While the Catskills and Hudson Valley region of the Empire State are famous for their epic autumn festivities including a veritable parade of festivals; foliage; and fall-themed fun, New York visitors need not go upstate to find some of the coolest cool-weather activities around: they only need to make the short trek to beautiful Long Island.

Just far enough from NYC to seem like a getaway and just close enough to be super convenient, from the end of September through October Long Island is abuzz with everything from U-Pick pumpkin patches to hayrides; fresh-baked goods to family fun, all set to the stellar backdrop of some of the area’s most beautiful farms.

So this fall, visitors can grab their sturdiest wagon; all-weather boots; and maybe even a pair of gardening gloves (attention U-Pick-ers who like ‘em right off the vine!) and hit the road to some of Long Island’s most festive pumpkin-picking spots that have everything autumn to welcome the spooky season.

Pumpkin (And Apple!) Picking At Hank’s Pumpkintown

Hank's Pumpkintown is perfect for those who want all their fall festivities in the same place: Pumpkins? Check. Apples? You got it. A cool maze park with an eclectic array of fun for all ages? Definitely.

And don’t forget about the fresh-baked fall goodies—they’ve got plenty of those, too at this family-owned gem that’s been a Long Island staple for years.

• Address: 240 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, NY (Fall Season)
• Hours: Open daily 9:30 AM-5:30 PM; Pumpkin Picking and Maze Park are open seven days/week; Apple Picking is open Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays
• Admission/Fees: Maze Park Weekend & Holiday Admission $20/person; Weekday Admission $14/person. Weekend/Holiday Add-Ons in Maze park are available for an additional fee; no admission to the pumpkin patch
• Things To Do: Visit the Market for snacks, fresh-baked goods, fall treats, and more; apple picking; hayrides; giant corn maze; 50-foot tube slide; family-friendly games and activities galore; gem market
• Need To Know: No pets allowed; parking in two off-road fields (do not park on the road); wagon rides, corn train, and jump pad weekends only; wheelbarrows are available for pumpkin/gourd picking

Variety Is King At Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm

A sprawling 26-acre farm where visitors can pick their own pumpkins right off the vine (with a choice of 18 varieties!), Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm is a lovely place to spend a fall day.

With plenty of attractions and a picturesque location, Stakey’s is the ideal spot to stock up on gorgeous gourds and perfect pumpkins this season.

And be sure to visit on the weekend for some fantastic baked goods!

• Address: 270 West Lane, Riverhead, NY (use for GPS directions)
• Hours: Open through October 30, 2022, Weekdays 12 PM-5 PM; Weekends 9 AM-5 PM including school holidays
• Admission/Fees: Hayrides $8/person; Corn Maze $10/person
• Things To Do: Three-acre Corn Maze; Stakey’s Hayrides; Face, Hand, and Arm Painting (weekends only); Country Store; Flower House
• Need To Know: Will close for rain/inclement weather; pumpkin picking, hay rides, and corn maze open every day; credit cards accepted; Snack Shack and Roasted Corn available weekends only; Love at First Bite (baked goods and cider) open Fridays and weekends in October

RELATED: 10 Pumpkin Patches Just Outside NYC To Visit This Fall

Activities Abound At F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm

A one-stop shop for practically every fall festival activity imaginable (including mini-golf), F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm is the perfect spot to bring the family for a day of fun.

RELATED: 10 London Area Pumpkin Patches To Visit This Fall

Also known for their stunning sunflowers as well as their epic pumpkin patch, there are also plenty of IG-worthy photo ops to be had—so be sure to sport your best fall sweater.

Fans of deliciously spooky autumn fun will love their Night Time Haunt experiences, too.

• Address: 26 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY
• Hours: Annual Fall Festival runs through October 30, 2022, Open Weekdays 12 PM-5 PM and on Weekends (including holidays) 10 AM-5 PM
• Admission/Fees: $15/person Admission includes Hayride, Playground, Mini-Golf, and Photo-Ops; other activities may require additional charges. Wagons are available for $5 (or bring your own)
• Things To Do: Pumpkin, vegetable, and sunflower picking; farm stand; corn maze; pumpkin wagons; pony rides; haunted house; haunted corn trail; petting zoo; nighttime haunt
• Need To Know: No pumpkin picking from the vine; arrive early to avoid crowds; no pets; free parking; tickets purchased at the door only; some activities (including concession stand, pony rides, daytime corn maze, etc.) are closed during the week; some attractions are cash only (ATM onsite weekends)

No-Frills Pumpkins Off The Vine At Lewin Farms

For those looking for a dyed-in-the-wool U-Pick farm not dominated by all the (often expensive) add-ons, Lewin Farms is one of the best options in all of Long Island.

But just because Lewin’s focuses on the experience rather than all the hype, there is still plenty of family fun to be had with their corn maze and amazing apples and pretty pumpkins just ripe for the picking.

• Address: 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton, NY
• Hours: U-Pick fields generally open 9 AM-4:30 PM (quantities and weather permitting); Corn Maze open weekends and holidays 10 AM-4:30 PM (weather permitting); Farm Stand open daily 9 AM-5 PM (closed Tuesdays)
• Admission/Fees: N/A
• Things To Do: U-Pick in-season vegetables, apples, pumpkins, and gourds; five-acre corn maze (weekends only); nearby Christmas tree farm
• Need To Know: U-Pick fields are cash only (ATM available in Farm Stand); no pets allowed; plenty of parking

Fun For Kids Of All Ages At Harbes Family Farm

With three(!) amazing locations, Harbes Family Farm has something for everyone looking to get into the autumn spirit.

RELATED: 10 Not So Spooky (But Still Festive) Fall Destinations To Visit

However, their Mattituck location is by far the biggest and best all-around people-pleaser with its plethora of fun activities that include their signature Barnyard Adventure (great for kids); their Wine Barn (adults love it!); and their U-pick pumpkins (a crowd fave).

The best part is, fall fans can mix and match their experiences throughout the autumn season Harbes’ other amazing locations.

• Address: 715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY
• Hours: Mattituck location open daily through October 30, 2022 10 AM-6 PM (vineyard open 11 AM-6 PM). See the website for other hours, locations, and activities
• Admission/Fees: Maze is $5.00 weekdays; $6 weekends and holidays; $11 for hayride/maze combo; $7 hayride only. Barnyard Adventure has separate admission fees. Season passes for Barnyard Adventure are available
• Things To Do: U-Pick pumpkins; Farm Stand; fall treats and goodies; Vineyard, Wine Barn, and tastings; Wizard of Oz Maze; Barnyard Adventure packed with family-friendly activities; pig races and musical hayride tours (weekends and holidays)
• Need To Know: Credit cards only accepted at Vineyard/Wine Barn; apple picking not available at Mattituck location; hayrides are weekends and holidays only; day passes are not available to purchase online

For those that want a quick getaway from the city this fall season, there’s no better place than Long Island.

Packed with pumpkin patches galore and practically every fall activity under the sun, these amazing spots are the perfect way to soak in some of autumn’s best vibes.

With something for everyone, from family-friendly places packed with activities; to simple and traditional fall fun without all the bells and whistles, these stunning spots are as welcoming as they are scenic—farm-fresh vibes, corn mazes, hayrides, and apple cider donuts definitely included.