The Absolute Best Things to Do on Long Island in October 2026
October on Long Island has range. One morning can be all cider doughnuts, hayrides, and pumpkin patches. By night, you can be walking through thousands of glowing jack-o'-lanterns or trying to find your way out of a haunted house while actors hunt you through the dark.
This guide brings together the best October activities across Nassau and Suffolk, with enough detail to decide what actually fits your group. Every pick is labeled by scare level:
Little Pumpkins: Designed for young children or anyone who wants zero real scares
Spooky but Manageable: Halloween atmosphere without full haunted-house intensity
Way Too Scary: Intense darkness, actors, graphic themes, jump scares, strobe lights, or other effects
Quick shortlist: if you only choose five
1. Best classic fall day: Harbes, Schmitt's, or Waterdrinker for pumpkins, farm activities, and seasonal treats
2. Best all-ages nighttime experience: RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
3. Best beloved North Shore tradition: Mill Neck Manor Apple Festival, October 10-11
4. Best family Halloween event: Long Island Aquarium's Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks on October 24
5. Best serious scare: Choose Gateway for theatrical horror, Bayville for a multi-attraction scream park, or Darkside for an intense indoor/outdoor haunt
LITTLE PUMPKINS: Family-friendly October fun
1. Hicks Nurseries Fall Festival — Westbury
When: September 12-November 1, 2026
Best for: Toddlers, younger children, grandparents, and rainy-day flexibility
Scare level: Little Pumpkins
Hicks is one of the easiest family outings in Nassau County because parking and admission are free. The 51st annual festival includes an animated Halloween walkthrough, the indoor Skeleton Estate Garden, thousands of pumpkins and fall plants, lawn games, photo spots, seasonal food, and specialty shops.
Optional paid activities include a hay maze and children's wristband with crafts. Special 2026 dates include the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off on October 4 and Pet Parade and Costume Competition on October 14. Indoor areas make this a particularly useful backup when the weather looks uncertain.
Plan it: https://hicksnurseries.com/fall-festival/
2. Long Island Aquarium Haunted Tree House — Riverhead
When: Fridays and Saturdays in October, 7-9 p.m., weather permitting
Best for: Ages 3-11
Scare level: Little Pumpkins
The aquarium's five-level Haunted Tree House is specifically designed as kid-friendly Halloween fun. Admission includes unlimited Tree House time, an animal interaction, candy bag, pumpkin decorating, a Halloween craft, and a color-a-button activity. One parent enters free with each paid child.
This is a good first nighttime Halloween outing for children who want to feel brave without entering a traditional haunted house.
Plan it: https://www.longislandaquarium.com/experiences/haunted-tree-house/
3. Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks — Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead
When: October 24, 2026, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Best for: Families who want Halloween plus animals
Scare level: Little Pumpkins
Children can collect treats, make crafts, visit vendor tables, and watch aquarium animals receive Halloween enrichment. The party is included with aquarium admission. In 2026, one costumed child age 12 or younger receives half-price admission with each paying adult.
Plan it: https://www.longislandaquarium.com/events/bats-barnacles-broomsticks-halloween-party/
4. Gateway's Not-So-Scary Kids Adventure — Bellport
When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 10-25, 2026
Best for: Ages 3+ and children not ready for a nighttime haunt
Scare level: Little Pumpkins
Gateway swaps nighttime terror for goofy creatures, friendly characters, music, playful tricks, and a treat at the end. Tickets are sold for timed entry, and costumes are welcome. This is a smart choice when older siblings want a “haunted” experience but the group still needs something gentle.
Plan it: https://thegateway.org/NSS/Online/
5. Bayville Not-So-Scary Days — Bayville
When: Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, plus October 12; noon-5 p.m.
Best for: Families who want several activities in one stop
Scare level: Little Pumpkins to mildly spooky
Bayville's daytime experience includes the Funhouse and Temple of Terror, a pumpkin patch, mini golf, train ride, spooky treetop adventure, character meet-and-greets, and more. It uses the same Halloween destination as the nighttime scream park but changes the tone for families.
Plan it: https://bayvillescreampark.com/calendar/
6. Adventureland Pumpkin Park — Farmingdale
When: October 31, 2026; official tourism listing says 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Best for: Families who want Halloween-day rides and trick-or-treating
Scare level: Little Pumpkins
Adventureland decorates the park for Halloween, encourages costumes, and offers trick-or-treating along Sweet Street, character photo opportunities, rides, games, and attractions. Pumpkin Park is included with general admission; parking is free.
