Columbus Day Weekend Activities For Families On The East End

10/9/13 - By Jessica Murphy

Apple picking, pumpkin picking, and fall festivals make the East End of Long Island the perfect place to enjoy the fall season. During Columbus Day weekend, there are plenty of special events that are enjoyable for the entire family. Many of the venues that offer apple picking and pumpkin picking also offer additional fall festivities, which includes hay rides, corn mazes, and seasonal treats. Read on for our family friendly picks for this holiday weekend.

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Family Sleepover: Halloween Spooktacular
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
431 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-208-9200
October 11, 2013
Spend the night with bats, porcupines, and a sloth. Wear a costume and bring some pajamas and a flashlight to this overnight adventure. Families spend the evening exploring the nighttime habits of these animals in the brand new Creatures of the Night exhibit, watch a movie, hit the dance floor, and make a craft. The fee for the sleepover includes aquarium admission, dinner, continental breakfast the next morning, and all activities.

Spooky Corn Maze
Harbes Farm & Orchard
5698 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-298-0800
Fridays & Saturdays in October starting October 11, 2013. Also on Sunday, October 13
There are plenty of corn mazes, but this maze offers a unique experience. Beware of the ghouls and wraiths roaming in this corn field. Bring flashlights and some friends to enjoy Halloween thrills. Reward the group for finding their way through the maze with apple cider donuts and hot cider. Please note, flashlights are required to enter the maze so bring one from home or purchase one at the farm.

Voodoo: Field Of Horrors Haunted House
Patty's Berries & Bunches
410 Sound Avenue
Mattituck, NY 11952
631-298-4679
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays in October starting October 11, 2013
This one of a kind haunted house experience captures all of the thrills and gore of Halloween. The daytime shows are family friendly. The evening shows target kids 13 years of age and up, which may be too scary for younger children.

Farm and Barn Celebration
Sylvester Manor Farmstand
21 Manwaring Road
Shelter Island, NY, 11964
631-749-0626
October 12, 2013
Don't be afraid to get down and dirty at this event. Lend a hand at the Windmill Field at the farm celebration. Plant garlic, harvest fall crops, tour the windmill, take a hay ride, or join in the completion of the new barn and breezeway. Also featuring activities for kids, music, and food.

Montauk's Annual Fall Festival
Village Green
742 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-2428
October 12-13, 2013
In addition to family fun all day, there are Fireworks by Grucci on Saturday night. Kids enjoy riding the carousel, bouncing on the inflatable rides, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, and face painting. Adults enjoy live music, the famous Clam Chowder Contest, October Fest themed food, and beer and wine tastings. Free transportation from Southampton to Montauk and points in between is available by reservation. There is also a free continuous shuttle loop, Town-Lighthouse-Harbor-LIRR.

Greater Westhampton Chamber Of Commerce Fall Art & Craft Show
Village Green
170 Main Street
Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
631-288-3337
October 12-14, 2013
This annual show brings over 65 artisans and craftsmen from all over the area. Featuring a large variety of artwork including fine art, sculpture, stained glass, fiber, jewelry, wood furniture, clay, pottery, shell art, blown glass, and metal work.

Fall Pumpkin Festival
Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market
4558 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-722-8777
October 12-14, 2013
Enjoy live music while eating roasted sweet corn and squash, fresh squeezed lemonade, and organic hot dogs. Pumpkin picking, a pedal kart track, maze, lavender labyrinth, and friendly farm animals provide fun for kids of all ages.

Riverhead Country Fair
Main Street along Peconic River
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-727-1215
October 13, 2013
This 38th annual fair takes over more than 100,000 square feet throughout the town. Enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, and pony rides. Try local foods while meeting merchants and artists from the area. Homemaking and agricultural competitions, vegetable decorating, pumpkin carving contest, and garden tractor pulls make the day entertaining for the entire family.

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