A Pumpkin Pickin’ We Shall Go
The fall season is upon us, and with the weather becoming milder, it’s a perfect opportunity to spend an afternoon pumpkin picking. There are many places around Long Island to get fresh pumpkins right off the patch, and a few of them are right in Nassau County.
Not only are these locations convenient to visit and fun for everyone, but their pumpkins provide only half the fun. Each of these spots brings something unique to the table, from fresh fall eats to petting zoos to corn mazes and more. Stop by any of these places in the coming weeks for a full fall experience.
The Dees’ Nursery & Florist
Saturdays and Sundays in October 2017
69 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside • 516-678-3535 • www.deesnursery.com
Every weekend in October, the Dees’ Nursery & Florist in Oceanside will host pumpkin picking from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who attend will be able to enjoy a full afternoon of picking their own pumpkins, petting the animals at the petting zoo, and getting their faces painted in what will be a day of fun for the whole family.
Schmitt’s Family Farm
Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in 2017
26 Pinelawn Rd., Melville • 631-271-3276 • www.schmittfarms.com
Schmitt’s Family Farm in Melville is an ideal location not only for pumpkin picking but for an array of fun activities that are perfect for autumn. There are hayrides and pony rides, a petting zoo, slides and a haunted mansion. There is also a seven-acre corn maze and the largest straw pyramid on Long Island. Schmitt’s is open seven days a week.
Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s
Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in 2017
480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne • 516-881-7900 • www.xroadsfarmliny.com
Crossroads Farm takes the experience of pumpkin picking to new levels by offering a full farmstand of some the freshest and most organic foods. Pick pumpkins straight from the patch and then head to the farmstand for some fresh produce, teas and organic sweets, plus fall favorites like apple pie and apple cider. There is also an outdoor farmer’s market held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The farmstand is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Elwood Pumpkin Farm
2017 hours: Saturdays and Sundays and Columbus Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mondays through Fridays, 3 to 5 p.m.
1500 E. Jericho Tpke., Huntington • 631-368-8626 • www.elwoodpumpkinfarm.com
Come to Huntington and pick some fresh pumpkins, grown on-site at Elwood Pumpkin Farm. There are hay rides and a corn maze that are ideal for children. Admission is free and group times for visits are also available during the week, by appointment.
Woodside Nursery
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday, Oct. 31, 2017.
134 E. Woodside Ave., Patchogue • 631-758-1491 •
www.woodsidenurseryandgarden.com
Woodside Nursery, located in North Patchogue on Woodside Avenue, has plenty of family fun options available for the fall season. There is pumpkin picking and face painting, and a balloon bounce and haunted tunnel. There are also unique activities including mining for gold and building scarecrows, plus an “Octobercation” outdoor exhibit.
Queens County Farm Museum
Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28, 2017, and Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park • 718-347-3276 • www.queensfarm.org
One of the oldest farms in New York, dating back to 1697, offers pumpkin picking with a unique sense of history. Visit the historic farm buildings and greenhouse complex and check out the farm animals and orchards. There will also be a corn maze and plenty of Hudson Valley apples, apple cider and apple pie available for purchase. The pumpkin patch is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Hicks Nurseries
Daily through Oct. 29, 2017
100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury • 516-334-0066 • www.hicksnurseries.com
Fall is a fun time to visit Hicks and pick out your own pumpkin. In addition, visitors can enjoy a hayride down a decorated trail and visit with farm animals, eat our fresh picked apples, fudge, apple cider, candy apples and other fall treats. Roasted corn, popcorn and storytime with Otto the Ghost are available on weekends. Admission and parking is free.
See also The Best Apple Picking On Long Island:
