Looking for a family outing that gets everyone away from their screens and out into the fresh air? Gauteng has several farms where a day outdoors can involve picking strawberries, gathering fresh produce, wandering through flower fields or learning how food is grown.
These experiences offer something a little different from the usual weekend activities. Children can get a better understanding of where their food comes from, families can enjoy time in the countryside, and there’s the added bonus of taking home something freshly picked.
Some of these farms focus on organic and regenerative agriculture, while others open their growing fields to visitors during particular seasons. From berry picking in Muldersdrift to flower harvesting in Benoni, here are seven farms in Gauteng worth adding to your family outing list.
1. The Cradle Berry Farm, Muldersdrift
Strawberry picking is one of those simple activities that can turn an ordinary weekend into something memorable. At The Cradle Berry Farm in Muldersdrift, visitors can head into the fields to pick and enjoy fresh strawberries straight from the plants.
The farm grows its strawberries without herbicides or pesticides, making it an appealing option for families interested in more natural farming practices. Visitors can pick and eat strawberries while walking through the fields, with the option of purchasing additional fruit to take home.
There is also a children’s outdoor play area and space for families to enjoy a picnic. Visitors can bring their own food or order something from the farm’s food offering.
The strawberry season generally runs from September to December, depending on growing conditions and the harvest. This makes spring and early summer particularly good times to plan a visit.
Good to know: The farm is situated on Kromdraai Road in Muldersdrift. Check its website for current picking dates, admission arrangements and availability before visiting.
Website: https://thecradleberryfarm.co.za/
2. Tangaroa Strawberry Farm, Skeerpoort
Another destination for strawberry lovers is Tangaroa Strawberry Farm near Hartbeespoort Dam.
This organically grown farm offers visitors the opportunity to pick strawberries straight from the fields during the season. Its approach to growing without herbicides and pesticides also means that the farm shares its growing environment with birds, insects and other small creatures.
But strawberries aren’t the only reason to visit. Tangaroa also grows seasonal flowers, including sweet peas, poppies and sunflowers, which visitors can pick when available.
Families can bring along a picnic basket, cushions and a blanket to enjoy the designated picnic areas. There are shaded spots where visitors can settle in after spending time in the fields, making it a lovely option for a slower-paced day outdoors.
The farm’s growing calendar changes throughout the year, so there is something different to look forward to depending on when you visit. Sunflowers are generally expected from November, although flowering depends on the weather.
Good to know: Tangaroa is situated on the R560 in Skeerpoort. Strawberry and flower picking are seasonal, so check the farm’s website or social media pages for current availability, entrance fees and opening days.
Website: https://www.thestrawberryfarm.co.za/
3. MacFresh Deli & Berry Farm, Benoni
For families on the East Rand, MacFresh Deli & Berry Farm offers an opportunity to pick seasonal fruit without travelling too far out of Johannesburg.
The Benoni farm grows strawberries and blueberries, which visitors can pick themselves when the fruit is ready. Once you’ve finished collecting your berries, they are weighed and charged according to the amount picked.
The experience also offers a chance to learn a little about how berries are grown. The farm uses growing tunnels to help manage its crops and harvest, making it an interesting stop for anyone curious about fruit production.
Visitors can also browse the on-site deli, enjoy a meal at the restaurant or spend some time in the outdoor spaces. There is a children’s play area, while ceramic painting provides another activity for younger visitors.
It’s a good option for a family morning out, particularly during berry season when the fields are ready for picking.
Good to know: MacFresh is situated at 48 Evans Road, Benoni. Picking availability depends on the harvest, so contact the farm before visiting to find out which berries are ready.
Website: https://www.countrykitchenbenoni.co.za/
4. The Field Berry Farm, De Deur
For something a little different, The Field Berry Farm in De Deur offers seasonal raspberry picking alongside opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
The farm’s raspberry season generally runs from January to April. During this time, visitors can pick their own berries and enjoy a day outdoors among the orchards and fields.
There is more to do once the picking is finished, too. The farm has a 5km walking trail, a children’s bicycle track, an outdoor playground and an obstacle course. Families can also enjoy picnics while taking in the scenery.
The Field Berry Farm hosts various seasonal events throughout the year. These have included almond blossom celebrations, sunflower picking and special farm open days, giving visitors reasons to return outside the raspberry season.
Because the farm’s activities depend on the growing season and scheduled events, visitors should check the calendar before making plans. Advance bookings are required for many of its events, and walk-ins are not always accepted.
Good to know: The farm is in De Deur, south of Johannesburg. Raspberry picking generally takes place between January and April, while other activities are announced throughout the year.
Website: https://www.thefieldberryfarm.com/
5. Ganico Organic Estate, Muldersdrift
Families interested in learning more about organic farming can consider a visit to Ganico Organic Estate in Muldersdrift.
The estate is an organic food farm and pomegranate producer with a focus on growing food naturally. Its farming approach avoids pesticides and chemical treatments, while the team is also working to transform its orchard into a biodiverse food forest.
Ganico offers farm tours and workshops designed to help visitors understand where their food comes from and why responsible growing practices matter. Depending on the experience booked, visitors can learn about organic farming, explore the farm and take part in seasonal picking activities.
Its Little Explorers Club has also provided opportunities for younger visitors to learn about nature and food production through hands-on experiences.
Farm tours and workshops need to be booked in advance, and availability varies according to the programme. Private tours are also available for groups.
For families looking for an educational outing that combines time outdoors with an introduction to more sustainable food production, Ganico is worth considering.
Good to know: Ganico Organic Estate is in Muldersdrift. Contact the farm directly for upcoming family workshops, tour dates and seasonal picking opportunities.
Website: https://ganico.co.za/
6. Flower Haven Farm, Benoni
Not every farm outing needs to involve fruit. At Flower Haven Farm in Benoni, visitors can spend time among seasonal blooms and create their own bouquets.
The working cut-flower farm follows a field-to-vase approach, growing flowers that can be harvested and arranged into bouquets. Visitors can walk through the flower beds, choose their favourite blooms and cut their own flowers to take home.
The farm grows a selection of seasonal varieties, with flowers such as snapdragons, sunflowers, garden roses and cosmos featuring in its growing collection.
Flower picking is a seasonal activity, generally taking place between August and April, depending on the weather and growing conditions. The farm usually opens on selected weekends during the season, so it is important to check its latest announcements before visiting.
Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, although visitors are asked to follow the farm’s guidelines and stay within designated areas to protect the growing flowers.
It’s a lovely option for families who enjoy gardening, flowers and spending time outdoors, while also supporting a local flower-growing business.
Good to know: Flower Haven Farm is based at The Shed & Silo, 77 Thomas Road, Norton’s Home Estates, Benoni. Check its website for seasonal opening dates and picking prices.
Website: https://www.flowerhavenfarm.co.za/
7. Big Inja Farming, Midrand
For a farm experience that goes beyond picking fruit, Big Inja Farming in Carlswald, Midrand, offers guided tours focused on regenerative agriculture.
The small farm explores ways of producing food while working with natural systems. Its approach includes living-soil growing methods, water-conscious systems, natural swimming ponds and innovative ways of making better use of resources.
Visitors can book a guided tour to learn more about how the farm operates and the practical methods it uses to reduce waste and work with nature. The experience also introduces visitors to its food-growing systems and the ways different elements of the farm contribute to a regenerative approach.
It’s an especially interesting option for families with older children who want to learn more about sustainable agriculture and how small-scale farms can make better use of their resources.
Tours are available by arrangement, making it important to book ahead rather than simply arriving at the property.
Good to know: Big Inja Farming is situated on Eastbourne Road in Carlswald, Midrand. Contact the farm to arrange a guided visit and confirm the latest tour costs.
Website: https://www.biginja.farm/
Tips for planning a farm outing in Gauteng
Before packing the picnic basket and heading out, there are a few things worth remembering:
- Check seasonal availability: Fruit and flowers are not available throughout the year. Find out what is ready for picking before travelling.
- Book in advance: Some farms offer guided tours and scheduled picking days rather than daily public access.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Fields and orchards can become muddy, particularly after rain. Closed shoes are usually the best option.
- Pack sun protection: Hats, sunscreen and drinking water are useful for spending time outdoors.
- Respect growing areas: Stick to marked paths, follow picking instructions and avoid damaging plants or harvesting produce that isn’t ready.
- Support local growers: Consider purchasing fresh produce, flowers or other farm-made products while visiting.
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