Pick Buckets of Blueberries at This Family-Friendly Rhode Island Farm

Warm weather means there is so much to do that we need to write down our plans, or we might miss out on something amazing. One of my favorite warm-weather adventures is strawberry picking in Rhode Island. Nothing smells as sweet as fresh flowers and tastes as good as berries picked straight from the bush.

There are plenty of amazing strawberry-picking spots in Rhode Island. But if blueberries are more your thing, visit Harmony Farms in the town of Scituate. The family-friendly farm lets you fill baskets of the freshest blueberries in the Ocean State. You'll feel nostalgic for days spent frolicking through wild blueberry bushes as kids—it's a chance to relive those fond memories. Here's what to know before visiting this U-pick farm in Rhode Island.

What Makes Rhode Island Berry Farm So Unique

Harmony Farms in North Scituate, Rhode Island, was once a 28-acre property that was bought by Bernard and Mary Ellen Smith in 1978. In the 1980s, the Smiths established six acres of blueberry fields, three acres of apple trees, and many blackberry, raspberry, and peach trees.

In 2017, the Smiths sold most of their farm to Gil and Sandie Barden, who operate the blueberry fields and their own home farm to this day. According to the farm's website, the mission is to maintain the legacy of growing high-quality fruits and vegetables.

The blueberry season at this family-friendly farm generally runs from the beginning of July through August, which gives you plenty of time to plan your visit. Be ready to walk away with buckets full of deliciousness and blueberry-stained hands.

What to Expect From the U-Pick Fields at Harmony Farms

Once you arrive at this local Rhode Island farm, you'll be met with friendly staff and beautiful fields of produce. There's no admission fee to the blueberry fields, but you'll have to pre-pay for a pint of blueberries ($6 for adults and $3.50 for kids). If you pick more than a pint, you'll just pay for the additional blueberries afterward.

Once you've pre-paid, grab your bucket and start picking. Stroll through the rows of vibrant and fragrant bushes, stopping to pick the deepest blue-hued berries. The farm's owners encourage taste-testing a few blueberries to make sure you're happy with the taste and the ripeness before filling your bucket.

If you pick 10 pounds of blueberries, you'll automatically be enrolled in the loyalty program that features such benefits as not having to pre-pay for a pint. And if you bring your own container next time you visit, you can simply share your loyalty name and get to picking!

U-pick days and hours are weather-dependent. Visit Harmony Farms' Facebook page before you visit, especially if it's raining, to make sure picking is available that day.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Blueberry season typically lasts from July through September in Rhode Island. But Harmony Farms' U-pick season is from the first week of July to the end of August. Try visiting on a weekday and first thing in the morning (the farm opens at 8 a.m.) to get a first pass at the fields.

Only camera bags and diaper bags are allowed in the fields. Dogs are also not permitted, but are allowed on the farm. Also, the fields are handicap accessible—if you call ahead of time, the farm will arrange parking.

When enjoying this outdoor activity in Rhode Island, make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the summer sun.

Ready to visit Harmony Farms this blueberry season? Log it as the ideal Rhode Island day trip idea, and after a day of picking delicious blueberries, visit other North Scituate attractions like the beautiful Scituate Reservoir or the Westconnaug Meadows. For more information about the farm, visit its website or Facebook page.