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, OctoberYou 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: http://gieringersorchard.com/Home_Page.html
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 was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission.