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Best Blueberry Picking Farms in New Jersey

1. DiMeo U-Pick Blueberry Farms – Hammonton

If picking fresh, organic blueberries appeals to your family, DiMeo is the place to go. This farm, which has been around for more than a century, offers naturally grown, heirloom blueberries all summer long. Explore its fully-shaded picnic areas in the forest and its nature trails. You can also consider doing some adventure kayaking in the pine barrens for an additional fee. DiMeo even offers a take-home, fruit-bearing blueberry bush to plant at home. Picking is by appointment only.

2. Emery's Berry Patch – New Egypt

With 20 acres dedicated to blueberries, this farm is serious about its berries. Pick your own, visit the farm market and bakery, and meet the barn animals all in one trip. Be sure to call if you want to pick since the fields are sometimes closed to give the berries time to ripen.

3. Alstede Farms – Chester

Alstede Farms is a pick-your-own favorite for many NJ families. In addition to pick-your-own berries (and tons of other items throughout the growing season), the farm has pony rides, a bounce house, a wagon ride, and more, along with farm animals and a farm store. Alstede gets very busy on the weekends during peak hours, so plan accordingly. You must purchase a pick-your-own ticket in advance, which includes entrance and a container to fill—you can purchase additional containers to fill and there's a separate ticket for some of the activities on the website. Children under 2 are FREE! The best way to guarantee your entry is to purchase a ticket with a check-in time, and though you can walk-in, entrance isn't guaranteed and there's a $8 additional charge.

4. Haines Berry Farm – Pemberton

Kids love the wagon ride to this farm's blueberry fields—and you'll love checking out the roadside market with lots of goodies. If you want to shop and not pick, the farm asks that customers purchase pre-picked berries or other items online and then pick them up at the farm.

5. Phillips Farms – Milford

While apples may be the specialty here, bushels of pick-your-own berries abound as well. The roadside market features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, tomato products, and hanging baskets. This farm has no entrance fee, but each person in your party must pick a minimum of $5 worth of blueberries, and you can only use buckets you purchase at the farm. Note that you should call its message line in advance for up-to-date picking information: 908-995-0022.

6. Happy Day Farm – Manalapan

This farm has heaping crops of blueberries and raspberries. Admission is just $5 per person and children 1 and under are FREE. Kids of all ages will like the shaved ice and lemonade available. Since picking conditions depend on the weather, check availability on the website or social media feeds before heading out. Take note: This farm is cash-only and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

7. Johnson's Corner Farm – Medford

There's a lot to do at this farm, which hosts some creative farm activities at its Discovery Barnyard and sports three splash pads in the summer. Buy tickets for pick your own in advance through the website to save $1 and guarantee entrance. Evening picking sessions are held on Fridays.

8. Snyder's Farms – Somerset

This lovely 80-acre farm has a nice pick-your-own blueberry and strawberry area that's perfect for kids. U-pick is open only on the weekends. Be sure to try the homemade berry ice cream! Note that the farm doesn't take credit cards, but an ATM is on site. Call before you go to check on crop availability.

9. Terhune Orchards – Princeton

Terhune Orchards has two acres devoted to blueberry bushes that are ripe for picking. Check out the farm store and barn animals during your trip. The farm's annual festivals are also great for family fun.

This article was originally published June 2011 and is updated annually.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the farms