White Post Farms in Melville
White Post Farms is a family-operated agricultural and recreational destination located at 250 Old Country Road in Melville, Suffolk County, on Long Island. Established by the Brigati family, whose agricultural history dates to 1886, the property has evolved from a traditional vegetable farm into one of the region’s best-known destinations for animal encounters, family entertainment, seasonal festivals, fresh produce, baked goods and gardening supplies.
Today, White Post Farms combines several related attractions and businesses at its Melville property. The White Post Animal Farm offers opportunities to observe and interact with animals, explore walk-through bird aviaries, enjoy playgrounds and participate in additional activities. The farm market and bakery sell fresh foods and specialty products, while the garden center provides seasonal plants, flowers and gardening supplies.
Autumn is an especially popular time to visit. The annual Fall Farm Festival transforms the property into a seasonal destination featuring hayrides, pumpkins, live entertainment and family activities. Although the farm attracts visitors throughout the year, its September and October celebrations have become a longstanding tradition for families across Nassau County, Suffolk County and the greater New York metropolitan region.
History of White Post Farms and the Brigati Family
The history of White Post Farms begins in 1886, when members of the Brigati family established agricultural roots on Long Island. The family’s early farming activities centered on potatoes and vegetables, crops that were important to the island’s agricultural economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
At that time, large portions of central and eastern Long Island remained agricultural. Farms supplied produce to local communities and the growing population of New York City. Potatoes were particularly important, and generations of Long Island farmers depended on the crop for their livelihoods.
The Brigati family continued farming through difficult economic periods, including the Great Depression. As agricultural conditions changed, the family diversified its crops and expanded its operations. By the middle of the 20th century, the business was growing and distributing produce to customers beyond the immediate Melville area.
A significant expansion occurred in 1953, when the farm began distributing vegetables to grocery stores throughout Long Island. This development helped establish the Brigati family’s produce business beyond its original roadside customers.
Over subsequent decades, the farm adapted to changing consumer preferences and the suburban development surrounding Melville. The business gradually expanded from traditional agricultural production into retail food sales, seasonal products and family-oriented experiences.
How White Post Farms Got Its Name
The name White Post Farms has an unusual origin connected to the family’s effort to help customers find its produce stand.
According to the farm’s official history, the business was originally associated with the Brigati family name. As more customers began purchasing vegetables directly from the property, the family needed an easily recognizable landmark that would help visitors identify the location.
Family members placed a white post in the field as a simple directional marker. Customers began referring to the farm by that landmark, and the name White Post Farms eventually became established during the 1970s.
What began as a practical solution to a navigation problem became the name of a business that would eventually attract generations of families. The story remains part of the farm’s identity and reflects its origins as a traditional agricultural enterprise serving local customers.
From a Working Farm to a Family Attraction
White Post Farms underwent another major transformation during the 1980s, when members of the fourth generation of the Brigati family became increasingly involved in the business.
In 1989, the farm introduced its animal attraction with the arrival of a goat named Billy. What began as a modest addition gradually developed into a much larger animal farm, eventually incorporating a variety of domestic and exotic species.
The business also expanded into children’s birthday parties, educational outings and other family activities. These developments helped transform White Post Farms from a primarily agricultural and retail operation into a destination where families could spend several hours enjoying recreational experiences.
The expansion was particularly significant because it took place as much of central Long Island was becoming increasingly suburban. The animal farm and seasonal activities allowed the Brigati family to preserve a connection to its agricultural heritage while creating new reasons for visitors to experience the property.
White Post Animal Farm and Animal Encounters
The White Post Animal Farm is one of the property’s principal attractions. It offers visitors opportunities to observe animals, learn about different species and participate in supervised feeding experiences.
Traditional farm animals are an important part of the experience, with goats, sheep and other familiar species providing opportunities for children to learn about animal care and behavior. The attraction has also expanded to include less commonly encountered animals, such as llamas, monkeys, kangaroos and giraffes.
The farm’s animal collection is one reason White Post Farms differs from a conventional seasonal pumpkin stand or small petting zoo. Families can explore multiple animal areas while participating in additional activities throughout the property.
Animal feeding is a popular experience, although visitors must follow the farm’s rules and use approved feed where required. Some feeding activities are included with admission, while others involve additional purchases.
Because the animals’ welfare and visitor safety are important considerations, guests should follow posted instructions and staff guidance. Specific animals, feeding opportunities and exhibit availability may change according to the season and operational requirements.
The Giraffe Experience and Primate Enrichment Barn
Among the animal farm’s most distinctive attractions is its Giraffe Experience. This area gives visitors an opportunity to observe giraffes at relatively close range and, when available, participate in a supervised feeding experience.
The Giraffe Experience is included with regular Animal Farm admission under the farm’s published 2026 admission arrangements. Visitors should confirm the current feeding procedures and any applicable restrictions before arriving.
Another attraction is the Primate Enrichment Barn, where visitors can observe monkeys and learn about their behavior through an exhibit environment designed around animal activity and enrichment.
