Pumpkin Picking on the North Fork with Kids
(Petite North Fork photo)
I know, I know, it’s only been fall for 24 hours, but we’re already fully leaning into the season with a personal calendar full of fall festivities and fun. Although our family won’t be picking pumpkins until October officially arrives, plenty of families are already heading to North Fork farms, ready to find the perfect pumpkins. Here are our 10 favorite farms and farm stands to pick pumpkins on the North Fork, all of which are Petite-approved.
38030 Main Rd., Peconic; current hours: daily, 10 AM to 6 PM.
This multi-generational Peconic farm is known for its exceptional offerings of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes. Spend the day picking pumpkins, enjoying a hay ride, finding your way through the corn maze, and strolling through the haunted barn, if you dare!
Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck; current hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays and Sundays
Harbes Farms Jamesport, 1223 Main Rd., Jamesport; current hours: 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays and Sundays
Harbes Orchard, 5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead; current hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays and Sundays
With three properties each offering a different experience, Harbes Farms has a farm option for every liking. Along with U-pick pumpkins offered at each location, you and your crew can also pick apples at Harbes Orchard, wind through sunflower and corn mazes at Harbes Farms in Jamesport, or spend hours at Barnyard Adventure at Harbes Family Farm after picking on-the-vine pumpkins at two picking patches.
270 West Lane, Riverhead; current hours: 12 to 5 PM Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Saturdays and Sundays, and Columbus Day Monday
Our pick for off-the-beaten-path, Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm features a plentiful crop of pumpkins in addition to hay rides, a corn maze, snacks and sweets, a picnic area, harvest decor, plenty of seasonally decorated spots for photo ops, and new this year, pumpkin decorating in the greenhouse by North Fork Imagination & Co. (weekends only.)
There is no charge for admission.
Shamrock Tree and Pumpkin Farm
20685 Main Rd., Mattituck; current hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturdays and Sundays
With U-pick pumpkins on the vine and a giant, brand-new evergreen maze featuring spooky surprises hidden throughout, this pumpkin (and tree!) farm sounds promising!
4560 Sound Ave., Riverhead; current hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 AM to 6 PM; 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays and Sundays; closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Few things are better than spots that cater to children and adults alike. Lucky for us, Waterdrinker North Fork checks those boxes with pumpkin picking, kids’ play areas, mini golf, animals, and a whole lot more for kids, plus Long Island Farm Brewery beer garden and live music for adults to enjoy. Visit the farm’s website for specific details on offerings.
812 Sound Ave., Calverton; current hours: daily, 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Tuesdays
Fall is in full swing at the U-pick farm of all U-pick farms. Spend a day in the farm fields picking pumpkins, apples, and select vegetables. Then, meander the corn maze with the whole family. Adults can enjoy pumpkin beer while kids nosh on roasted corn and potatoes.
1038 Sound Ave., Calverton; current hours: daily 9 AM - 5 PM; closes at 4 PM on Sundays
Fine, this farm may not have u-pick fields to romp through, BUT they do have the North Fork famous Annual Pumpkin Rainbow that you won’t want to miss. Stop by this lovely farm stand to snap photos of your fam next to the most colorful display of pumpkins you’ve ever seen. Also, whatever you do, do not sleep on their corn—it’s actually the best.
988 Doctors Path, Riverhead; current hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturdays and Sundays
This small family farm features all the fall classics: U-pick pumpkins on the vine, sunflowers, corn and hay mazes, barrel rides, and more. And, if you’re looking for a pumpkin patch to take your favorite pup, this is the spot—Holzman’s is dog-friendly, too!
Meeting House Creek Rd., Aquebogue; current hours: daily, dawn until dusk
If you haven’t visited Hubbard’s Farm Stand, now is the time! There, you’ll not only find homegrown produce but also the cutest pumpkin house you’ve ever seen! Take photos and enjoy this sweet spot that’s off the main drag.
3355 Sound Ave., Riverhead; current hours: daily 9 AM - 6 PM; closes at 5 PM on Sundays
I’m a huge fan of places that allow me to multitask without having to get back in my car and schlep the kids to the next place. This farm stand is a go-to spot not only for their produce and provisions, but also because you can apple and pumpkin pick (on Saturdays and Sundays), and hit up the corn maze too while you’re there. And don’t forget about their roasted corn and baked potatoes. Win, win.