With so many activities canceled due to coronavirus,  fruit picking at a local farm is not just a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, but also a way to hold onto summertime tradition. Like everything else, this will look a little different this year. You may need a reservation—and you’ll definitely need a mask—but it’s worth the drive to get a little taste of summer!

Linvilla Orchards

137 West Knowlton Road, Media

 

Linvilla currently has peaches, berries, and corn—but be sure to check their “Pick Your Own” schedule to know what’s in season!

 

No pre-registration is required, but Linvilla is limiting the number of guests permitted to pick at one given time, and no one will be permitted in the fields to pick without a prepaid container. This means a $6 entrance fee for everyone over age 1, plus you pay for what you pick. Wagons to take you to the fields will be one family per bench, so be sure to factor extra wait time into your day. Masks are required on everyone over age 2; hand sanitizers and a wash station will be available as well. Social distancing will be enforced and violators will be asked to leave.

 

While you’re at Linvilla, fishing at Orchard Lake is also open right now.

Highland Orchards

1000 Marshalton Thorndale Road, West Chester

 

Highland Orchards currently has a variety of berries in season for picking. To make things safer and ensure social distancing, they have instituted a number of new rules and restrictions for guests to follow.

 

To keep crowds down, reservations are required for pick-your-own; they are non-refundable and non-transferrable, so be sure you’re feeling well! Masks are required for everyone over 2, and social distancing will be enforced. No one over 2 years old will be permitted in the fields to pick without a prepaid basket. Handwash stations are at the parking area in the fields (as are porta-potties). Cash will not be accepted as payment in the fields.

 

Also due to safety restrictions, there is no shuttle to the picking fields this summer—drive to the Red Shed and stay in your car for check-in and directions to drive to the fields.

Indian Orchards Farm

29 Copes Lane, Media

 

PYO is open 10 am—6 pm daily for berries and some veggies—see their schedule for what’s coming later in the season. There is a $2.50 per person picking fee (plus pay for what you pick), and masks and social distancing are required. The farmstand is also open if you want to buy more fresh produce.

Maple Acres Farm

2656 Narcissa Road, Plymouth Meeting

 

Strawberry season is over, but blueberries and flowers are ready for the picking. They have gloves and hand sanitizer available, but ask that all guests wear a face covering and practice social distancing.

Shadybrook Farm

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

 

Blueberries and flowers are now in season and ready to be picked. Fields can only be accessed via wagon rides (every 30 minutes) from the Pick Your Own Barn. Wagons will be regularly sanitized, and are the only permissible way to get to the picking fields. To limit the number of people and allow social distancing, timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $5 per person (under age 2 is free), plus the cost of fruit.

 

Groups will be separated by two rows while picking, and masks are required for everyone age 3 and up. Sanitizing stations and portable restrooms will be provided throughout the farm.

Solebury Orchards

3325 Creamery Road, New Hope

 

The blueberry season lasts through the month of July, with blackberries in August. You can also pick flowers in the cutting garden and make up a special bouquet to bring home. Pick your own is open rain or shine. Masks or face coverings are required (for everyone over age 2) and must be worn at all times on the premises; social distancing is also required. A hand washing station is available behind the barn.

 

They are limiting the number of customers allowed to enter the market at one time but have opened additional outdoor checkouts, which they encourage people to use.

Weaver’s Orchard

40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown

 

Check their website for daily PYO Outlooks to see what’s ripe, and plan your day trip! Right now, you can find cherries, blueberries, sugar plums, and more. Come early in the day and mid-week to avoid crowds—the farm is closed on Sundays, so Saturdays can get really crowded. There is no admission fee, but every adult (defined as age 16 or older) admitted into the field must purchase at least one 1-quart container. This year, you can’t bring or reuse your own containers—you have to use a prepaid container from the orchard.

 

All customers must wash hands at a handwashing station before checking in at the PYO shed. Everyone must wear a mask while in line, during the whole check-in process, and while walking to the designated picking areas. When in the field, customers should maintain a distance of 20 feet from others, and kids have to stay within arm’s length of their grownups. If you’re 20 feet away, you can take your mask off temporarily. Picnics in the field or parking lot are not permitted.