***The 2024 Strawberry Picking Season has concluded.***
Is it even summer until Thompson Farm announces it’s officially open for strawberry picking?
Now Open!
A fun family adventure, strawberry picking at Thompson Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin draws visitors from near and far. It's an experience that will leave you with memories of fresh air, sticky fingers, and yummy fun. This 7th-generation family-owned farm has served the Kenosha community for many years. Open early June through early July for strawberry picking, it’s the perfect family tradition to kick off summer.
Make the most of your strawberry U-pick experience with these six tips!
- Plan ahead. Check the website’s “Daily Updates” for important updates or changes before you head to Thompson Farm. Entrance fees can be paid with cash, card, or Apple Pay: $5 per car on weekdays and $12 on weekends (Saturday or Sunday). Each 4-quart U-pick basket of strawberries is $18, and if you pick 5 baskets, the 6th one is free.
- Beat the heat. Strawberry fields forever make for the perfect summer photo op, but all that sunshine also means sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothing are essential to stay cool.
- Arrive early! Avoid the crowds (and the heat) by arriving early in the day. Plus, you’ll get the best pick of the berries! If you live locally, try visiting on a Thursday or Friday once the berries have had a chance to ripen that week, and you’ll beat the weekend crowds.
- Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. It’s nearly impossible not to get strawberry juice on your shoes and hands (and face, especially when snacking on them in the field—which is totally safe to do, by the way).
- Pick properly. Did you know there’s a proper way to pick strawberries? Yep—and doing so will help them last longer. Look for firm, fully red berries under the leaves and along the edges of the rows. Grab the stem just above the berry between your fingers and pull with a slight twisting motion, keeping the cap on.
- Save your berry baskets to use next year. After bringing your berries home, keep your baskets somewhere to reuse next year. You’ll reduce your waste and enjoy a small discount next year, too.
Other important things every parent needs to know:
- Porta potties are spread out along the field for the inevitable bathroom break.
- Entered meltdown mode, or your kids are suddenly over it? Don’t worry—you can also buy a pre-picked 4-quart basket of strawberries for $26.
- Check out these tips on how to store your berries once you get home, such as: don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them!
Plan your visit now!
Thompson Farm's strawberry picking is open now through early July from 8am–6pm on weekdays and 8am–4pm Saturday through Sunday. Note: Hours on Juneteenth and 4th of July: 8:00am-4:00pm.
The entrance is located at 6521 156th Avenue in Bristol – just look for their new entrance sign off 156th Avenue (Hwy MB) along the fields. This is just a bit west of Interstate 94.
Contact Info:
(262) 857-2353
Enjoy your fun family adventure at Thompson Farm!
