There's been a hint of summer in the air for a bit, and now we're ready to celebrate the season by picking some juicy, sweet, sun-ripened berries straight from the vine, right? As of early June, many strawberry farms are opening for U-pick, and raspberries are next in line, then blueberries later in the summer.

Editor's note: This article was originally published several years ago. To help stop the spread of the coronavirus, farms have instituted many new safety guidelines and procedures, including hand-washing and picking with only your own household. Please check with the individual farm you want to visit and plan accordingly before heading out.

Key tips for a successful berry-picking outing with kids:

Most important: Check farm websites and Facebook pages or call ahead on the day you want to go to make sure U-pick is happening and to confirm times.

on the day you want to go to make sure U-pick is happening and to confirm times. Double-check the farm's website for address and directions, as some map apps don't work as well for more rural locations.

as some map apps don't work as well for more rural locations. Arrive early, as fields can get picked out by noon. If a farm has plenty of U-pick availability, show up in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and direct sun.

If a farm has plenty of U-pick availability, show up in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and direct sun. Keep in mind that fields typically have little shade, so bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks and — for little kids — some alternative toys, such as bubbles.

so bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks and — for little kids — some alternative toys, such as bubbles. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Bring cash or make sure that the farm accepts credit (the bigger farms usually do).

(the bigger farms usually do). Strawberries, because they grow close to the ground, are most physically demanding to pick. Raspberries and blueberries are easier pickin' (at least for grown-ups).

Raspberries and blueberries are easier pickin' (at least for grown-ups). Especially with small kids in tow, keep your picking expectations low. And remember: You can usually buy pre-picked berries at a farm as well, often for only a bit more than U-pick prices.

And remember: You can usually buy pre-picked berries at a farm as well, often for only a bit more than U-pick prices. Boxes or pails are sometimes provided, but check first or bring your own.

Typically, farms don't mind if kids eat as they pick (or as they run around) but double-check. You could also offer to weigh your child before and after picking (kidding).

Use the arrows above the image to find U-pick berry farms around Snohomish and Skagit counties, around the Eastside and around South King County and the South Sound, followed by U-pick blueberry farms in the same areas.