The 3 Best Pumpkin Patches in NYC
There are certain joys only fall can bring: brilliant foliage, wearing anything plaid, and of course, visits to the pumpkin patch. Your local scenery may be high-rises and subways, but you don't have to sacrifice picking a pumpkin just because you don't live near a farm. Here are three renowned pumpkin patches located in or near New York City. The following local pumpkin patches are available by car or public transportation:
1. Queens County Farm Museum
No, it's not a museum. Dating back to 1697, Queens County Farm Museum is one of New York State's longest continually farmed sites. You can take public transportation to the farm, located in Little Neck Parkway, Queens. The farm has a sizable pumpkin patch and corn maze, but its offerings don't stop there. You can visit the petting zoo, check out the corn maze, enjoy a hayride, or visit the historic Adrian Farmhouse, built in 1772. Queens Farm also offers fun and educational programs for children and adults. Elementary school students can learn how to press fresh apple cider from antique presses. Adults can do a group tour of the expansive farm or learn hearth cooking. Queens Farm's pumpkin patch is free to visit and doesn't require reservations. The pumpkin patch is open seven days a week from October 1st to October 29th, 2022.
2. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Harvest Moon is family-owned and operated. You can pick a pumpkin of any shape or size from its pumpkin patch or pick apples from Harvest Moon's scenic hillside orchard (perfect for photo ops). If you're craving fall treats, snack on apple cider donuts or sample fresh-pressed sweet cider or hard cider from Harvest Moon's own cidery. You can also take home local honey, maple syrup, or fresh baked goods. Check out a hayride, listen to live authentic country music, or buy local produce. Harvest Moon is in North Salem of Westchester County, and its pumpkin patch is open daily in September and October. It's about an hour and 10 minutes from midtown by car or two and a half hours by Metro-North.
3. Decker Farm
Decker Farm is New York City's oldest continually working family-style farm, built in 1810 and located in Staten Island. The farm has 10 acres for pumpkin picking and a station for pumpkin painting with farm-supplied paints. Try pumpkin chucking, an activity where you use a bungee system to hurl pumpkins. Relieve stress and see how far you can hurl one compared to your friends. Decker Farm offers tasty snacks like apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice coffees, and vendors for different fall foods. On Halloween, watch an expert pumpkin carver, pose in fall photo opp booths, or listen to spooky tales from the island in storytelling sessions. Decker Farm is open every Saturday and Sunday in October, rain or shine. The farm is vigilant about COVID-19 safety, requiring timed entry tickets and maintaining crowd control and queuing in the pumpkin patch. Decker Farm is a 3-hour car ride or accessible through bus or subway transportation.
Pumpkin patches for New Yorkers
You don't need to voyage to Vermont for fall fun. These pumpkin patches are not only accessible to city dwellers but are also authentic. Find the perfect pumpkin, try local treats, and get into the spirit of the season.
If you have questions about local happenings in or near Mahattan NYC, the staff at Broadway Suites would be delighted to give recommendations about must-see attractions and events. Contact us, and we'll promptly get in touch.