The North Fork Trail spotlights our favorite farm stands

Fall is here, and North Fork farm stands are overflowing with harvest season produce. While each farm stand is special in its own right, there are some that stand out more than others when it comes to going to a farm stand with kids. From swing sets to still-warm doughnuts to a rainbow pumpkin display, here are our top 10 favorite farm stands across the North Fork, perfect for kids from tiny to teen.

The North Fork Trail is made possible by Gaby Diaslongon of Cultural Care Au Pair — supporting families through cultural exchange.

1. Andrews Family Farm

   1038 Sound Ave., Calverton; current hours: daily 9 AM - 5 PM; closes at 4 PM on Sundays

   Want to win major points with your tween/teen? Bring them to Andrews Family Farm for the coolest pumpkin rainbow display they’ll ever see. Browse pumpkins and gourds in every hue and let them pick their fav. Grab flowers and produce for yourself, too! 

2. Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm
   2287 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow; current hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM - 6 PM
   Stop by this western farm stand when heading back to the North Fork. Nosh on sweet treats like ice cream sundaes with the farm’s own fruit, then let the kids play on the giant climbing structures.

3. Schmitt’s Farm Stand on Sound
   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.

4. Goodale Farms
   250 Main Rd., Riverhead; current hours: daily 7 AM - 7 PM
   Whether you’re looking to snuggle the goats or pet the farm’s cow, Goodale Farms is the farm stand to visit if you’re looking for a quick farm animal fill. 

5. Golden Acres Organic Farm
   652 Peconic Bay Blvd., Jamesport; current hours: daily 10 AM - 4 PM
   Not only does this farm grow some of the most beautiful produce I’ve ever seen, but they also have a rock pit complete with trucks, a grassy stretch to run, and cafe tables on the patio, making this farm one of our favorite spots to linger.

6. Hallock’s Cider Mill
   1960 Main Rd., Laurel; current hours: daily 9 AM - 5 PM
   Their sweet treats alone make this Laurel landmark worth the visit, but surprising the kids with a visit to the gnome tree, located along the eastern side of the driveway, is always a delight.

7. Patty’s Berries and Bunches
   410 Sound Ave., Mattituck; current hours: daily 9 AM - 6 PM
   Though U-pick berry season is winding down, Patty’s Berries and Bunches offers something fun and different: pumpkin and flower field walks. Flowers are also offered for U-pick at $2/stem. Don’t forget to take a swing (and a ton of photos) on the wooden rope swing before you head out.

8. Wickham’s Fruit Farm
   28700 Main Rd., Cutchogue; current hours: daily 9 AM - 5 PM, closed on Sundays
   A season full of U-picks (currently, nearly nine apple varieties!) and Saturday wagon rides is reason enough to visit this historic farm, but it is also our family’s favorite spot for doughnuts. Grab a bag of mixed—plain, cinnamon sugar, and apple cider—sometimes still warm from the fryer. The rest of the farm’s homemade baked goods are equally to die for.

9. 8 Hands Farm
   4735 Cox Ln., Cutchogue; current hours Thursday through Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM
   Breakfast, lunch, dinner-to-go, and farm animals?! This farm stand checks all the boxes. Kids will inhale a mini loaf of banana bread while you indulge in casual, yet elevated items all made with farm-grown and raised ingredients. Then, swing by the barn for a peek at the farm’s sheep, pigs, chickens, and goats.

10. Sang Lee Farms
    25180 County Rd. 48, Peconic; current hours: daily 9 AM - 5 PM
    I’m not saying you should catfish your kids, but I’m not not saying it either. You could tell them you’re taking them to the playground, and it would only be a half-lie since there is a swing set on the Sang Lee Farms property. As I like to say, “Come for the produce, stay for the swing set.”