These attractions distinguish White Post Farms from traditional agricultural destinations that feature only domestic livestock. They also provide opportunities for children to encounter animals that would not ordinarily be found on a working Long Island farm.
Walk-Through Bird Aviaries
White Post Farms is also known for its large free-flight bird aviaries. These walk-through enclosures allow visitors to enter spaces where birds can move around them, creating a more immersive experience than viewing animals from outside a traditional cage.
The farm operates two large bird aviaries, which are included with admission to the Animal Farm. Visitors may have opportunities to purchase approved bird feed, depending on the current attraction arrangements.
The aviaries are particularly appealing to families interested in birds and animal encounters. Guests should move carefully, avoid startling the animals and follow instructions intended to protect both visitors and the birds.
Strollers and wagons are not permitted inside the bird aviaries, although they may be brought into other permitted areas of the farm. Families with younger children should plan accordingly.
Dinosaur Adventure, Playgrounds and Children’s Activities
Beyond its animal exhibits, White Post Farms provides recreational attractions designed for younger visitors. The Dinosaur Adventure is among the experiences included with regular Animal Farm admission, offering a prehistoric theme alongside the farm’s animal-related activities.
Outdoor playgrounds give children opportunities to climb, explore and participate in active play. Picnic areas provide spaces where families can rest between attractions or enjoy food during their visit.
Pony rides and train rides are additional attractions available for separate charges. These experiences are particularly popular with younger children, although age, height and supervision requirements may apply.
The train ride is weather-dependent and does not operate during rain. Children below the farm’s specified height requirement must ride with an adult, and each participating rider may be subject to a separate charge.
Because White Post Farms offers a mixture of animal exhibits and recreational activities, families can organize their visit around their children’s ages and interests rather than concentrating on a single attraction.
The Annual Fall Farm Festival
The annual Fall Farm Festival is one of White Post Farms’ most recognizable traditions. First held in 1991, the event helped establish the Melville property as a seasonal destination for families interested in pumpkins, hayrides and autumn entertainment.
Over the years, the festival has expanded beyond its original activities to include multiple live performances, family shows, animal attractions, seasonal food and recreational experiences.
The festival generally operates on selected weekends in September and October, including Columbus Day. During these dates, visitors purchase festival admission rather than the standard weekday Animal Farm ticket.
Festival admission includes access to the Animal Farm, bird aviaries, Giraffe Experience, Primate Enrichment Barn, Dinosaur Adventure, playgrounds and scheduled entertainment. Unlimited hayrides and the Play in the Hay activity are also included under the published 2026 festival arrangements.
Additional purchases may be required for pumpkins, pony rides, train rides and animal or bird feed. Visitors should review the admission details carefully because not every attraction is included in the general festival ticket.
For 2026, the Fall Farm Festival is scheduled for September 19, 20, 26 and 27, and October 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24 and 25. The farm advertises six different family entertainment shows as part of the festival program. Performance schedules and attractions may change because of weather or other circumstances.
Visitors can review the current festival schedule through the official White Post Farms Fall Farm Festival page.
Pumpkins, Hayrides and Autumn Traditions
Pumpkins are an important part of the autumn atmosphere at White Post Farms. During the fall season, pumpkin displays and seasonal decorations provide opportunities for family photographs and help create the traditional harvest setting associated with Long Island farm visits.
Visitors can purchase pumpkins during the fall season, although pumpkins are not included in general festival admission. The farm should not automatically be treated as offering the same type of pick-your-own field experience found at some larger agricultural destinations.
Hayrides are another longstanding festival attraction. During the 2026 Fall Farm Festival, unlimited hayrides are included with admission, providing families with a traditional seasonal experience.
Unlike some other Long Island farms, White Post Farms does not offer apple picking or a corn maze, according to its official visitor information. Families specifically interested in those activities should choose a destination that advertises them.
White Post Farms is particularly well suited to visitors who want to combine pumpkins and harvest entertainment with animal encounters, children’s attractions and seasonal food in one location.
Farm Market, Bakery and Specialty Foods
The White Post Farms market and bakery preserve an important connection to the property’s agricultural origins. While the animal farm and festivals attract families seeking entertainment, the farm market continues the tradition of selling food and agricultural products directly to customers.
The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and specialty items. Its bakery is particularly associated with pies and breads, reflecting a family baking tradition that expanded during the early 1980s.
According to the farm’s history, the family’s grandmother, known as Nona, began baking and selling pies and breads in small quantities at the farmstand in 1981. The popularity of these products eventually contributed to the development of fundraising programs that supplied baked goods to schools and community organizations.
Today, the farm market offers visitors an additional reason to stop at White Post Farms, whether purchasing baked goods, shopping for produce or looking for prepared foods.
The farm market and animal attraction maintain separate websites and operating arrangements. Customers interested primarily in food shopping can consult WhitePostFarms.net, while those planning animal encounters or festival visits should use WhitePostFarms.com.
Garden Center and Seasonal Plants
White Post Farms also operates a garden center, extending its agricultural business into plants, flowers and gardening supplies. This part of the operation is especially relevant during spring and early summer, when homeowners begin planting gardens and preparing outdoor spaces for the growing season.
