Best Family-Friendly U-Pick Fruit Farms in Northern California Wine Country

Discover the best family-friendly u-pick fruit farms in Northern California wine country. Explore organic orchards and berry fields in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties—perfect for a Bay Area day trip with kids.

Planning a fruit-picking outing with children means timing is everything. In spring and early summer, strawberry patches and blueberry farms welcome families; by mid-summer, raspberries, blackberries, and orchards of plums and peaches ripen; come late summer and fall, apple picking season is in full swing. Below we highlight top u-pick farms in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin that prioritize organic or sustainable practices. Each listing includes what fruits are available, the season or months to visit, pricing details, reservation requirements, and family-friendly amenities like picnic areas, petting zoos, or restrooms. Get ready to pick your own fruit in Northern California’s wine country and create delicious memories with your kids!

Sonoma County: Organic U-Pick Farms for Families

Sonoma County may be famous for wine, but it’s also a hotspot for pick-your-own fruit. From summer berry fields to autumn apple orchards, Sonoma offers several organic farms ideal for children. Many are clustered around Sebastopol’s lush countryside (famed for apples and berries) or the Healdsburg area. Here are Sonoma’s best u-pick spots:

Duckworth Family Farm (Sebastopol) – Organic Blueberries & Farm Fun (June–July)

This small, family-run farm in Sebastopol grows certified organic blueberries and offers an idyllic summer blueberry picking experience. The u-pick season typically runs from mid-June through July (around seven weekends). Reservations are required – the farm releases spots weekly on their website, and a $5 parking fee per car applies. Families absolutely love Duckworth Farm for its welcoming vibe and extras: kids can visit with chickens, horses, donkeys, and swans on the property, and everyone can cool off with the farm’s homemade blueberry ice cream after picking berries. There’s a scenic pond and picnic area to enjoy your treats. Blueberries are sold by the pound (containers provided, or bring your own) and both cash and cards are accepted. As a 100% organic farm that’s “fun for the whole family,” Duckworth is a must-visit for a summer morning outing.

Boring Farm (Sebastopol) – Organic Raspberry Picking & Picnics (June–August)

Don’t let the name fool you – a day at Boring Farm is anything but boring! This Sebastopol farm specializes in certified organic red raspberries and opens its fields to u-pick visitors on Saturday mornings during the summer. Hours are typically 9:00 am to noon (arrive early, as popular fields can be picked out by lunch). To manage crowds, advance tickets are required per vehicle (book online via Eventbrite). Your ticket reserves an arrival hour, and you can stay until closing to relax on the farm. Raspberries cost about $9.99 per pound and both cash or credit are accepted. Families appreciate the well-tended, stroller-friendly rows – thornless raspberry canes and red flag markers make it easy for little ones to pick ripe berries safely. After filling your buckets, you can picnic by the farm’s ponds, which are alive with frogs and birds. Boring Farm also sells refreshing raspberry lemonade, popsicles, eggs, and other farm products on-site. With its open space for kids, quiet country setting, and organic practices, Boring Farm offers a delightful family outing.

EARTHseed Farm (Sebastopol) – Organic Orchard with Mixed Fruits (Summer Saturdays)

EARTHseed Farm is a 14-acre solar-powered organic orchard (formerly Gabriel Farm) in Sebastopol, operated with Afro-Indigenous permaculture principles. This farm grows a little of everything – in summer you might find plums, pluots, blackberries, raspberries, and even early apples available for picking. Rather than open daily, EARTHseed hosts U-pick on designated Saturdays (typically late June through August) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. You must make an appointment online for a given Saturday; new slots are released each Tuesday for the upcoming weekend. An entry fee of $25 per family applies, which supports the farm’s community work and sustainable mission. After entry, you harvest at your leisure and pay by the pound for whatever fruit you picked. Because of the appointment system, the experience is uncrowded and peaceful – perfect for connecting with nature and letting kids roam the orchard. Families, groups, and individuals are all welcome. The farm provides fruit picking poles and will help weigh your haul. Expect a serene environment (no loud farm attractions here) focused on education, sustainability, and the simple joy of picking organic fruit straight from the source. (Tip: Check EARTHseed’s website for updates on what fruit is ripe and any special events before you go.)

Love Farms Organic Produce (Healdsburg) – U-Pick Organic Berries, Fruits & Veggies (April–Nov)

If your family wants a full farm experience with a huge variety of produce, Love Farms in Healdsburg is a hidden gem. This certified organic farm invites the public to pick a wide range of fruits and vegetables – it’s essentially a one-stop u-pick farm stand. Depending on the month, you can pick strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even table grapes right off the vine, along with an array of vegetables (beans, tomatoes, carrots, corn, squash and more). Love Farms is typically open April through November, 9am to 5pm daily, making it one of the longest-season u-picks in the North Bay. No reservations are needed; you can drop in during open hours, but it’s wise to call ahead to see what’s in season. The farm provides on-site amenities perfect for families: a picnic area for snacks, restrooms, and even farm animals for the kids to see. Love Farms operates on a pay-by-the-pound model for whatever you pick (prices vary by item), and they accept cash, cards, and even WIC vouchers. Located just outside downtown Healdsburg, this farm is an easy add-on to a day in wine country. Whether you’re gathering organic strawberries in spring or pumpkins and broccoli in the fall, Love Farms offers a wonderful hands-on lesson in where food comes from – and plenty of healthy snacks for the ride home!

Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch (Sebastopol) – Organic Apples & Fresh Cider (Sept–Oct)

Come fall, apple picking is the highlight in Sonoma County, and Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch is a favorite spot for families. This small Sebastopol orchard is a family-owned organic apple farm growing several varieties: Gravenstein, Golden Delicious, and Rome Beauty. U-pick season runs from early September into October (sometimes extending to November if apples remain). The ranch typically opens at 9 am and closes by 4 pm on u-pick days; no reservations or entry fees are required for most days – you can just drop in with the kids. (Do note that they are usually closed on Saturdays and only open by appointment on Thursdays, as the owners sell at local farmers’ markets on those days.) The orchard’s dwarf apple trees were intentionally planted to be low to the ground, making it easy for children to reach the fruit themselves. You’ll be given bags (or bring your own reusable totes) and optional picking poles at check-in. Apples are priced around $2 per pound. When you’re done filling your bags with sweet, crisp apples, don’t miss the farm’s fresh-pressed apple cider – a gallon to take home is a perfect souvenir of your trip. Ratzlaff Ranch presses award-winning, unpasteurized juice from their apples, sold in containers from pints to gallons on site (and yes, free samples are often available!). Amenities at this farm are basic but convenient: they have portable restrooms and hand-washing stations, and even allow well-behaved dogs on leash, so the whole family (including Fido) can enjoy the day. Picnic tables are scattered in the orchard if you want to relax and enjoy an al fresco lunch after picking. Between the friendly owners, the organic apples, and the chance for kids to run among the trees, Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch offers an authentic fall adventure in Sonoma’s apple country.

Cassidy Ranch (Sonoma – Carneros) – Organic Strawberries, Veggies & Flowers (May–July)

Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma’s Carneros region, Cassidy Ranch is a newer addition to the u-pick scene, offering a little bit of everything in a gorgeous vineyard setting. This 5-acre farm is certified organic (CCOF) and grows over 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. During late spring and early summer, Cassidy Ranch opens up for u-pick strawberries and flower bouquet picking in particular. You might also find tomatoes, peppers, squash, or lettuce to pick, depending on the month. U-pick days and farm tours are offered mainly on weekends (Friday through Sunday) – advanced reservations are required via their website, as they limit the number of visitors for an intimate experience. When you arrive, you can enjoy a guided tour or roam the fields at your leisure to fill a basket with peak-season produce. Everything you gather is charged by the pound. Families will appreciate the beautiful flower fields (a great photo op), the chance to taste produce straight from the vine, and even the resident farm dog who might greet you. There’s plenty of open space for kids to run, though keep in mind this is a working farm (closed-toe shoes are a good idea). Cassidy Ranch does everything organically – no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers – so you can feel good about kids sampling berries right off the plant. While on-site, you can also inquire about their small vineyard and maybe even purchase a bottle of their estate wine (the ranch also grows organic Pinot Noir grapes on 10 acres). Located about 10 minutes from Sonoma Plaza and 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cassidy Ranch makes for an easy day trip. It’s an interactive farm experience where families can truly “taste Sonoma” beyond the wineries. Just remember to book in advance, and pack a picnic blanket – after picking your strawberries and flowers, you won’t want to rush off from this peaceful spot.

Napa County: U-Pick Fruit Farms in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is world-renowned for vineyards, but opportunities for u-pick fruit in Napa do exist if you know where to look. Most Napa farms are small and family-run, offering a glimpse into the valley’s agricultural heritage beyond grapes. Here is a top pick in Napa County:

Hoffman Farm (Napa) – Hidden Organic Orchard with Seasonal Variety (Aug–Dec)

