Top 20 Things to Do in Fall on Long Island

Top 20 Things to Do on Long Island This Fall

Fall on Long Island offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions. Here are some ideas for things to do with your family during the fall season.

From visiting pumpkin patches to exploring apple orchards, fall festivals, enjoying nature, and most importantly, celebrating community, we’ve got the 20 best things to do this season!

1. Apples in abundance

Pick fresh apples (along with many other fruits and vegetables) in September at Lewin Farms in Wading River. The first “pick your own” farm on Long Island, Lewin farms is the place to make a childhood memory. Bake a pie with the loot and then move on to another farm or orchard!

2. Walking with a purpose

Walk now for autism speaks at Jones Beach in Wantagh on October 13th is a great way to raise money for this increasingly common condition. Your whole family can do a good deed for a great cause, and get some exercise in the process. Not ready to quit yet?

3. Creepy smiles

The Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens, running throughout the month of October, showcases the incredible work of dozens of local artists. Take an hour-long walk along the path and see over 5,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns light up the night.

4. Gourds galore

Pick your own pumpkins at Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm in Aquebogue and enjoy a brisk walk through the 26-acre pumpkin farm in October.

With over 18 varieties of pumpkins to choose from, right off the plant, this pumpkin and gourd paradise is worth the drive. Visit our site to find more u-pick pumpkin farms near you.

5. A community festival

The Fall Festival on Long Island in Huntington’s Heckscher Park is an ideal way to spend a sunny fall afternoon. Held in early October, families come from all over the island for the carnival games, farmers market, old-fashioned rides, and delicious homemade treats.

6. Oyster overload

At Theodore Roosevelt Park in – where else? – Oyster Bay, you can eat yourself silly (while the kids find more palatable kid-friendly food) at the Oyster Festival. And it’s not just shellfish. Find pirate shows, tall ships and midway rides in mid-October.

7. A spooky party

The Spooky Gala Halloween party at Long Island Children’s Museum in late October is a fun, safe and festive way to enjoy the holidays. With face painting, trick-or-treating in the gallery and a costume party, this is an event you’ll remember long after the spooky season is over.

8. Long Island has many beautiful hiking trails, and one of the best is Garvies Point Museum and Reserve in Glen Cove. This kid-friendly trail, which leads to a quiet beach, is one of the most serene trails on the island.

9. Autumn art walk

Take a stroll through the 145 hectares of fields, forests and ponds at The Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor and be amazed by the inspiring sculptures of renowned artists.

And if you want to look for leaves outside the region, you can find the locations we recommend on our website.

10. We go on a journey of discovery

Relax, sit back and enjoy as the Ward Melville Heritage Organisation’s Discovery Boat takes you on a cruise through the wetlands of Long Island (offered on certain dates, from May to October).

Learn about the history, geology and ecology of the beautiful area we call home. The pontoon departs from Stony Brook Harbor and cruises through the organization’s 88-acre wetlands preserve for a 1½-hour tour.

11. The best way out is through

With the exception of pumpkin picking, there’s nothing quite as autumnal as a little fun in a old fashioned corn maze. One of the larger examples on the island is Fairview Farm in Bridgehampton.

There’s also a corn cannon on the site and yes, it’s just as cool as it sounds.

12. Lizards, snakes and turtles – oh my!

If your kids find cute and cuddly boring, then Jungle Bob’s Reptile World in Centereach will surely please them. And the fact that there is no entrance fee will please you! This unique showroom shows you unusual creatures living in their own habitat.

13. Turkey Day Parade

Probably the most famous parade in the world, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features giant balloons, beautiful floats and the biggest names in entertainment. And it all takes place just a train ride away, in the heart of Manhattan.

14. An evening full of witchy fun

The Edgewood in Brentwood is hosting a Halloween pop-up experience, the Witch craft Halloween Pop-up Experienceinspired by the film Hocus Pocus. The event will feature Hocus Pocus-themed food, drinks and interactive performances by The Salem Sisters. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with The Salem Sisters. Witches of all ages are welcome to join!

15. Glow in the park

The Adventure Park on Long Island offers Glow in the Park events, where families can zipline through trees at night with LED lights and music, creating a unique experience that is perfect for fall, LED lights guide participants along the trails and each event offers a different, unforgettable adventure.

16. Spooky burgers!

Haunted House of Hamburgers is a Halloween theme restaurant on Long Island that serves delicious burgers, appetizers, salads and soups. They invite families to come in costume and enjoy the Halloween atmosphere all year round, but there’s no better time to the Halloween spirit then fall. The restaurant is officially taking reservations for the season And were Certainly get a seat.

17. Don’t forget the apple cider donuts

Go to the Jericho Cider Mill for some of the season’s best apple-flavored treats has to offer. Visitors to Jericho love one thing: the apple cider donuts! It’s not Real unless you’ve gotten your hands on apple cider donuts, right?

18. Autumn leaves on planting fields

Enjoy the autumn foliage in the breathtaking Arboretum plant fields. Discover the former Gold Coast estate of the WR Coe family, with over 400 acres of enchanting gardens, rolling lawns and nature walks. Experience the largest collection of camellias in the northeast and tours of the Tudor Revival residence. With special events and classes throughout the year, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

19. Blaze Long Island

Looking for more pumpkin fun? Check out Blaze Long Island! Families can walk through an immersive pumpkin trail set in a 19th century village, where they’ll encounter thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns that light up the night. The trail features an original soundtrack, synchronized lighting, and special effects, making it an engaging experience for all ages.

20. Mill Neck Manor Apple Festival

Go to Mill Neck Estate for the annual Apple Festival held in mid-October. The festival features apple varieties, delicious snacks, baked goods, crafts, ASL books, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of activities for kids. Families can also enjoy live entertainment, including musicians, ASL lessons, and pie-eating contests.

By means of Niko Vercelletto and Thalia Fernandez