Parks Blueberries

Parks Blueberries

Visit the Farm

14815 Longwoods Rd
Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0
519-692-5373
www.parksblueberries.com

Fruit

Blueberries

Vegetables

Other Crops Available

Disclaimer – Not All Crops mentioned will be in season, available, or open for pick-your-own. Please confirm on the farms websites.

Get the Kids Outside Picking Their Own Snacks This Summer!

Get the Kids Outside Picking Their Own Snacks This Summer!

Looking for a fun, healthy, and screen-free way to keep the kids busy this summer? Take them to a pick-your-own (PYO) farm! All across Ontario, local farms offer fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables that kids can harvest themselves—turning snack time into an unforgettable adventure.

Whether you live in the city or the countryside, there’s likely a farm just a short drive away. Use www.pickyourownontario.ca to find a PYO farm near you and make this summer one to remember.

Why Picking Your Own Snacks Is Great for Kids

  • Fresh air and exercise: Kids get moving outdoors instead of staring at screens.

  • Hands-on learning: They learn where food comes from and how it grows.

  • Healthy eating habits: They’re more likely to eat fruits and veggies they picked themselves.

  • Family bonding: It’s a simple way to spend meaningful time together in nature.

What’s In Season This Summer?

Ontario’s growing season offers plenty of snack-worthy produce to pick from June through August:

Visit pickyourownontario.ca to find what’s ripe in your area!

Farms Across Ontario

From Northern towns to Southern Ontario farmland, the province is bursting with family-friendly farms that welcome visitors for PYO experiences. A few highlights:

  • Central Ontario: Berry farms in Simcoe County and Kawartha Lakes.
  • Eastern Ontario: Apple orchards and berry patches near Ottawa and Kingston.
  • Southwestern Ontario: Strawberries, blueberries, and peaches galore near London, Windsor, and Niagara.
  • Northern Ontario: Seasonal farms near Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and beyond offering berries and hardy vegetables.

Use the interactive farm map to search by county and crop!

Tips for a Smooth PYO Trip

  • Call ahead: Farm hours and crop availability change with weather and demand.
  • Dress appropriately: Hats, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Bring containers: Some farms provide them; others ask you to bring your own.
  • Pack water and snacks: Ironically, picking your snacks can make you hungry!
  • Teach picking etiquette: Only pick what you plan to buy, and be gentle with the plants.

After the Picking

Keep the fun going at home! Let the kids help wash and sort their harvest, then make something simple and delicious like:

  • Yogurt parfaits with fresh berries
  • Homemade strawberry jam
  • Blueberry muffins or smoothies
  • Fruit salad or peach cobbler

You can even freeze extras for back-to-school snacks in the fall.

Start Your Summer Adventure

Visit www.pickyourownontario.ca to:

  • Search farms by location or crop
  • See what’s in season
  • Get picking tips through our blog!

Let Them Pick, Taste, and Learn

Getting kids outside and letting them pick their own food is more than just a day trip—it’s a connection to the land, to the seasons, and to their own well-being. It’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s only available for a short time each summer.

So don’t wait—find a PYO farm near you and plan a snack-filled summer adventure the whole family will love!

Start exploring now at www.pickyourownontario.ca

Find a Local PYO Farm!

Ontario Raspberry Picking Guide: Top Pick-Your-Own Farms to Visit

Ontario Raspberry Picking Guide: Top Pick-Your-Own Farms to Visit

Ontario’s summer is the perfect time to fresh-pick berries—and raspberries are a seasonal treasure. Here’s your complete guide to enjoying this sweet, tangy delight straight from the vine.

Why Pick Your Own Raspberries?

  • Freshness: There’s nothing like biting into a warm raspberry moments after picking it.
  • Nutrition: Packed with vitamins C, K, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Bonding: A wonderful activity with family and friends.
  • Supporting Local: You’re helping small farms thrive and benefit from local agritourism.