Tucked away on the Silverado Trail in Napa is Hoffman Farm, a 23-acre heritage orchard that feels like a step back in time. The Hoffman family has owned this farm since 1949, and they operate one of Napa’s only pick-your-own fruit orchards – truly a hidden gem in wine country. Hoffman Farm is organic (no chemical sprays here) and offers an astounding variety of fruits as the seasons change. In August and September, you might find ripe peaches, French prunes (plums), and Bartlett pears. By October, apples (multiple varieties) and persimmons hang heavy on the trees, alongside quince and even pineapple guavas in some years. The farm is also home to an English walnut orchard – you’ll see towering walnut trees that the Hoffmans planted by hand decades ago. U-pick at Hoffman Farm usually runs from August through early December, daily 9am–5pm, as different crops ripen in succession. No appointment is needed; you can simply drop by during open hours. There is a quaint self-serve system in place: a small shed with a hanging scale and paper bags allows you to pay (honor system) for fruit that’s been pre-picked, or you can honk your car horn to have Farmer John Hoffman come out with buckets and guide you to what’s ripe for picking that day. He’s known to happily give a “tour” of the orchard, pointing out which trees have the sweetest plums or which pears to avoid on the ground (they may be mushy). Prices here remain old-fashioned and affordable – fruit was historically around $0.50 per pound, and while it may have increased a bit, it’s often much cheaper than commercial farms. Expect a rustic experience: the farm doesn’t have commercial amenities (no cafe or playground), but it does offer a genuine connection to the land. Kids can wander among gnarled fruit trees, marvel at the resident bonsai collection (John’s hobby), and see how a traditional small family orchard operates. Be sure to bring sun protection and water. And as with all u-picks, call ahead if possible – the farm doesn’t have a big online presence, so a quick phone call can confirm what’s in season. Visiting Hoffman Farm is like visiting a kindly grandparent in the country who lets you pick whatever you like; it’s a truly special Napa Valley experience where you’ll come away with bags of fruit and a new appreciation for this region’s farming history.

Marin County: Kid-Friendly U-Pick in Marin

Marin County has fewer u-pick farms than its neighbors, but it boasts one very popular organic apple ranch. Many Marin families also venture just north into Sonoma for berry picking, but when autumn arrives, Marin’s own apple orchard is not to be missed.

Chileno Valley Ranch (West Marin/Petaluma) – Organic Apples, Pears & Farm Animals (Sept)

Chileno Valley Ranch offers a quintessential fall outing on the Marin-Sonoma border, where you can pick organic apples in a picture-perfect ranch setting. Located in the rolling hills of West Marin (technically with a Petaluma address), this historic cattle ranch opens its orchards to the public on Sundays in September (and sometimes the first weekend or two of October) for apple picking. Owners Sally and Mike Gale grow several dwarf varieties of apples that thrive in Marin’s coastal climate – expect unique types like Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, Senshu, Hudson’s Golden Gem, and Jonagold, alongside familiar favorites like Honeycrisp. They also have a small pear orchard with European and Asian pear varieties, which are usually ripe at the same time as the early apples. All fruit at Chileno Valley Ranch is organically grown (no pesticides) and known for exceptional flavor – in fact, many of their apples are blind taste-test winners.

To visit, you must reserve a spot online; no walk-ins are allowed on u-pick days. Reservations (one per family/car) open a couple of weeks in advance and fill up quickly because this ranch has a loyal following. There is an admission/parking fee of $10 per car (one family per reservation). U-pick hours are usually 9 am to 1 or 2 pm on Sundays, with timed entry slots to prevent overcrowding. Once inside, families can borrow picking poles and wagons. Thanks to the dwarf trees, even toddlers can reach low-hanging fruit – little kids delight in being able to twist their own apples off the branch. Apples (and pears) cost about $2 per pound at weigh-out, and the farm accepts cash, credit, or local checks. After you’ve picked your fill, the fun is just beginning: Chileno Valley Ranch encourages you to tour the farm. Children can meet and feed the resident animals – friendly sheep, free-range chickens, and cattle grazing in the distance. The Gales often set up a little farm stand by the barn where you can buy other local goodies like their grass-fed beef, eggs, local honey, or homemade apple pie if available. Picnic tables and straw bales are placed around the ranch gardens, so bring lunch and enjoy it in the country air. There are portable restrooms on site for visitors. The ranch itself is beautiful: a restored Victorian farmhouse surrounded by flower gardens, a pond, and sweeping views of Marin’s pastures. Many families make Chileno Valley Ranch an annual tradition – it’s hard to beat picking organic apples then saying hello to a sweet lamb or giant draft horse on your way out. Pro tip: Marin’s weather can be unpredictable (hot in midday, foggy by afternoon), so dress in layers and bring sun hats and sweaters. With a bit of planning, a day at Chileno Valley Ranch is pure fall magic for kids and adults alike.

Planning Tips: Before heading out to any u-pick farm, always check the farm’s website or social media for the latest updates. Crop availability and hours can change with the weather and season. Dress kids in play clothes and closed-toe shoes (farms can be dusty or muddy), and don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and water. Bringing your own containers can be handy, though most farms provide bags or buckets. Finally, consider timing: arrive early on hot summer days for the best berry picking, or opt for late morning in fall once the fog burns off. U-pick outings are a fantastic way to teach children about where food comes from while enjoying Northern California’s beautiful countryside. Whether you’re biting into a sun-warmed strawberry you just picked or hauling home a pumpkin-orange persimmon, you’ll create delicious memories on these family-friendly u-pick farm trips in the Bay Area’s North Bay wine country.