best farms to Pick Summer Fruit and Flowers Farm-fresh ways to enjoy the summer season!

A big part of summer is enjoying all of the sun-drenched, ripe and juicy fruit available this time of the year, as well as basking in the beauty of summer blooms. Here in Southwest Ohio, we have lots of u-pick farms specializing in summer’s bounty. If fruit picking and bouquet building is on your summer bucket list, here are some of the best pick-yourown farms around the area!

Alpine Berry Farm

26191 Pocket Rd., Batesville, IN alpineberryfarm.weebly.com

July-Mid August

Berryhill Farm

127 E. Krepps Rd., Xenia berryhillfarm.net

July August

Blooms & Berries

9669 Ohio 48, Loveland bloomsandberries.com

End of May-Early June

June

Mid July

Bonus: Blooms & Berries

Strawberry Days takes place through June 4! Enjoy berry picking, a petting farm, bee train, bounce pad, shopping, live music, food trucks and more.

Irons Fruit Farm

1640 Stubbs Mills Rd., Lebanon ironsfruitfarm.com

Mid June Jackson’s Farm Market

2931 US Route 68 S, Xenia facebook.com/ jacksonsfarmmarket

June McGlasson Farms

5832 River Rd., Hebron, KY mcglassonfarms.com

Mid June July to August

Monnins Fruit Farm

8201 Frederick Pike, Dayton monninsfruitfarm.com

Mid June July

Mid September

Once in a Blue Moon Farm

3984 E. Social Row Rd., Waynesville facebook.com/ onceinabluemoonfarm

July

Peifer Orchards

4590 US 68 N., Yellow Springs peiferorchards.com

Late August-Early September

Late August-Early September

Stokes Berry Farm

2822 Center Road, Wilmington facebook.com/ stokesberryfarmohio

End of May

This is the dessert that our editor, Nicole Sipe, makes the most for her family during the summer. It’s easy to make — especially if you use store-bought pie dough. You can use any type of summer fruit you have on hand, including berries, cherries or other stone fruit.

1 store-bought frozen pie crust

2 cups of fresh or frozen summer fruit

¼ cup sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

A squeeze of lemon

1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place one 9-inch frozen pie crust on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and allow to thaw.

Note: We recommend calling ahead to confirm individual picking times and berry availability. Weather can affect harvest times.

– In a mixing bowl, toss the fruit, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice together until combined. Gently dump the mixture into the center of the thawed dough, leaving a 1-inch border.

– Working in a circle, tuck the crust in overlapping pieces over the berries. Using a pastry brush, brush the crust with the beaten egg.

Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then turn the heat down to 350°F and bake 15 more minutes until the crust is golden. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the galette with foil and continue baking. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

SOUTHWEST OHIO HAS NO END OF OPPORTUNITY FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT, LEARNING AND EXPLORATION! CHECK OUT THESE COOL LISTINGS THAT WILL HELP YOUR FAMILY FILL THE HOT SUMMER DAYS AHEAD.

Feed the animals in the area's nicest 40 animal petting farm, Pick Blackberries or Blueberries, Eat Ice Cream, Play and Picnic! Current petting farm hours and berry picking availability details at BloomsAndBerries.com. Farm Games, Barnyard 500 Trike Track, Bee Train, and Bakery Treats available for purchase. Saturdays–Sundays also feature our Beer Garden, Food Trucks and Live Music. Tickets online only. Only 3 miles from the Bike Trail in Loveland, OH!

(513) 697-9173 | BloomsAndBerries.com | 9669 S. St. Rt. 48, Loveland, OH 45140

Let Cincinnati Tiki Boat & Cycleboat help you and your friends throw the party of the summer on the most unique boats in town! Our Tiki Boat accommodates groups of up to 16 and the Cycleboat up to 14. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks onboard.

