Guide to Visiting Harbes Family Farm with Kids

The pig race is a highlight of a visit to Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck.
The pig race is a highlight of a visit to Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck.
5/3/24 - By Jennifer Voit

A day at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck is an adventure filled with action-packed excitement for the whole family. Harbes Family Farm delights kids with jumbo jumpers, pig races, and many more family-friendly attractions.

My kids could not get enough of this interactive farm experience on the North Fork, and parents can look forward to relaxing with a glass of wine at the on-site vineyard.

Read on for our favorite things to do and see at Harbes Family Farm, and be sure to check out our Mattituck with Kids post for all the fun things to do in this North Fork town when you visit.

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Exploring Harbes Family Farm

Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard in Mattituck is a sprawling 100-acre gem located in Suffolk County. The family-owned farm has been a beloved local destination for more than 30 years. My little ones couldn't wait to jump out of the car and begin their country adventure. The grounds have a fresh produce stand, two snack stands, and a family-friendly wine-tasting barn. 

The main event for kids, though, is the paid admission area Harbes Barnyard Adventure.

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Visiting Harbes Family Farm with Kids: Goat lides
Kids will want to conquer the Goat Mountain Slides at Harbes again and again.

Top Things To Do and See at Harbes Barnyard Adventure

Goat Mountain Slides, Jumbo Jumpers, and Gnome Hedge Maze

Harbes Barnyard Adventure is eight acres of family-friendly games, sports, educational farm fun, and amusements. Dress for the weather and be ready to walk as kids explore this all-outdoor experience. From the Trike Track to Goat Mountain Slides, the action starts as soon as you walk in. My kids climbed and conquered the Goat Mountain Slides over and over. Little ones may want a hand to slide down at least the first time.

Next, head to the two jumbo jumper pillows for a lot of bouncing fun. No shoes are allowed for this one. If you're up for the challenge and love corn mazes, tackle the farm's impressive Gnome Hedge Maze.

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Visiting Harbes Family Farm with Kids: Farm animals goats
Kids will get a kick out of the happy farm animals at Harbes.

Farm Animals, Musical Hayride, and Pig Races

My animal-loving kids adored the fluffy baby chicks we met. The farm has more than 40 barnyard friends, including friendly goats, pot-bellied pigs, and sheep. Animal food can be purchased on-site. It was a little too chilly for the bunnies to be out during our visit. My kids plan to return to see Bunnyville in action.

The musical hayride and pig race show are held on weekends and holidays, and both were major hits with my kids. Check the schedule for timing when you arrive; each event runs about every hour. My kids love music and sang with the musical hayride hosts while we drove around the farm.

Next, the pig race excitement reaches a fever pitch. This farm event draws a crowd so arrive early for a front bench seat and be ready to cheer on your favorite color pig.

Sports Zone, Obstacle Courses, and Playground Fun

The Sports Zone is one of the most popular activities, especially for older kids and teens. Kids can toss some touchdowns, pitch their hearts out, or shoot some hoops. The games are a little challenging for young kids, but they'll have fun trying. You’ll enjoy making a few throws too!

The A-MAIZE-ing obstacle course has a height requirement of 41 inches. Kids can scale walls and navigate through suspended nets. Unique playground fun is found throughout the grounds. A cute woodland-themed playground and the Lil’ Farmers Playland with a train to climb on and playhouses are options for younger kids to explore.

A new barnyard adventure addition is an interactive bubble-making station. It was too windy on our visit to make our bubbles happen. But on a warm sunny day, it will be a winner with the kids. The Apple Blasters are also one of the newer additions and have an additional charge to play.

The Harbes Barnyard Adventure’s variety allows toddlers to teens to be engaged and entertained. We arrived late morning for our visit and spent about three hours there and still have more to do on our next trip.

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Visiting Harbes Family Farm with Kids: Mother's Day Festival
Harbes hosts festivals throughout the year, like the Mother's Day Festival. 

Harbes Farm Festival Fun

Harbes Family Farm hosts some of the best spring festivals on Long Island for families. The upcoming Harbes Mother's Day Festival features live music and moms get free admission to the barnyard adventure all weekend. The celebrations continue through spring, summer, and fall with Memorial Day Weekend fun at Harbes Baby Animal Festival, a Father's Day Festival, and an array of summertime festivals.

We marked several on our family calendar to try to visit. The Harbes Corn Festival, Peach Festival, and Watermelon Festival top our summer list! My kids can't wait for our next visit.

Know Before You Go to the Harbes Family Farm

  • Harbes Barnyard Adventure and Mattituck farmstand are now open daily from 10am-6pm for the season.
  • The Harbes Vineyard is open daily from 11am-6pm for the season.
  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Snack stands are available. Credit or debit cards ONLY! Plenty of picnic table areas and benches are available to eat. The apple cider donuts and homemade ice cream top our list.
  • Harbes Barnyard Adventure admission can be purchased online or at the entrance booth (note weekday entry is on-site only). Credit or debit cards ONLY! Daily entry and barnyard season passes are available.
  • Check the website for specific Harbes Barnyard Adventure pricing for weekdays, Fridays, weekends, and holidays.
  • Barnyard Adventure activities and attractions may be affected by the weather. Check the site and social media before your visit.
  • Children ages 2 and under are FREE.
  • Parking is free. Arrive early for the best spots and availability.
  • Harbes is handicap and stroller accessible.
  • Restrooms are located on-site.

Photos by the author. 

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