Short of going out and buying your own tractor, a day at the 60-acre Butterhof’s Shady Brook Farm is as about as real a farm experience as you can get. From Mother’s Day to the end of October, you can head into their fields to pick your own berries, tomatoes or pumpkins, depending on what is in season.

Then, after you’ve loaded up your buckets with field-fresh produce, it is time for some fun. Hop on the hay wagons for a ride around the fields or have fun getting lost in the maze. Each year, the Butterhofs cut their maze design into a different theme -- in past years it has taken the shape of a butterfly, baseball mitt, ear of corn and jack-o-lantern -- and search for all the items hidden within for the scavenger hunt.

If you can round up a group of 10 friends, call ahead for one of their evening bonfire parties. You bring the hot dogs and beer, they’ll provide the bonfire, hayrides and flashlights for the maze. And school groups can spend a day on the farm learning about the various crops while also having some fun.

If picking your own isn’t your thing, you can let the professionals do the work. All you have to do is stop by their farm stand for fresh-picked produce or their homemade fresh apple cider. But if you are inspired to do a little growing on your own, their greenhouse is stocked with bedding plants and hanging pots.