Top Raspberry-Picking Farms in Ontario

Here are the featured “Pick‑Your‑Own” raspberry farms as listed on pickyourownontario.ca

  1. Andrews Farm Market & Winery (Toronto)
  2. Barrie Hill Farms (Simcoe)
  3. Bayfield Berry Farm (Huron)
  4. Belluz Farm (Thunder Bay)
  5. Blueberry Knoll Berry Farm (Haldimand)
  6. Campbell’s Orchards (Prince Edward)
  7. Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze (Durham)
  8. Dentz Orchards and Berry Farm (Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry)
  9. Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm (Toronto)
  10. Fruition Berry Farm (Frontenac)
  11. Fernwood Farms & Market (Simcoe)
  12. Front Step Farms (York)
  13. Jerry’s Berries (Northumberland)
  14. Josmar Acres Inc. Farm Market (Hamilton)
  15. Kustermans Berry Farms (Middlesex)
  16. Leisure Farms (Nipissing)
  17. Lindley’s Farm and Market (Hamilton)
  18. Macklin’s Farm Produce (Lambton)
  19. Maple Grove Orchards (Durham)
  20. Mathias Farms (Niagara)
  21. McGregor’s Produce (Renfrew)
  22. Mclean Berry Farm (Peterborough)
  23. Melegs Orchard (Essex)
  24. Pardo’s Berrie Farm (Chatham-Kent)
  25. Paul Ridge Berry Farm (Lennox-Addlington)
  26. Pike Lake Farms (Manitoulin)
  27. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Barrhaven (Ottawa)
  28. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Bells Corners (Ottawa)
  29. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Nepean (Ottawa)
  30. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Richmond (Ottawa)
  31. Thames River Melons (Oxford)
  32. Tincap Berry Farm Inc (Leeds Greenville)
  33. Watson Farm Market and Upick (Durham)

That’s 33 excellent locations—from small boutique farms to bigger orchards—where you can experience the joy of picking your own raspberries pickyourownontario.ca.

Best Time to Go

  • Season: Typically mid-July to early August—check each farm’s website or social channels for the most current updates.
  • Weather Tip: Sunny mornings are the sweetest time as berries are plump, not too hot, and more resistant to bruising.
  • Avoid crowds: Plan your visit mid-week or early weekend morning.

Berry-Picking Tips

  1. Dress for it: Long sleeves, sunhat, and closed-toe shoes. A little sunscreen goes a long way.
  2. Bring containers: Many farms supply pints, but an extra container helps.
  3. Gentle picking: Raspberries are tender; pick them with a slight twist and stem intact.
  4. Quality check: Choose berries that are vibrant, full, and easy to remove—no green undertones.
  5. Refrigerate: Eat or freeze within 24 hours for best freshness.

What to Do with Your Raspberries

  • Fresh treats: Top yogurt, cereal, pancakes, or enjoy them as-is.
  • Homemade sauces: Perfect drizzle for ice cream and desserts.
  • Baked goods: Add to muffins, scones, or pies (freeze excess berries on a baking sheet, then bag).
  • Preserves: Make jam by cooking raspberries with sugar and lemon juice.

Before You Go

  • Check picking conditions: Call ahead or sign up for farm alerts—picking may pause due to weather or crop availability.
  • Know pricing: Usually by the quart; verify current rates.
  • Follow guidelines: Some farms provide maps, tools, and picking tips—especially the larger orchards.

Plan Your Day Trip

  • Combine with sightseeing: Plan around attractions near farms, like farmer’s markets or rural parks.
  • Combine berries: Farms such as Thames River Melons or Campbell’s Orchard may let you pick other fruits.
  • Pack a picnic: Many farms have picnic areas—bring snacks and enjoy your surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Picking your own raspberries in Ontario is a tasty, wholesome way to enjoy summer. Alot of farms offer a range of experiences, whether you’re after a family outing or a quiet solo excursion. With a bit of planning, you’ll go home with baskets full of sweet memories…and enough berries to enjoy well beyond picking day. Check each Farms page for details pickyourownontario.ca

Find a Local PYO Farm!