When is Strawberry Picking Season Near DC?

Strawberry picking season near DC typically runs from mid May through mid June. The timing of the first ripe berries depends on how mild the spring weather has been and on yearly crop conditions. Keep in mind that availability, hours, and crop conditions can change rapidly, so call the farm or check its website before you head out. 

What Else to Know About Strawberry Picking Season Near DC

Some of the strawberry picking farms near DC require reservations—especially on weekends—so be sure to check the websites. Make sure you and your kiddos are dressed appropriately, as it can get muddy in the fields. Some of the farms welcome pets, but check the rules in advance.

There's nothing quite like a freshly picked strawberry. Photo courtesy of Swann Farms

Best Farms for Strawberry Picking Near DC

1. Yankey Farms — Nokesville, VA

This family farm in Prince William County requires reservations for strawberry picking only on Saturdays and Memorial Day. Reservations for those days must be made at 8pm the night before. On all other days, families can just show up. The farm provides containers for the strawberries—no outside containers are allowed.

2. Wegmeyer Farms — Hamilton and Leesburg, VA

Families can pick strawberries at three Wegmeyer Farms locations in Loudoun County—two in Hamilton and one in Leesburg. Prepaid reservations are required for all locations and include your first five-pound bucket of strawberries. Reservation slots are posted in the early evening the day before. 

3. Shlagel Farms — Waldorf, MD

This family farm in Waldorf has been farming this land for more than 100 years. Shlagel's pick-your-own strawberries are sometimes available as early as late April, so check the farm's Facebook page for daily updates on availability and picking conditions. 

4. Larriland Farm — Woodbine, MD

This farm near Baltimore has over 60,000 strawberry plants for pick-your-own strawberries. Call 410-442-2605 or check the farm's website before heading over to check on availability that day. You must pre-purchase a container before entering the field, then fill it up with as many berries as will fit.

5. Godfrey's Farm — Sudlersville, MD

Godfrey's Farm offers several varieties of strawberries, which means its strawberry picking season sometimes lasts into June. Check in at the market to purchase at least one gallon-sized bucket before picking. 

6. Weber’s Peachberry Farm — Glen Arm

Since 1908, over four generations of Webers have been market gardeners and fruit growers. Make a reservation ahead of time online to pick your own strawberries at their Peachberry Farm. You'll also need to pre-purchase a container to fill once you're there (several sizes are available).

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Sweet strawberries + playground fun = a perfect spring day at Butler's Orchard. Photo courtesy of the farm

Best Strawberry Picking Farms with Other Activities for Kids

7. Butler's Orchard — Germantown, MD

One of the most popular farms in the region for families to visit, Butler’s Orchard offers pick-your-own strawberries in late May and June. Reservations must be made in advance online. When you make your reservation you must purchase at least one container that you'll receive when you arrive. By doing so, you are pre-paying for the fruit that will fit in that container.

Fun Extras: For a small per-person admission fee, families can access the Farm Park, a fun farm playground with giant slides, wooden climbing structures, farm animals, and pedal tractors. Stay all day and grab a bite to eat at the Farmer’s Porch Kitchen.

8. Braehead Farm — Fredericksburg, VA

No reservations are needed for strawberry picking at Braehead Farm, and there is no admission fee—families only pay for what they pick.

Fun Extras: Pay a small per-person fee (kids 2 and under are free) to visit The Family Playgrounds and enjoy lots of fun activities, including swings and slides, a corn pit, trikes and push tractors, and rescue animals to visit. When hunger strikes, visit the Braehead Farm kitchen for burgers, hot dogs, and more. 

9. Baugher's Orchard — Westminster, MD

Take a family wagon ride to Baugher's Orchard's fields for strawberry picking, then ride back to the market to picnic. There are mobile restrooms located in the fields with hand washing stations. You must first purchase a container and pay an entry fee. Call the picking hotline at 410-848-5541 for the latest updates on conditions and hours.

Fun Extras: Kids can pet and feed goats, lambs, and other farm animals in the petting zoo. There are also two playgrounds near the petting zoo, as well as a restaurant. 

10. Great Country Farms — Bluemont, VA

Purchase a Farm Pick & Play ticket starting around mid May to enjoy Great Country Farms' 15-acre play area plus access to the strawberry-picking fields. Pay by the pound for strawberries, which are chemical-free.

Fun Extras: The farm play area includes slides, mazes, jumping pillows, a ninja obstacle course, live animals, and lots more. There's also a bakery (try the cider donuts, a market, and a weekend-only concession stand serving hot dogs, nachos, and more. 

11. Messick's Farm Market — Bealeton, VA

Visit Messick's Farm in the spring to enjoy strawberry picking and other fun activities. There's an admission fee, but kids 3 and under are free.

Fun Extras: Families can enjoy a petting zoo, a giant jumping pillow, a zip line, a hayride, slides, and other fun activities. Have lunch at the on-site deli, shop in the market, and enjoy some frozen custard. 

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Get into the strawberry spirit at Great County Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

Best Strawberry Festivals Near DC

Great Country Farms Strawberry Jubilee Fest — Bluemont, VA

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, May 24 - June 1, 2025

In addition to strawberry picking and the 15-acre farm play area, Great Country Farms' Strawberry Jubilee Fest includes live music, contests, games, wagon rides, and other fun activities. Kids ages 3 months to 4 years can participate in the Lil' Sprouts Float Parade by riding in a decorated stroller, wagon, or cart. Purchase tickets online to save money!

Weber's Cider Mill Farm Strawberry Festival — Glen Arm, MD

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, May 31 & June 1, 2025

This sister farm to Weber’s Peachberry Farm hosts an annual two-day Strawberry Festival. At the festival, families can enjoy all kinds of strawberry treats and fun activities for kids, including barnyard animals, a barrel train ride, slides, live music, and more. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. 

Messick's Farm Market Strawberry Festival — Bealeton, VA

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, May 3-26, 2025

At this four-weekend festival in May, families can enjoy hayrides, barrel train rides, kid tattoos, a zip line, a bounce pillow, strawberry picking (not included in the admission price), and more fun activities.

Lincoln Strawberry Festival at Wegmeyer Farms — Hamilton, VA

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, May 17 & 18, 2025

Enjoy a weekend of farm-fresh fun at Wegmeyer Farms' Lincoln Strawberry Festival. Start the day with a pancake breakfast, then enjoy strawberry picking, live music and entertainment, face painting, hayrides, barrel train rides, interactive farm experiences for kids, photo ops, and shopping from local vendors and artisans.