Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms

Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms

Great Country Farms runs their Strawberry Jubilee over two weekends at the end of May, and it's one of those outings where kids just get to be kids outside for a few hours. You pick strawberries straight off the plants (they give you a container), and there's a solid mix of farm activities, wagon rides, a jumping pillow, rope swings, mini golf, and a corn maze. The strawberries are ripe and warm from the sun, which means your kids will eat half of them before they make it into the basket. That's fine.

The farm is out in Bluemont, about an hour from DC, so it's a bit of a drive. But once you're there, kids can run around freely on 75 acres of open farmland with views of the Blue Ridge. They also have live music, a Diaper Derby race for crawlers, and farm contests throughout the day. Admission covers all the activities, strawberry picking is pay-by-the-pound on top of that. Plan to spend two to three hours here.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Go early, like 9am early. The strawberry fields are less picked-over, it's cooler, and parking is closer. By noon it gets crowded and hot.
• ✓Bring sunscreen and hats. The fields have zero shade. Your kids will be out in direct sun while picking, and the farm activities are mostly outdoors too.
• ✓Wear closed-toe shoes you don't care about. The fields can be muddy, and the farm paths are dirt and gravel. Sneakers or rain boots work best.
• ✓Pack a cooler for the car. Strawberries get mushy fast in the heat. A cooler bag keeps them fresh for the drive home. Also bring water, they sell drinks but lines can be long.
• ✓The jumping pillow is the highlight for most kids. It's a giant inflatable mound they bounce on. Expect them to want to stay there for 30+ minutes.
• ✓Strollers work on most paths but not in the strawberry fields themselves. A baby carrier is better if you have a little one and want to pick berries.