Pumpkin picking in the fall is the equivalent of a summer beach day. It’s family-friendly, quintessential and evokes nostalgia. Remember those times, walking hand-in-hand with a friend or sibling through a local patch to find that perfect pumpkin? Take a stroll down memory lane while finding this year’s doorstep decor during an afternoon of Long Island pumpkin picking.
Harbes Family Farm, Mattituck
This farm, started by high school sweethearts Ed and Monica Harbes nearly four decades ago, offers something for kids from 1 to 92. There’s a vineyard for adults, corn mazes for the kids and pumpkins, apples and apple cider doughnuts for all. Address: 715 Sound Ave. Click to visit
Gabrielsen’s Country Farm, Jamesport
When this place says its family-friendly, they include furbabies. Dogs are welcome to help pick pumpkins and, parents permitting, indulge in doughnuts. Fido will have to stay off the bounce houses and train rides—but that’s likely for the best. Phone: 631-722-3259 | Address: 200 Herricks Ln. Click to visit
Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm, Aquebogue
This scenic spot’s green fields are full of orange come October. Guests can walk around with wagons and wheel barrels and pluck pumpkins straight from the vines. There are also hayrides, a flower horse and corn maze. Like Gabrielsen’s, dogs are welcome to come along this Long Island pumpkin picking adventure. Address: 270 West Ave. Click to visit
Fairview Farm at Mecox, Bridgehampton
In addition to pumpkin picking, Fairview Farm invites guests to navigate through a corn maze with stalks as high as 10 feet tall. The two bridges allow for Instagram-worthy views of the surrounding farmland. Pro tip: Ask for one of Meredith’s Famous Pies a few days before coming. Rumor has it they’re fresh baked and delicious. Phone: 631-537-6154 | Address: 19 Horsemill Lane Click to visit
Hank’s Pumpkintown, Water Mill
Perhaps the granddaddy of them all, Hank’s Pumpkintown is home to a sea of orange during harvest season. Visitors can pick pumpkins off the vine or walk through a large corn maze. There are also opportunities to milk cows and ride ponies. Phone: 631-726-4667 | Address: 240 Montauk Hwy. Click to visit
F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm, Melville
Schmitt’s Family Farm has always had convenience on its side. Located in Melville, it offers a way for city dwellers and Nassau and Suffolk residents to get rural vibes without having to brave single-lane traffic on the Forks. But there’s plenty to dig into here—think free hayrides, pony rides, farm animals and of course, plenty of pumpkins for picking. Phone: 631-271-3279 | Address: 26 Pine Lawn Rd. Click to visit
Borella’s Farm Stand, St. James
Tucked away in St. James, Borella’s Farm Stand hosts a fall festival each October, allowing pumpkin pickers to scour the fields every Saturday and Sunday in search of the perfect one. It also has quintessential fall fare like sweet corn, candied apples and apple cider. Phone: 631-862-7330 | Address: 485 Edgewood Ave. Click to visit
Benner’s Farm, East Setauket
Seven families have farmed this 15-acre homestead since the 1700s. Countless have descended on it for fresh produce and flowers and pumpkins. On Oct. 22, Benner’s Farm will host its annual Harvest Fair, a day full of live music, hayrides, pumpkin picking and cider making. Phone: 631-689-8172 | Address: 56 Gnarled Hollow Rd. Click to visit
Fink’s Country Farm, Wading River
Forget picking pumpkins—sling ‘em! Fink’s Country Farm allows guests to launch pumpkins in a slingshot. Those who prefer to keep them in tact can pick from the vine. Hourly pig races, an animal farm and roasted corn are also for the taking.Phone: 631-886-2272 | Address: 6242 Middle Country Rd. Click to visit
May’s Farm Stand, Wading River
Known for its juicy, gigantic heirloom tomatoes, May’s packs a punch come pumpkin season too. The gourds are everywhere on the farm each October. Seasonal offerings at the stand include a buttered ear of corn, cold apple cider and mums made for brightening dark fall days. Address: 6361 Rt. 25A Click to visit
Brightwaters Farms, Bay Shore
Bay Shore has become famous for its burgeoning Main Street dining scene in recent years but Brightwaters Farms offers a taste of farm life. A red-roofed wooden barn surrounded by colorful flowers greets guests as they arrive and the pumpkin patch is green and orange as far as the eye can see. For added home decor, consider picking up some fresh flowers. Phone: 631-665-5411 | Address: 1624 Manatuck Blvd. Click to visit
Woodside Nursery & Garden Center, Patchogue
An unexpected gem just off Rt. 112, this 5-acre spot turns into a mecca for fall fun. Indulge in roasted corn, engage in Long Island pumpkin picking and dare to enter the haunted tunnel. Phone: 631-785-1491 | Address: 134 Wood Ave. Click to visit