The dog days of summer are finally over – it’s October apple and pumpkin time. Foliage seekers may want to schedule road trips to look at the brilliant mosaic of colors adorning the maples and oaks, but for the family, October is the time for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking and hayrides.
New York City’s boroughs have some intriguing farm experiences.
Courtesy Queens Country Farm Museum
The historic Queens Country Farm Museum in Floral Park, Queens offers weekend activities throughout October. The farm, owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, dates back to 1697 and occupies New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland. Plan a visit to go pumpkin picking or navigate a maze, or hop on a hayride. Start your ad venture with a Stalk Talk to prepare you for the challenge of finding clues, solving puzzles and mazing your way to Victory Bridge where the view of the three-acre Amazing Maize Maze is revealed. For even more of a challenge, try the Maze by Moonlight on October 15, 20, 22 or 27 from 6:30pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-9:30pm.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens; 718-347-3276 www.queensfarm.org
Courtesy Decker Farm
An officially designated historic landmark, Decker Farm in Springville, Staten Island is New York City’s oldest continuously working family-style farm. 220 years young, the farm is a joy to visit during October with hayrides for the family that meander past costumed artisans performing 19th-century trades. For those willing to try some new-fangled activities, the farm lets you sign up for three tries of pumpkin chucking. Or take the little ones on a trek through the Children’s Hay Maze, made entirely of hay bales. Everyone can take their newly picked pumpkins to the painting station to decorate, too. Pumpkin picking is available every Saturday and Sunday in October, and on Monday, October 10.
435 Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island, 917-887-0482 https://www.historicrichmondtown.org/deckerfarm
Courtesy Harbes Family Farm
The North Fork of Long Island offers the ultimate family destination with Harbes Family Farm. Just an hour and half from New York City, the Mattituck farm treats you to its beloved Barnyard Adventure area with scenic hayrides, Goat Mountain slides, a super silo obstacle course, jumbo jumper bounce pillows, a gnome-themed hedge maze and playgrounds.. Weekend activities add pig races. After the farm fun, stop at the Mattituck Farmstand for cider donuts and other farm-fresh produce, or at Harbes Vineyard for a wine tasting in their rustic Wine Barn or sit-down service in their scenic courtyard.
715 Sound Ave, Mattituck, NY; 631-298-0800 www.harbesfamilyfarm.com
You can skip the traffic snarls of the North Fork by heading South to the Hamptons on the East End of Long Island.
Courtesy Corwiths Farmstand
At Corwiths Farmstand in Water Mill, you can do the U-pick pumpkin thing and relax for a while the kids slide down the wooden slides, play a game on the giant Connect 4 in the field or climb on the wooden castles and trains. There are also barrel train rides, hayrides, barnyard animal feeding and a racetrack for pedal carts. Still not enough to keep everyone busy? If you’ve had your fill of everything pumpkin and gourd, this is also the place for goat yoga, even more beautiful now against a backdrop of haystacks and pumpkins.
851 Head of Pond Rd, Water Mill, NY www.corwithsfarmstand.com
Courtesy Hank’s Pumpkin Town
Water Mill is also where you’ll find expansive Hank’s PumpkinTown. You’ll know it immediately by the cars parked on either side of the road. It’s open daily and no reservations are required so be prepared for crowds and waits. You’ll find the usual family-friendly activities here: pumpkin picking, corn mazes, wagon rides, train rides, and giant slides for the kids. After all that fun, your reward is Hank’s yummy Fall for Y’All hot apple cider topped with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, and an apple cider donut, served in a take-home souvenir mug. If you prefer to pick your own apples, you can do that on weekends.
249 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY; www.hankspumpkintown.com
Two farms in Morris County, New Jersey offer scenic pick-your-own experiences, a mere 80-minute drive from New York City.
Courtesy Riamede Farm
At New Jersey’s oldest pick-your-own apple orchard, Riamede Farm, you can begin your visit with Storytime at the Farm, the reading of a harvest-related story, followed by apple picking. On October 12 the farm holds its Community Barn Dance where you’ll learn the rudiments of square dancing, accompanied by traditional music. Make it a date evening, and bring a blanket or chairs plus your favorite beverage for a BBQ dinner picnic on the lawn. The farm’s cider donuts make the perfect dessert.
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ; 908-879-5353 www.riamede.com
Courtesy Alstede Farms
A second farm in Chester, Alstede Farms provides a souvenir container with a PYO entry ticket. Each participant must have a ticket which includes the apple picking event plus scenic hay rides around the farm, access to the hay pyramid and the farm’s popular evergreen maze. Book tickets in advance online.
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ; 908-879-7189 www.alstedefarms.com