Fresh, Local, and Fun: Why U-Pick Farms Are a Must in Coeur d’Alene and Beyond
- Briana Pearson
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity in North Idaho? U-pick farms are a must-do! If you’ve never experienced picking your own fresh fruit or vegetables, you’re in for a real treat. Visiting a U-pick farm is not only a hands-on way to support local farmers, but it also teaches kids where their food comes from—and the taste of freshly picked produce is unbeatable. Plus, the whole experience is incredibly enjoyable (and in my opinion, therapeutic!).
Know Before You Go: U-Pick Hours & Tips
U-pick fruit and vegetable picking hours change daily based on crop availability and demand. The more people who come out and pick, the more time farmers need to let the next batch of fruit ripen before reopening. Be sure to check the farm’s website, Facebook page, or Instagram before heading out to ensure they’re open for the day.
Tips for Visiting U-Pick Farms with Kids
As someone who visits U-pick farms in North Idaho weekly with two toddlers, we’ve learned a few things that might help your visit go smoother:
Bring a stroller or wagon – Not just for tired kids, but to haul your freshly picked berries, apples, or vegetables. Most family farms are stroller- and wagon-friendly.
Plan for sun – Most pick-your-own farms have little to no shade. Pack a sun hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated.
Watch how much your kids eat while picking – It’s generally okay to snack on a few blueberries or strawberries while you pick, but little tummies can fill fast (and
ache later). I usually add a few extra dollars at checkout to cover what was eaten along the way.
Turn it into a game – When the kids start to lose steam, make picking fun with simple games or challenges.
Give your kids their own bucket – This helps them feel included and cuts down on “partially eaten” fruit ending up in your take-home container. Most U-pick farms provide buckets, but bringing your own doesn’t hurt!
Strawberries are low work but high effort – Of all the fruits we’ve picked, strawberries are the toughest. They're low to the ground, so prepare to crouch or crawl. Other produce like raspberries, cherries, or apples are usually easier to reach at eye level.
Explore the Best U-Pick Farms in North Idaho
Whether you're picking organic strawberries, sweet cherries, juicy blueberries, fresh apples, or crisp vegetables, U-pick farms in Coeur d'Alene and surrounding North Idaho areas offer the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and local food education. It’s one of our favorite seasonal activities for kids—and the photos, memories, and delicious rewards are always worth it!
Berry Blossom Farms | Rathdrum, ID | berryblossomfarms.com
Picking: Strawberries, blueberries
Payment accepted: Cash or Venmo
This family owned farm is our favorite. We go weekly during picking season since it's so close to our house.
The best way to know when their picking hours are open is follow them on Instagram.
They have TONS of blueberry varieties and bushes and strawberries.
Shingle Mill Farms | Sandpoint, ID | facebook.com/omodts
Picking: Blueberries
Payment accepted: Cash or check
Tons of varieties of blueberries at this farm. Our favorite when in Sandpoint. SO MANY BLUEBERRY BUSHES!
Red Canoe Farms | Hauser, ID | redcanoefarms.com
Picking: Blueberries
Payment accepted: Cash or card
This is one of our favorite blueberry farms in town. They also do a weekly story time at the farm-SO FUN!
Green Bluff Growers | Mead, WA | greenbluffgrowers.com
Picking: Anything you can imagine! Blueberries, apricots, peaches, flowers, strawberries, apples, cherries, tomatoes, & more!
Payment accepted: Varies by farm. Most take card.
Green Bluff is a destination in itself. You could easily spend half a day out there and come home with a variety of produce and a full belly. With about 30 farms and an easy loop map, you can easily farm hop your day away.
Green Bluff always has fun live music and events going on, local wineries, Christmas trees in the winter and pumpkins in the fall. Great wedding venues too, speaking from experience. My sister got married at Belles on the Bluff. GORGEOUS.
Our favorite farms for u-pick: Walters (play area & tractor ride!), Becks (farm store), Big Barn Brewing Co. (has a playground!)
Blooming Fields Farm | Athol, ID | bloomingfieldslavender.com
Picking: Lavender
Located right off highway 95, this lavender farm does tours and u-pick (July only). RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR U-PICK!
Berry & Nut Farm | Rathdrum, ID | berrynutfarm.com
Picking: Blueberries
They have a great roadside stand with plants, nuts, jams, and REALLY good apple pie filling and apple sauce.
Elk Ridge Naturals | Clark Fork, ID | elkridgenaturals.com
Picking: strawberries
This farm has u-pick strawberries, but they sell pre-picked garlic and veggies as well.
This farm is on our list-we have yet to make it there, so we have no personal experience to share, YET!
Piper Farms | Spokane, WA | facebook.com/piperfarms
Picking: Blueberries
This farm is on our list-we have yet to make it there, so we have no personal experience to share, YET!
Cowcreek Blueberry Farm | Bonners Ferry, ID | (208) 255-5745
Picking: Blueberries
This farm is on our list-we have yet to make it there, so we have no personal experience to share, YET!
Riley Creek Farm | Laclede, ID | facebook.com/rileycreekfarms
Picking: Blueberries
This farm is on our list-we have yet to make it there, so we have no personal experience to share, YET!
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