NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. -The Nelson family fillled their baskets with strawberries at Tougas Family Farm on Friday.  It’s an activity they say they feel safe doing.

“I think starting last year we definitely were looking for more outdoor kind of activities that we could space out and not be on top of other people," Cindy Nelson said. "So, last year was the first year we did it."

The kids say they are enjoying it. 

“My real favorite part will be eating them at home," Olivia Nelson said. 

It's the peak of strawberry picking at Tougas Family Farm.

“The season is running early this year," Andre Tougas, Tougas Family Farm owner, said. "We're about a week earlier than we were last year, and the heat that we had this past week has definitely pushed things forward."  

Tougas was able to use a irrigation system to help when Central Massachusetts was in a significant drought. Drought levels are now normal. Tougas says other berries will be early this year too. He say the rain around Memorial Day helped his crops. 

“I think that we're on a wetter track at this point," Tougas said. "So I think that the rest of the crops will be great for this year."

He says the strawberry picking season is expected to end around the last week in June, instead of the first week in July.  As the 90 degree weather breaks, business is picking up at the farm. 

“We were able to operate and we did pick our crops last year, but this year I think people are really itching to get out and being outside on a farm is a perfect activity," Tougas said.