Fall Family Fun

Fall weekends are a pastime to treasure with family and friends. Here are just some of the popular activities locals enjoy in and around the North Shore in October.  

At Hicks Nurseries you’ll find an animal farm, daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., through Oct. 31. Also on tap: hayrides down a path adorned with cartoon characters. Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. And on display, “Otto and the Pirate Ship,” an animated story with life-size storybook scenes. Check the Hicks website for specific dates and times for additional fall events, including a pumpkin weigh-off and pumpkin-decorating workshops for children. 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury.

At the Martin Viette Fall Harvest Festival, you’ll find an animal farm, fresh pressed cider, apples, pumpkins and squash, refreshments, carnival and games. Weekends, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 27, and Columbus Day. 6050 Northern Boulevard, East Norwich.

At Queens County Farm, October weekends bring a market filled with Hudson Valley apples, donuts, fresh cider and apple pie, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Entry to the market is free. Weekends through Oct. 27, and Monday Oct. 14, you’ll find the “Amazing Maize Maze, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (the time of last ticket sale – adults, $9; children ages 4-11, $5; children 3 and under, free). The maize is open till 9 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12.  The farm also features a pumpkin patch on weekends, and on Oct. 27, a children’s fall festival complete with pony rides. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Glen Oak.

Weekends in October at Old Westbury Gardens showcase 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins that light up the night, in "RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns." features the work dozens of local artists and sculptors in a walk-through experience for visitors of all ages.  Advance registration required. Through Oct. 27. 71 Old Westbury Road. 

And save the date: Oct. 19-20 is the Oyster Festival, where the delacies includes oysters, clams and lobster, scallops and shrimp. And being that this is of course fall, you’ll find pumpkin and cheese ravioli is among the offerings.