Sep. 22, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan
With the official start of fall just days away, there are plenty of fall-themed activities to look forward to at the historic Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park this year.
Pumpkin Patch
The patch will be free and open daily from Sept. 30 through Oct. 28 and on Oct. 30-31. Pumpkins are priced by size and don’t forget to bring your own bag to tote your perfect pumpkin home.
Take your pick of pumpkins.Photo courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum
Monday through Friday, pumpkins will be up for grabs starting at noon and on weekends, slightly earlier at 10 a.m. The patch closes promptly at 4:30 p.m. everyday.
If the weather permits, you can also hop on a tractor-drawn hayride to see the pastures and fields across the farm’s 47 acres from a unique viewpoint. Tickets can be purchased for $6 at the Farm Store and Welcome Center.
The Amazing Maize Maze
If you like a challenge, you can try making it through the sprawling three-acre maze surrounded by towering corn stalks at NYC’s only corn maze. After a Stalk Talk, be prepared to find clues and solve puzzles before finding your way to Victory Bridge where a vista is revealed.
“It’s not Fall in New York City without finding your way to Victory Bridge in the Amazing Maize Maze, now in its 17th season. It’s really hard this year so the challenge is on!” said Jennifer Walden Weprin, executive director of Queens County Farm Museum.
Do you see the tractor?.Photo courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum
This year’s maze was shaped to resemble a 1954 Ford tractor that was donated to the farm by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden last year.
And for four nights only, check out Maze by Moonlight if you would prefer to navigate the maze with just the stars and a flashlight to guide you. The experience is only available on Oct. 7, Oct 14, Oct. 21 and Oct. 27. Tickets, which are $12- $16 and free for ages 3 and under, can be purchased online for either a 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. time slot.
For an extra challenge, make your way through the maze at night.Photo courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum
Donut Shop, Cider Booth and Farm Stand
It would not be fall without apple cider donuts and an assortment of pies. Stop by the Donut Shop and Cider Booth in the Education Building on weekends now through Oct. 28 to snag apples, apple cider, donuts and a range or pies to enjoy. According to the pros at the farm, the donuts sell out fast!
You can also shop hyper-local fresh fall produce such as peppers, fennel, squash, kale and sweet potatoes at the Farmstand, which also sells honey from the farm’s apiary – the largest in NYC with millions of honeybees.
Don’t forget to visit the Donut Shop.Photo courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum
Halloween on the Farm
On Sunday, Oct. 29, the farm will celebrate Halloween with fun activities for all ages. The event will feature local food vendors, a live DJ dance party, a spooky farmhouse experience and Halloween themed hayrides. Kids can also go trick-or-treating with farm animals at nine different stations throughout the farm.
Costumes are encouraged for all ages at the Halloween event.Photo courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum
At the Con Edison Ecology Booth, learn about composting and recycling through their Adopt-a-Worm composting program and crafting opportunities.
Costumes are encouraged and advance tickets, purchased online for $20, are required. There will be no ticket sales at the door.
Native American Heritage Month
The farm is presenting its 4th annual Harvest Dance Celebration in honor of Native American Heritage Month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. In partnership with Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, a variety of Native American dances will be showcased outdoors as part of a traditional reverence for the summer harvest. Representatives from ten tribes will explain the origins of each dance and perform in full regalia.
A Native American Craft & Food Market will also offer authentic art, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the performance. Tickets are $12-$17 and admission to the market is free.
Queens County Farm Museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park. For more details on all events and the Queens County Farm Museum, visit queensfarm.org.