Plan it: https://adventureland.us/pumpkin-park/
7. Long Island Game Farm — Manorville
When: Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout October; also open October 12
Best for: Animal-loving families and a non-Halloween fall day
Scare level: No scares
For a break from ghosts and monsters, visit the animals, attend keeper talks and feedings, add an animal encounter, and let children enjoy the Wild Play Park. The Game Farm lists free parking and is weather dependent.
Plan it: https://longislandgamefarm.com/visitor-info/
CLASSIC FALL: Farms, pumpkins, mazes, and cider treats
8. F&W Schmitt Family Farm Fall Festival — Melville
When: Weekends and holidays, September 19-October 31; festival days 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Best for: A complete fall day without driving to the East End
Scare level: Family-friendly by day; the separate haunt is scary
The festival combines pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a seven-acre corn maze, a farm stand, food concessions, and seasonal attractions. Limited weekday activities are listed from noon-5 p.m. Check which attractions are included before buying tickets.
Plan it: https://schmittsfarm.com/fall-festival/
9. Harbes Family Farm — Mattituck, Riverhead, and Jamesport
When: Check the location calendar
Best for: A North Fork fall day with options for different ages
Scare level: Family-friendly
Harbes operates several locations with different combinations of pumpkin picking, apple picking, Barnyard Adventure attractions, farm markets, seasonal food, and vineyard experiences. Choose the location based on what your group wants rather than assuming every activity is available everywhere.
Plan it: https://harbesfamilyfarm.com/
10. Waterdrinker Family Farm Fall Festival — Manorville
When: September 25-October 25, 2026
Best for: Pumpkins, flowers, photos, and a full East End-style farm outing
Scare level: Family-friendly
Waterdrinker pairs its fall festival atmosphere with pumpkins, seasonal blooms, farm attractions, and plenty of photo opportunities. Check the daily activity list, ticket structure, and weather updates before driving out.
Plan it: https://www.water-drinker.com/
Farm-day tip: Arrive at opening, wear shoes that can handle mud, bring layers, and keep space in the car for pumpkins and market purchases. Eastbound traffic gets heavier on peak October weekends.
SPOOKY BUT MANAGEABLE: Atmosphere without maximum terror
11. Mill Neck Manor Apple Festival — Mill Neck
When: October 10-11, 2026, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Best for: Families, food lovers, North Shore scenery, local shopping, and a meaningful community tradition
Scare level: No scares
The Mill Neck Manor Apple Festival celebrates its 70th year in 2026 on the scenic 86-acre Mill Neck campus. This is much more than a stop for apples: expect cider, cider doughnuts, fritters, strudel, pies, jams, apple and pumpkin butter, artisan breads and cheeses, German specialties, festival food, live music, a pie-eating contest, ASL-interpreted performances, seasonal produce, pumpkins, mums, and local vendors.
Festival proceeds support Mill Neck Foundation programs and services for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Published visitor information lists a $20 vehicle parking fee and says dogs are not allowed on campus.
Plan it: https://millneckapplefest.com/
12. RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
When: 21 select nights, October 2-November 1, 2026
Best for: Families, dates, visiting relatives, photographers, and groups with mixed scare tolerance
Scare level: Spooky but manageable
RISE is a glowing nighttime trail rather than a haunted house. The 2026 display promotes more than 10,000 illuminated objects, including 7,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, specialty lanterns, themed scenes, photo opportunities, and interactive elements. Timed tickets can sell out on popular nights.
Plan it: https://www.jackolanterns.com/
13. Long Island Fall Festival — Heckscher Park, Huntington
When: October 9-12, 2026
Best for: A big, social community weekend
Scare level: No scares; classic fall atmosphere
The four-day festival brings carnival rides, food, vendors, live music, a beverage pavilion, children's entertainment, and community activities to Heckscher Park. Admission is free; rides, food, and some activities cost extra.
Published hours: Friday 5-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pair the festival with coffee, dinner, or shopping in Huntington Village.
Plan it: https://www.huntingtonchamber.com/fall-festival
14. Scarecrow Garden at Old Westbury Gardens — Old Westbury
When: Select October dates; crowd-favorite voting ends October 24
Best for: Fall photos, grandparents, garden lovers, and a calm seasonal outing
Scare level: Whimsical, not scary
Walk the formal gardens among creative scarecrow displays and vote for a favorite. The calendar also lists seasonal programs such as pumpkin painting. Some activities require pre-registration, so review the individual listing rather than relying only on general admission.
