Where to Pick Blueberries in Rhode Island: A Guide for Homeschool Families
Updated: Jul 21
Pick blueberries across Rhode Island and turn your visit into a learning adventure with hands-on activities and educational ideas for homeschool families
A bucket, a blueberry bush, and a curious child are the three things required for a blueberry-picking adventure in Rhode Island, but homeschooling families may need a few more things. That's where this guide comes in. With places to pick and plenty of ideas for what to do once you get home, blueberry season becomes more than a summer adventure — it becomes part of the curriculum.
Where to Pick Blueberries in Rhode Island
Late July and early August are prime blueberry-picking weeks across Rhode Island, but check with each farm for availability before visiting.
320 Shermantown Rd., Saunderstown, RI 02874 | (401) 295-7669
Family-owned since 1888, Smith's Berry Farm offers pick-your-own blueberries and a chance to experience a piece of Rhode Island farming history — ask the farmers about the farm's history while you're there and turn your visit into a history lesson, too.
130 Rocky Point Ave., Warwick, RI 02889 | (401) 378-2684
A small, family-friendly farm with picnic tables and charming touches of blue throughout the property, plus roadside parking, water available on-site, and the beach nearby if you'd like to turn your blueberry adventure into a full-day outing.
91B Brown Ave., Johnston, RI 02919 | (401) 949-3657
Enjoy a peaceful morning in the blueberry fields, then visit the farm's website for recipes that can turn your harvest into a hands-on cooking lesson.
915 Mitchell's Ln., Middletown, RI 02842 | (401) 847-3912
Beyond the blueberry fields, families can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the farm's on-site café, making it an easy place to spend a leisurely morning.
387 Saw Mill Rd., North Scituate, RI 02857 | (401) 934-0741
Family-run and dedicated to blueberries, Harmony Farms grows 15 different blueberry varieties, giving families the chance to compare flavors, sizes, and colors while they pick.
Beyond the Bucket: Take Learning Along for the Ride
The best part about blueberry picking is that the learning comes naturally. Toss a few simple supplies in your bag before you leave the house and turn your outing into a day of reading, writing, art, science, history, math, and sensory play, then bring your harvest home for a delicious cooking lesson.
Reading
Bring a copy of "Blueberries for Sal" and a clipboard with a simple compare-and-contrast page. Read the story before or after picking and compare Sal's adventure to your own.
Writing
Bring a journal — or a Polaroid camera for younger learners — and record observations from the day. What did you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? After your visit, write a review of the farm and share it online.
Art
Pack a small sketchbook, canvas, or watercolor set and spend a few minutes capturing the blueberry bushes, farm stand, or scenery around you. Not an artist? Take photos and create your masterpiece at home.
Science
Pack a magnifying glass and become a blueberry detective. Compare ripe and unripe berries, examine the different shades of blue, count how many berries grow in a cluster, sketch the parts of a blueberry plant, and investigate how blueberries change as they ripen from green to pink to deep blue.
History
Many Rhode Island farms have been family-owned for generations. Ask about the farm's history and explore how farming practices have changed over time.
Math
Before checking out, have your child guess how much the blueberries weigh and what they'll cost. Then compare their estimate to the actual total. If you're paying with cash, let them count the money and complete the transaction.
Sensory Play
Bring a zip-top bag, some white paper and use a handful of blueberries to create some art. Let children mash the berries and use the juice to create blueberry finger paint.
Cooking
Before heading to the farm, let your child choose a blueberry recipe. Then pick enough berries to make it together when you get home. Whether it's muffins, pancakes, jam, or a crisp, children can practice measuring, mixing, reading directions, and serving the finished treat to the family.
A bucket of blueberries may not look like a lesson plan, but homeschooling families know better. So grab a bucket, pack a clipboard and a few simple supplies, and make the most of blueberry season while it lasts. The berries will be gone before you know it, but the memories — and whatever you create with your harvest at home — will stick around a little longer (hopefully).
About the Author
M.J. Mercure is the founder and editor of Happy Homeschool RI, a publication connecting Rhode Island homeschooling families with local events, educational opportunities, and hands-on learning adventures. Subscribe to Happy Homeschool RI for weekly field trip ideas, local events, and homeschool resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Have an event or opportunity to share? Email happyhomeschoolmedia@gmail.com
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