Steal My North Fork Itinerary for October
A visit to Krupski Farms is a must this month. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
This month, our family is committed to spending as much time as possible outside, enjoying the cool, crisp air that October brings. From nature walks and hikes to thoughtful community events and spooky season happenings, there’s so much to do with kids (mostly outdoors!) on the North Fork in October. Read on to learn the details of our October plans across the North Fork.
Steal My Itinerary is made possible by Lea Mommy Chef. Her custom-made treats, which are equal parts stunning and delicious, are made right here on the North Fork.
Going on a Fall Trail Walk with Group for the East End
Layering up and going on a nature walk is one of our family’s favorite fall activities, so I was pleased to see that Group for the East End is hosting a family-friendly group fall trail walk led by environmental educator Tony Valderrama on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Register here to join, and be sure to check out Group for the East End’s other events planned for this month.
Sampling all of the chowders at the Annual Chowderfest
Just in time for the cool weather to roll in, my kids have both recently begun eating chowder — even ordering it from restaurants when they see it on a menu — so this year’s Annual Chowderfest, hosted by Port Waterfront Bar & Grill in Greenport, is sure to be a big hit with our whole family. There, we’ll sample chowders from local restaurants and vote for our favorites for the People’s Choice Award. Chowderfest is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, at 12 p.m. Tickets cost $30/person in advance or $40 at the door, with all sales benefiting the East End Seaport Museum.
Getting spooky at the Long Island Aquarium Haunted Tree House
Five levels of spooky family-friendly fun await us at The Long Island Aquarium on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Best suited for children ages 3 to 11, the haunted tree house includes unlimited access to five levels of climbing, slides, and mazes. Admission to this Halloween excursion also includes an animal interaction, candy bags, pumpkin decorating, Halloween sand art, and crafts. The cost is $25/person and includes one adult free with a paid child ticket, and walk-ins are welcome. Purchase tickets here. Entrance to the Haunted Tree House is located behind the Hyatt Place Hotel, through Scoops Ice Cream Shop within Treasure Cove Resort Marina.
Creating cool stuff at Art Lab on the Lawn
We’ll be crafting and creating with Artfully Long Island on Sunday, October 26, between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Art Lab on the Lawn at Hotel Moraine — join us! Bring your blankets and chairs and lounge on the lawn while your kids dive into their creations alongside mine. The cost per artist is $15. Reserve a spot for your fam here.
Celebrating Taylor Swift at The Shoppes at East Wind
On Saturday, Oct. 4, this Swiftie fam is headed west to The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River, where we’ll be celebrating all things Taylor Swift. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a live DJ spinning TS’ greatest hits, a live performance by a Taylor Swift impersonator from 12 to 1 p.m., sing-alongs, Swiftie crafts at Bella Anima Parties, pop-up craft vendors, and more. Learn all about this celebration here.
Dancing to Brady Rymer at Peconic Community School’s Annual Harvest Festival
On Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., our petite crew will be at Peconic Community School’s Annual Harvest Festival. There, we’re looking forward to a performance by award-winning musician, Brady Rymer, shopping at a farmers market, getting our faces painted, and food truck nosh. A suggested donation of $30/family will get you into this family-friendly event.
Swapping our clothes with friends and neighbors at the Kids’ Clothing Swap
In the spirit of community and sustainability, Stephanie of Its a Vibe is hosting a free kids’ clothing swap on Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Gardens at Beds & Borders in Laurel. We’ll be there to share our threads and swap with other kiddos. Register here and look out for a news feature on this exciting event coming soon to petitenorthfork.com.
Building our own bouquets at Patty’s Berries and Bunches
At a recent kid-less visit to Patty’s Berries and Bunches in Mattituck, I stumbled upon the most beautiful open-air build-your-own bouquet bar and knew it would be the perfect mother-daughter date for my eight-year-old. The approach is casual and inviting, with stunning stems in every color available for you to create a bouquet at your own pace. $2/stem. Patty’s Berries and Bunches is currently open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Trying our luck at winning an over-the-top raffle basket at Aquebogue PTO’s 33rd Annual Fall Festival
Not all fall festivals are created equal, and Aquebogue PTO can prove that with their totally amazing and over-the-top raffle baskets and prizes, and so much more. This successful yet family-fun benefit supports the Aquebogue PTO and welcomes all to enjoy the day. On Sunday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Aquebogue Elementary School, festival attendees will listen to live music featuring the Real East End Brass band, partake in crafts, fuel up with food trucks, check out local vendors and makers, and of course, try their luck in winning raffles and class baskets that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen!
Picking pumpkins at Krupski Farms
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll find our petite crew picking pumpkins and gourds (the funkier the better!) at fifth-generation family farm, Krupski Farms on Main Road in Peconic. This quintessential North Fork pumpkin farm is our pick for Halloween fun, including pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a haunted barn, and a hay pit. Krupski Farms is currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.