Big Fall Fun for the Family on the East End

The East End is a kid’s paradise during the fall, a nonstop cavalcade of pumpkin picking and hayrides, corn mazes and harvest festivals and outdoor (and some indoor) fun. There are so many great things happening for kids and the entire family this fall—let’s start with a visit to some of our local farms.

Starting with Hank’s Pumpkintown in Southampton where you can not only pick your pumpkins, but enjoy the many kids activities the stand offers including The Maze Park, Playground, Wagon Rides, Apple Orchard, Fall Decorations, Face Painting and Group Tours. Check their website for special packages and family fun. Open 7 days per week from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting), 324 County Rd. 39 in Southampton, 631-726-4667.

The Milk Pail (U-Pick ) in Water Mill is yet another U-pick fun farm stand offering apple and pumpkin picking. Their dwarf apple trees are a perfect size for all ages to pick from. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for September and October as well as Monday, 9/3, 9/17 and 10/8 and Wednesday, 9/26. Located at 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, 631-537-2565.

Harbes Family Farm offers many fun attractions for the whole family to enjoy including; Frontier land & Maze with Farm Animals, Pedal Cart, Teepee, Pony Rides, Gemstone Mining, Hayrides, Western Corn Maze and Games and Activities. Open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, the farm offers their Barnyard Adventure with friends like Dusty their popular pig, Billy Goat Gruff and Oreo a Nigerian goat. Call 631-298- 0800, Family Farm and Barnyard, 631-365-2937 or visit www.harbesfamilyfarm.com. There are pig races, a secret garden hedge maze, Bunnyville, Charlotte’s Web and more. Visit www.harbes. com or call April for more information at 631- 365-2937.

At Stakey’s “Friendly Pumpkins” farm in Aquebogue kids will love the Scooby Doo Bounce House, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Corn Maze and picking their own pumpkins. After the family works up an appetite, stop at the Snack Shack and choose from delicious sweet roasted corn, refreshments, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and more. Open weekdays from noon-5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 270 West Lane in Aquebogue, 631-722-3467.

Moving from land to the sea-theme, the Penguin Encounter at the Long Island Aquarium is an amazing experience. Get up close to the aquariums African Penguins and see what goes on at the Penguin Pavilion. Enjoy spending time at Penguin Pre-School and meet one of three young penguins who will swim, waddle and maybe dance around like Happy Feet. Weekends and Holidays times are at 11 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. Please call to verify new fall schedule and to make an appointment. Pricing is $45 for members and $50 for non-members, 631-208-9200, ext. H20 (426) or in person. In addition, the aquarium also offers many other great interactive and educational programs for children as well as birthday parties and other fun events. The Long Island Aquarium is located at 431 East Main Street in Riverhead.

When in Montauk, the Montauk Point Lighthouse and surrounding walks are great fun for the family. Learn about the history of one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States and then take a stroll and perhaps spot a few seals frolicking about in the waters. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at the café to warm up on those chilly fall days. For more information, visit www.montauklighthouse. com or call 631-668-2544. Enjoy this fall season with the kids on the East End!