(513) 430-1304 | cincinnatipartyboats.com | 4601 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226

This open-air vintage market is located on a 56-acre farm in quaint, Lebanon, OH. The best local artisans and shops from across the region come together exclusively at Charm at the Farm to create an exciting, outdoor shopping experience like no other only 3 weekends per year each June, August and October. Charm features rustic gifts, furniture, home décor and more, and is the perfect girls' day out! Learn more online and follow Charm on Facebook and Instagram @charmatthefarm charmatthefarm.com | 4953 Bunnell Hill Rd., Lebanon, OH 45036

Explore over 300 acres dotted with 70 monumental outdoor sculptures, and join us for multigenerational Park programming, like our annual Fishing Derby happening June 17th. Day visits or memberships are available for a whole year of benefits including free Park admission and discounts on Art Cart rentals (yes, we have golf carts!), and much more.

(513) 868-8336 | pyramidhill.org | 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, OH 45013

At Snapology, we understand that children are meant to learn through play. When children are actively engaged in hands-on, interactive learning activities, their creativity flourishes and they show a greater interest in school. Snapology helps your child develop a thirst for knowledge by engaging children ages 3-14 using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and technology. While the kids are having fun, we sneak in the educational concepts. In most cases, kids don’t realize how much they are learning!

(513) 988-7363 | westchestertwp.snapology.com | Various Locations, West Chester Twp, OH 45069

Beat the summer heat at Wonderland Playground! Wonderland Playground was designed for ages 1-8 with several different play areas! A dedicated baby area, a ninja course, slides, tunnels and more! In addition to play areas, Wonderland has a nursing room, a cafe with snacks and beverages and free wi-fi.

(513) 440-6770 | wonderlandplayground.com | 8255 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45255

Start your summer of adventure at Cincinnati Museum Center, a multi-museum complex housed in National Historic Landmark Union Terminal. Home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, the Children's Museum and an OMNIMAX Theater, you can explore a world of dinosaurs, walk the cobblestone streets of 1850s Cincinnati and climb through the treetops or splash in Waterworks all in one trip.

(513) 287-7000 | cincymuseum.org | 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203

Nakama Studio is located in the heart of Batavia, Ohio, and is a space for all ages to learn and grow. A wide variety of unique classes and camps are offered including Art, Pottery, Fiber Arts, Baking, Apothecary, Gardening, Beekeeping, Legos, Yoga with Animals, Holistic Wellness Events, Parties and so much more!

(513) 827-1299 | nakamastudio.org | 600 Kilgore Ave., Batavia, OH 45103

Aullwood Audubon is a 200-acre nature sanctuary and educational farm in Dayton, Ohio. Part of the National Audubon Society, it is nationally recognized for environmental programming that focuses on connecting children of all ages with the wonders of birds, nature, wildlife and bird-friendly farming. Have an adventure at Aullwood today!

(937) 890-7360 | aullwood.audubon.org | 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton, OH 45414

Code Ninjas camps inspire kids in the exciting world of technology. Our camp curriculum helps kids build coding skills and create amazing projects. This location is locally owned/operated by two moms who are passionate about teaching kids how to create with the technology they love!

(513) 878-1338 | codeninjas.com/oh-green-township | 6507 Harrison Ave., Ste. V, Cincinnati, OH 45247

Cincinnati School of Music works with students of all ages and abilities. Beginners are welcome! We offer lessons on piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, violin, drums, woodwinds & more, fostering confidence and creativity in our students. Located in Olde Montgomery, Mason, & Anderson, CSM provides lessons 7 days a week!

(513) 560-9175 | cincinnatischoolofmusic.com | 9865 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242

There’s fun for the whole family at Cincinnati Nature Center! Spend the day hiking our award-winning trails or enjoy time in the Nature PlayScape, where natural features are designed for open-ended, hands-on creative play. Summer is a great time to visit, so plan your trip today at CincyNature.org!

(513) 831-1711 | CincyNature.org | 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150

NOT ALL ICE CREAM IS CREATED EQUAL. One bite and you’ll agree—Ritter’s frozen custard is simply the creamiest, best-tasting ice cream ever to cross your palate. Ritter’s is made fresh all day, every day, using the highest-quality dairy ingredients. Also available - dairy-free superb Italian Ice !

