Our family enjoyed blueberry picking with Emily when she was 10 months old! When I was growing up, it was a family tradition to visit The Berry Patch and pick blueberries every year. We would enjoy blueberry pie, pancakes, and blueberry lemonade all summer long.
As a mom, I have continued this tradition with my own children. We pick blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. For city kids, the novelty of picking your own fruit right off the bush or vine is not only educational, but fun as well. For some reason, pancakes with blueberries YOU picked just taste better!
For a city mom, the novelty of sharing this experience with my children, without the responsibility of farming, is a true treat!
In Kansas City, we enjoy many “U-Pick Farms” across the metro. This list will get you started! If you know of a patch to add to the list, email kristina@kcparent.com.
Berry Picking Tips:
- Remember comfortable shoes (you will be walking in fields) and wear sun screen.
- Call ahead to verify picking times as it varies from farm to farm. This is a MUST!
- Bring bottled water and pack a picnic if the farm allows.
- And, don’t forget your camera… children with blueberry smiles make a great photo-op!
Berry Picking Season:
Apples – August, SeptemberBlueberries - June, July, AugustBlackberries - July, AugustCherries – JunePeaches – AugustPears – August, SeptemberFall Blackberries - August, September, OctoberFall Raspberries - August, Sept, October
You Pick Berry Patches in the Kansas City Area:
Berries & More Fruit: Blueberries Where: 505 W. Lone Jack/Lee’s Summit Rd., Lone Jack, MO Phone: 816.697.3400
The Berry Patch: Fruit: Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries Where: 22509 State Line Road Cleveland, MO 64734. Phone: 816.618.3771 Web: www.theberrypatchonline.com Cy and Dee’s Blackberry Farm Fruit: Blackberries Where: 28615 Rockville Rd., Louisburg, KS Phone: 913.731.2324 Duncan’s Berry Farm: Fruit: Blueberries and Blackberries Where: 908 County Road F, Smithville, MO 64089 Phone: 816.873.3053 Web: www.duncansberryfarm.com Emerald Farm Fruit: Blueberries, Grapes, and Raspberries Where: 23080 Interurban Road, Dearborn, MO Phone: 816.214.2268 Web: www.emeraldfarm.net Gieringers Orchard Fruit: Blackberries, Peaches, and Plums Where: 39675 W. 183rd St, Edgerton, KS Phone: 913.893.9626 Web: gieringersorchard.farming.officelive.com Lawson Brothers Farm Fruit: Blackberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries. Where: GPS: N38 50.444 W95 09.352 in Douglas County, KS Phone: 785.594.3936 Web: www.LawsonBrothersFarm.com/ Sibley Orchards: Fruit: Blackberries (other fruit for sale, but blackberries are only U-Pick fruit) Where: 3717 Blue Mills Rd Sibley, MO 64088 Phone: 816.650.5535 Web: www.sibleyorchards.com Wagon Wheel Orchard Fruit: Apples, Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Pears Where: 15380 Edgerton Road Gardner, KS 66030 Phone: 913.893.6050 Web: www.wagonwheelorchard.com Waters Blueberry Farm Fruit: Blueberries Where: 925 Bainbridge Rd. Smithville, MO 64089 Phone: 816.718.5948 Web: www.watersblueberryfarm.com
Note: This list is the property of Kansas City Parent Magazine and it may not be reprinted without permission.