Plan it: https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/events/
15. October foliage walks — across Long Island
Best for: A low-cost, weather-perfect October day
Scare level: None—unless you count woodland noises
- Sunken Meadow State Park: Sound views and access to the Long Island Greenbelt Trail
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve: Woods, fields, historic scenery, and shoreline
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: Quiet nature trails in Smithtown
- Hallock State Park Preserve: North Shore beach, bluff scenery, hiking, and birding
- Shadmoor State Park: Montauk bluffs, ocean views, trails, and observation platforms
Check park hours, programs, and parking fees. Carry water, use tick protection, and remember that October sunsets arrive earlier.
Plan it: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/park-results.aspx?src=1
WAY TOO SCARY: Long Island's serious haunted attractions
16. Gateway's Haunted Playhouse — Bellport
Best for: People who want theatrical storytelling and professional production
Scare level: Way Too Scary
Gateway uses professional theater designers, performers, detailed environments, lighting, sound, and effects to turn the Bellport property into an immersive haunt. General admission and fast-pass options are available, and the nighttime event is very different from Gateway's daytime kids program.
Plan it: https://www.gatewayshauntedplayhouse.com/
17. Bayville Scream Park — Bayville
When: Multiple October dates, with later hours on peak Fridays and Saturdays
Best for: Groups who want several haunts and a whole evening in one location
Scare level: Way Too Scary at night
Bayville's nighttime park advertises multiple haunted houses, a haunted trail, themed restaurants, secret bars, and other attractions. It is built as a destination rather than a single walkthrough. Tickets use scheduled entry times, and prices rise on peak nights.
Do not confuse this with Bayville's daytime Not-So-Scary program.
Plan it: https://bayvillescreampark.com/calendar/
18. Darkside Haunted House — Wading River
Best for: Experienced haunt fans seeking intense indoor and outdoor horror
Scare level: Way Too Scary; the venue does not recommend it for children under 12
Darkside covers more than 20,000 square feet and more than 30 scenes across two attractions: The Village and The House. Expect actors, darkness, fog, strobe lights, low visibility, sudden actions, graphic themes, special effects, and an outdoor portion. The venue uses timed online tickets and a virtual queue, with a Monster Midway for games, food, and vendors while guests wait.
Read the health and accessibility warnings before purchasing. The attraction says actors do not intentionally touch guests, but accidental contact can occur in dark, tight spaces.
Plan it: https://darksideproductions.com/
19. Schmitts Haunt — Melville
Best for: Turning a familiar daytime farm into a very different nighttime experience
Scare level: Way Too Scary
Schmitt's daytime fall festival is family-oriented, but its separate nighttime haunt is not the same experience. Treat the two as different outings, check current themes and age guidance, and reserve the nighttime attraction separately.
Plan it: Start at https://schmittsfarm.com/fall-festival/ and follow the current haunt information.
How to choose the right scary attraction
- Pick Gateway for theatrical sets and storytelling.
- Pick Bayville for multiple attractions, food, and a full-night destination.
- Pick Darkside for an intense indoor/outdoor walkthrough with explicit health warnings.
- Pick Schmitts Haunt if your group likes the contrast of a farm setting after dark.
Before buying, check age recommendations, strobe/fog warnings, accessibility, touching policies, bag rules, refund policies, and whether tickets are timed.
The perfect four-week October plan
Weekend 1 — Classic fall: Choose Schmitt's, Harbes, or Waterdrinker for pumpkins, a maze, farm activities, and seasonal food.
Weekend 2 — Festival weekend: Choose the 70th Mill Neck Manor Apple Festival on October 10-11 or the Long Island Fall Festival in Huntington on October 9-12.
Weekend 3 — Glow or foliage: Take an afternoon foliage walk, then book an evening at RISE.
Weekend 4 — Halloween mode: Choose an aquarium or not-so-scary event for children—or Gateway, Bayville, Darkside, or Schmitts Haunt for a serious scare.
Before you go
- Recheck the official event page on the day of your visit.
- Buy timed tickets early, especially for Friday and Saturday nights.
- Expect heavy traffic toward the East End on peak weekends.
- Review weather, cashless-payment, stroller, accessibility, costume, and bag policies.
- Do not assume “family-friendly” means appropriate for every child.
- Separate daytime programs from nighttime haunts at venues that offer both.
- Wear real walking shoes; farms and outdoor haunts can be muddy.
- Have one indoor backup plan for rain.
Save this October bucket list!
Whether your perfect October means feeding animals, finding the best pumpkin, walking beneath glowing lanterns, or paying someone to scare you senseless, Long Island has the right outing.
Save this guide, send it to your October crew, and tell me which activity belongs on next year's list.
**Disclosure: This editorial guide is not a ranking based on paid placement. Dates, hours, prices, policies, and activities can change. Confirm all information with the venue before visiting.
