Berry-Pickin' Good: 20 U-Pick Berry Farms Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

There's been a taste of summer in the air for a bit, and now we're ready to celebrate the season by picking some juicy, sweet, sun-ripened berries straight from the vine, right? As of early June, many strawberry farms are opening for U-pick, and raspberries are next in line, then blueberries later in the summer.

Key tips for a successful berry-picking outing with kids:

• Most important: Check farms' websites and Facebook pages or call ahead on the day you want to go to make sure U-pick is happening and to confirm times.
• Doublecheck the farm's website for address and directions, as some map apps don't work as well for more rural locations.
• Arrive early as fields can get picked out by noon. An alternative is, if a farm has plenty of U-pick available, to show up in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and direct sun.
• Keep in mind that fields typically have little shade, so bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks and — for little kids — some alternative toys, such as bubbles.
• Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Bring cash or make sure that the farm accepts credit (the bigger farms usually do).
• Strawberries, because they grow close to the ground, are most physically demanding to pick. Raspberries and blueberries are easier pickin' (at least for grown-ups). 
• Especially with small kids in tow, keep your picking expectations low. And remember: You can usually buy pre-picked berries at a farm as well, often for only a bit more than U-pick prices.
• Boxes or pails are sometimes provided, but check first or bring your own.
• Typically, farms don't mind if kids eat as they pick (or as they run around) but double check. You could also offer to weigh your child before and after picking. :)

Use the arrows above the image to find U-pick berry farms around Snohomish and Skagit counties, around the Eastside and around South King County and the South Sound, followed by U-pick blueberry farms in the same areas.