U-pick farms are working farms, and a little courtesy helps preserve the experience for everyone. Teach children to:

• Stay with an adult
• Pick gently
• Avoid climbing trees
• Respect farm rules
• Only sample fruit if permitted

Make It a Full-Day Adventure

You can combine fruit picking with:

• A picnic lunch
• A nearby playground stop
• Ice cream on the way home
• Baking together with the harvested fruit

Final Thoughts

Fruit picking offers something increasingly rare: a chance for children to slow down, connect with nature, and experience where their food comes from. Whether you're picking strawberries by the coast, gathering cherries in Brentwood, or searching for apples in the fall, these simple outings can become some of the most memorable family traditions.

So grab a sun hat, pack a few wipes, and head to the orchard. The sweetest memories may be the ones your kids pick themselves.