August is peak season for juicy peaches, plump blueberries, sun-kissed tomatoes, and late-summer berries—and there’s no better way to enjoy them than picking your own! Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for the freshest ingredients, or just want a wholesome day in the sun, these Pick-Your-Own (PYO) farms across the Merrimack Valley have you covered.
🌟 What Can You Pick in August?
- 🍑 Peaches
- 🫐 Blueberries
- 🍅 Tomatoes (heirloom & cherry!)
- 🍓 Everbearing Strawberries (late-season)
- 🫑 Peppers & Veggies
- 🌻 Sunflowers & Zinnias (for cutting!)
- 🍏 Early Apples (late August at select orchards)
📍 Pick-Your-Own Farms in the Merrimack Valley
1. Cider Hill Farm – Amesbury, MA
A family favorite for generations! August brings juicy peaches, blueberries, and sunflowers. Don’t miss the cider donuts or the barnyard animals!
📅 Open daily | 🎟 No reservation needed
🌐 ciderhill.com
2. Smolak Farms – North Andover, MA
Pick your own peaches, nectarines, and blueberries in August! They also offer story time, ice cream, tractor rides, and a fairy tale forest.
📅 Weekdays & weekends | 👧 Great for young kids
🌐 smolakfarms.com
3. Parlee Farms – Tyngsboro, MA
One of the best PYO blueberry spots in the state! Parlee also features a farm stand, petting zoo, and cut-your-own flower field.
📅 Blueberry season ends mid-August—go early!
🌐 parleefarms.com
4. Boston Hill Farm – North Andover, MA
This smaller, family-run farm offers late-season berries and fresh veggie picking, plus picnic tables and a country store with local treats.
📅 Call ahead for crop availability
🌐 bostonhillfarm.com
5. Farmer Dave’s – Dracut & Westford, MA
Pick a wide variety of veggies and enjoy their CSA-style picking days. Westford location occasionally opens for berries.
📅 Veggie picking available by appointment
🌐 farmerdaves.net
6. Chris’ Farm Stand at Smolak Farms – Haverhill, MA
Often overlooked, this extension of Smolak offers its own PYO experiences and local produce. Watch for tomato and hot pepper picking in August!
📞 Best to call for current picking schedule
🌻 Don’t Forget the Flowers!
- Many farms offer cut-your-own sunflower fields and zinnia gardens in August.
- Bring your own clippers and a container with water.
- Great for photos and handmade gifts!
👩🌾 Tips for a Great Picking Day
- Go early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles.
- Call ahead or check farm social media pages for crop updates.
- Many farms are cash-only for PYO fields—bring some bills just in case.
- Pack a cooler in the car to keep fruit fresh for the ride home!
🧁 After You Pick: Easy Ideas
- Make a blueberry crisp or no-bake peach parfaits
- Freeze fruit for smoothies and school lunches
- Add fresh tomatoes to your pasta night or pizza party
- Let kids design their own fruit kabobs or freezer pops
📸 Bonus: Share your fruit-filled fun!
Tag your farm photos with #MacKidMerrimackValley for a chance to be featured!
Ready to fill your baskets and your bellies? Get out there and savor the sweetness of summer—one perfect peach (or blueberry) at a time! 🍑🫐🍅
