Where To Go Pumpkin Picking Near NYC

LONG ISLAND, NY — Fall has arrived, along with crisp weather, warm sweaters, cool nights, Halloween festivities — and pumpkin picking, a beloved annual tradition for countless families.

Patch has compiled a list of don't-miss places within reach of New York City where you can pick pumpkins, as well as enjoy fall festivals, hayrides, mazes, roasted corn, cider and more.

Queens County Farm Museum

Right in the heart of the city, this working farm dates back to 1697, making it the oldest continuously-running one in the state. It's now owned by the New York City Department of Parks and gives free access for visitors wanting to experience agrarian life right in the middle of Floral Park. You can even get there by public transport.

The pumpkin patch is open on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 6 until 27, between 11 and 4:30 p.m.

In western Long Island, try:

Benner's Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road in East Setauket.

• Benner's is open for pumpkin picking weekends beginning Oct. 6 and 7. Entertainment and rides are also available as well as a Harvest Festival Oct. 20 and 21.
• The farm also features a hayride.

Brightwaters Farms, 1624 Manatuck Boulevard in Bay Shore.

• Brightwaters Farms holds its Fall Harvest from Saturday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The farm is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Elwood Pumpkin Farm, 1500 E. Jericho Turnpike in Huntington.

• Elwood Pumpkin Farm is open for pumpkin picking from Sept. 22 through end of October. They are open Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featured are pumpkin picking off the vine, hayride and a child corn maze.

Glover Farms, 633 Victory Ave. in Brookhaven.

• Glover Farms is open for pumpkin picking beginning Sept. 29 through the end of October from 2 to 6 p.m. on weekdays; Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm also features a corn maze.

Schmitt's Family Farm, 26 Pinelawn Road, Melville.

• Schmitt's Family farm is open every day starting Sept. 29 to Oct. 28 for its Annual Fall Festival. Hayrides, farm animals, pony rides and a daytime corn maze, this year themed "Zombies," a Children's Haunted Mansion Walk Through, and an Nighttime Adult Haunted House are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with pumpkin picking daily.

White Post Farms

• 250 Old Country Road in Melville.
• Celebrating its Annual Fall Festival from Sept. 22 to Oct. 28, White Post Farms is open on Saturdays and Sundays and on Columbus Day. Admission gates are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but guests can stay until 6 p.m. Admission includes entertainment and games. The farm also features shows, pony rides, hayrides, and The White Post Animal Farm.

And if you want to head north of the city, try these:

Rockland

Dr. Davies Farm, 306 Route 304, Congers, 845 268-7020

Enjoy a scenic trailer ride to the Pumpkin Patch, hayrides and more.

The Orchards of Concklin, 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona, 845 354-0369

• Choose from thousands of pumpkins in a field full of brilliant sunflowers. The barn store offers a selection of painted pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, scarecrows, straw and fall decorating staple. The orchards offer a variety of pumpkins, plus fresh-pressed apple cider, an array of vegetables and farm fresh eggs. The bakery sells delicious pies, cookies, and pastries.

Westchester
Outhouse Orchards, 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, 914 277-3188

• The orchards offer a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds and Halloween decorations to inspire the fall spirit. There's a corn maze and hayrides.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, 914 245-5111

• The farm is open daily from August until mid-December. You can pick pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for freshly baked cookies, pies, cider doughnuts, strudel sticks and gift items.

Stuart's Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, 914 245-2784

• The 200-acre family-owned farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins, apples and vegetables. On weekends you can take a hayride through the orchards and end the visit by sampling a freshly baked pie or doughnut.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, 914 485-1210

• The farm is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6p.m. While you can't pick pumpkins off the vine at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, they do offer a wide variety of regular and obscure varieties. The annual fall festival, which runs weekends through the month, features hayrides, apple cannons, bouncy castles and bungee trampolines.

With reporting by Lisa Finn/Patch

Patch photo courtesy Wickham's Fruit Farm.