(937) 320-0772 | ritters.com/location.php?id=26 | 2531 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45434

Five Rivers MetroParks manages 18 clean, safe parks and the 2nd Street Market, which are free to use and open year-round, in the Dayton area. MetroParks provides programs for families such as Conservation Kids, and many MetroParks include family-friendly amenities, such as nature play areas. Visit metroparks.org/outdoor-play

(937) 275-7275 | metroparks.org | Multiple Locations

The Cincinnati Pops presents Red, White & BOOM! at Riverbend Music Center on Monday, July 4th. Gather the family and celebrate Independence Day with a showcase of patriotic favorites inspired by the beauty of this land and its peoples, plus post-concert fireworks! Free lawn tickets for kids 17 and under.

(513) 381-3300 | cincinnatisymphony.org | 6295 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230

Sing, dance, play and JAM with us this summer! From babies to “big kids,” find the perfect indoor or outdoor class for your family to enjoy a safe, fun music-making experience. Enrolled families also receive a songbook and code to download our award-winning music through the Hello Everybody app. Join us for our week-long Rhythm Kids Summer Camp for our “big kids” (ages 4-8) the week of June 19-23, or one of several weekly class options offered throughout July for children 0-8 years old (and the grownups who love them!)

(614) 499-4133 | musictogetherofsouthdayton.com | Locations in Beavercreek, Centerville & Oakwood, OH

With regular and special trains running April-December, you're sure to find the perfect opportunity to visit our railroad with family and friends. Summer excursions include the Valley Flyer, Whitewater Limited, Wild West Special, Civil War Special and the Labor Day Valley Flyer.

(765) 825-2054 | whitewatervalleyrr.org | 455 Market St. Connersville, IN

Art in the City is the cultural family event of the summer – and you’re invited! A celebration of the best artistic talent in Dayton, Art in the City will showcase more than 300 amateur and professional local artists. Backed by all of Dayton’s finest community arts organizations, this free event will bring art out of its stereotypical locations and make it fun and accessible to all. You’ll find demonstrations on sidewalks, live performances in public parks, and art of all kinds in non-traditional locations across downtown Dayton. Interactive stations and participatory art making is at the heart of the event, making it perfect for art lovers of all ages.

(937) 224-1518 | downtowndayton.org | Downtown Dayton, OH

Gather family and friends for an evening of food, activities, art and the sounds of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in a neighborhood near you! Join us at our Brady Block Parties, free outdoor concerts taking place across Greater Cincinnati including the West End, Downtown, Price Hill, Evanston and Bond Hill.

(513) 381-3300 | cincinnatisymphony.org | Multiple locations

The LM&M Railroad offers historic train rides in Warren County Ohio departing from Historic downtown Lebanon. Passengers ride in vintage passenger cars behind a historic diesel locomotive. The LM&M Railroad offers the only family friendly train ride experience in Southwest Ohio.

(513) 933-8022 | lebanonrr.com | 16 E South St., Lebanon, OH 45036

Heritage Village Museum brings history alive! Take a tour and explore our thirteen historic buildings from the 1800’s. Meet reenactors in historical clothing during our immersive summer events such as Marching Through Time, History Alive Days, or Free Days. Enjoy fun, interactive experiences including Escape the Village Escape Rooms, Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours, Period Dinners, Summer Camps, and Vintage Base Ball. Travel back in time this summer with a visit to Heritage Village Museum!

(513) 563-9484 | heritagevillagecincinnati.org | 11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241

Don't miss the fun at EnterTRAINment Junction this summer! Buy both our world class attractions for one low price ! Our Do-It-All ticket includes The World's Largest Indoor Train Display, our 5000 sq. ft. Kid's Play Area, The American Railroading Museum, The World's Most Complete Collection of Marbles, and Rock Star Neil Young's touring train display. Plus, the A-Maze-N FunHouse with the region’s largest mirror maze, spinning vortex tunnel, the hilarious tilt room, the astonishing Ames Room, a claustrophobia hallway and more!! Check out our website for special promotions & other deals! And you can save $2.00 per person when you buy our Do-It-All online!

(513) 898-8000 | entertrainmentjunction.com | 7379 Squire Ct, West Chester Township, OH 45069

Bring your family to Greene County Parks & Trails for all kinds of summer fun! Concerts, car shows, crafts, and more – we have a little bit of something for people of all ages and interests in the family to enjoy! Thousands of acres. Miles of trails. It all belongs to you, right here in your own backyard!

(937) 562-6440 | gcparkstrails.com | 635 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Xenia, OH 45385