5 Pittsburgh-region farms where families can pick berries and more

Have you ever visited one of Pittsburgh’s “pick-your-own” farms to harvest buckets of strawberries, blueberries and more? It’s a great way to spend a day with kids and stock up on delicious, healthy fruit while having fun in the sun. 

We’re glad to bring you this list of five Pittsburgh-region farms where you and your family can pick fruit, flowers and vegetables this summer. You’ll find all the details below. (Farmers do remind visitors that dates and times are subject to weather and fruit availability. So be sure to call ahead or check websites before making your way to one of these farms.)

1. Soergel Orchards

Soergel Orchards’ pick-your-own farm visits started about 30 years ago. The Soergel family welcomes little pickers to their Wexford fields to pick strawberries beginning in June (fields opened June 10). Pick a pint for $6 or a quart for $8. (Cash and cards are accepted at the field.) 

In July and August, visit Soergel’s for blueberry, raspberry and melon picking. (Apples and pumpkins should be ready in September.) 

Along with the fun of picking (and eating!) fresh fruit, kids love Soergel’s because they can explore Tiny Town and a petting zoo, and visit Soergel’s Scoops for Perry’s ice cream. Also, don’t miss the “Storytime at Soergel’s” events on the second and fourth Wednesday every month. 

2. Norman’s Orchard

Cherry picking begins at Norman’s Orchard on June 12th this year. Tart cherries for baking will be plentiful this year, according to their Facebook page, though the crop of sweet red cherries is smaller. Sweet yellow Emperor Francis and Queen Anne cherries are likely to be ready for picking after June 17. Blueberries and cooking apples should be ready by late June or early July. 

The Norman family started production at their farm in 1958, eventually specializing in the heirloom fruit for which Norman’s is known. Even though this Frazier Township farm lacks kid-focused attractions, families flock to Norman’s for its unique specialty fruit that can’t be found in stores.

Look for pears – Seckel, Lincoln, Anjou, Bosc, among others – ripen for picking mid-August through September. And Norman’s is the only local pick-your-own farm in the Pittsburgh area that offers grapes (from mid-August to early September). Check the season chart for availability and call ahead at 724-224-9491. Note: The farm operates on a cash-only basis.

3. Simmons Farm, 170 Simmons Road McMurray, PA

You can pick the rainbow at Simmons Farm, where pick-your-own crops cover the season with strawberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins. Right now, strawberry picking is in full swing. Simmons also offers flower picking in summer (pay a flat rate and kids will get a bucket and scissors to fill with as many stems as they can fit). Tentative hours are 9 a.m.-noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with evening hours from 5-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Weekend picking runs from 10 a.m.-noon. But Simmons advises that folks always call ahead (724-941-1490) or check their website or Facebook page to confirm what’s available on a given day.

A free hayride will carry you and your little ones to the fields. And as the growing season progresses, look for aromatic peach picking, followed by crunchy ripe apples by September. You can even bring a picnic lunch and make a family day trip of your farm outing. Kids will love the free petting zoo that’s open during market hours.

4. Triple B Farms, 823 Berry Lane, Monongahela, PA

Strawberry picking is happening now at Triple B Farms. Picking runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Along with delicious strawberries and blueberries you can pick beautiful flowers (zinnias, cosmos, celosia, ageratum, rudebeckia and sunflowers) and vegetables at Triple B. Check out the crop guide right here. And don’t miss the fresh artisanal bread available on Saturdays. 

Just be sure to check their Facebook page or call before heading out. 

Purchase wristbands ($6, free for ages 2 and younger) in advance to access Pop’s FunYard, which has opened for the season. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. And visit the Bee Barn, where a Plexiglas window allows visual access to the inner workings of a beehive. The entire family acts as game pieces in a giant farm-themed board game. You’ll find hillside tunnels and tube slides named after the Liberty and Squirrel Hill tunnels. The Rompin’ Rope Maze helps burn off energy. And everyone loves the farm animals, including pygmy goats, chickens, rabbits and a potbellied pig.

5. Trax Farms, 528 Trax Rd. Finleyville, PA

It’s the season for picking your own blueberries at Trax Farms in Finleyville. Most every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until noon the fields are open, depending on weather and fruit availability. Decisions on opening the fields to pickers are made day-to-day. So before heading out, call 412-835-3246 or check the Trax website and Facebook page for more updates and announcements. Watch the calendar for other events throughout the season, including the Farm Festival on July 19 and the Sunflower Festival on Aug. 9. 

The farm offers grown-up shoppers a chance to explore the Antique Loft, indoor and outdoor nursery, top-notch produce market, bakery, wine shop and gift shop. Kids, of course, are not forgotten here — the children’s selection of books, decorations and other items is outstanding.

Along with visiting these farms, don’t miss our Big Summer Guide to more than 100 events for even more local fun.