Seasonal offerings include flowering annuals, hanging baskets, patio containers, tropical plants, culinary herbs and vegetable plants. Gardening supplies and decorative items provide additional options for customers interested in home landscaping.
The garden center reflects another aspect of the farm’s evolution. Rather than relying exclusively on vegetable production, White Post Farms developed a diversified business that serves customers interested in food, plants, family entertainment and seasonal traditions.
Visitors interested in the garden center should check the farm market and garden center website for current seasonal availability.
Birthday Parties, School Trips and Community Fundraising
White Post Farms is also a destination for organized children’s birthday parties, school field trips and group activities. Its animal exhibits and supervised experiences provide opportunities for celebrations that differ from conventional indoor entertainment venues.
Birthday party packages may include animal feeding, pony rides, opportunities to hold or interact with young animals, food and other activities. Package contents, scheduling and prices vary according to the season and the number of guests.
Educational visits allow children to encounter animals and learn about aspects of farm life through supervised activities. Schools and organized groups should arrange visits in advance rather than relying on ordinary public admission procedures.
The Brigati family also has a longstanding history of community fundraising. The farm introduced a plant fundraising program in 1974, and its bakery later developed pie and bread fundraisers benefiting schools and nonprofit organizations.
These activities have helped connect White Post Farms with generations of Long Island families beyond the property’s role as a recreational destination.
Admission, Tickets and Visitor Policies
White Post Farms uses different admission arrangements for ordinary Animal Farm visits and its Fall Farm Festival. Ticket prices and included attractions depend on the date and type of admission purchased.
For the 2026 Fall Farm Festival, the published admission price is $39.95 plus tax per person when paying cash in person, or $43.95 plus tax when purchasing online. Children 15 months and younger are admitted free. The farm charges the regular admission price for older children and adults.
Regular Animal Farm admission is priced separately and does not provide entry to Fall Farm Festival weekends or Columbus Day. Because the farm occasionally revises prices and schedules, visitors should confirm the current ticket information before purchasing.
Online tickets can be purchased using a credit card. The farm’s published policies generally require cash for admission purchased in person and for additional purchases inside the attraction, including certain rides and animal feed. Visitors should bring cash if they expect to make purchases after entering.
Admission tickets are nonrefundable, and the farm does not generally offer refunds, cancellations or rain checks. Its published 2026 ticket policies provide certain options for using eligible tickets on another operating date, subject to restrictions.
Parking is free, with multiple parking areas available. Outside strollers and wagons are permitted in much of the farm, although they cannot enter the bird aviaries. The farm describes most areas as relatively flat and paved, but visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact the operator in advance.
Outside food is permitted for ordinary farm visits, although separate restrictions apply to organized birthday parties. Dogs are not permitted inside the Animal Farm. Visitors should consult the official visitor FAQ for current policies and restrictions.
Getting to White Post Farms in Melville
White Post Farms is located at 250 Old Country Road in Melville, a centrally located community in western Suffolk County. Its location makes it accessible to families traveling from both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Old Country Road connects with surrounding commercial and residential areas, while the nearby Route 110 corridor provides access to major regional roadways. Motorists traveling from other parts of Long Island can approach the area using the Long Island Expressway or Northern State Parkway before continuing along local roads.
Most visitors arrive by car, particularly families traveling with young children or planning to purchase pumpkins, plants or other farm products. Free parking is available on the property, although peak festival weekends can produce heavier traffic and longer waits.
Visitors relying on public transportation should research local bus connections and arrange any necessary onward travel before departing. White Post Farms is not located directly beside a Long Island Rail Road station.
Planning a Family Visit
Families planning a trip to White Post Farms should allow enough time to enjoy the animal exhibits, bird aviaries, playgrounds and other activities. A visit of approximately two to four hours is reasonable for many families, although a full festival day can take longer depending on the entertainment schedule and crowd levels.
During ordinary Animal Farm operating days, admission generally begins at 10 a.m., with visitors permitted to remain until 6 p.m. Fall Farm Festival admission begins earlier on selected weekends, and the farm publishes separate gate-closing times.
Autumn weekends are among the busiest times to visit. Arriving early may make it easier to find parking, attend preferred shows and enjoy animal exhibits before crowds increase.
Weather can affect outdoor attractions, particularly train rides, hayrides and entertainment. Visitors should check the farm’s current announcements and event calendar before traveling.
White Post Farms is best suited to families interested in animal encounters, seasonal entertainment and traditional farm-related activities. Those specifically looking for apple picking, a corn maze or extensive agricultural field picking should choose a farm offering those particular experiences.
White Post Farms, Melville, New York
Key Facts and Details
| Attraction | White Post Farms |
| Address | 250 Old Country Road, Melville, NY |
| Community | Melville |
| County | Suffolk County |
| Region | Western Suffolk County, Long Island |
| Business Type | Family farm, animal attraction, farm market, bakery, garden center and seasonal festival destination |
| Family Agricultural History | Dating to 1886 |
| Founding Family | Brigati family |
| Name Origin | A white post originally used to help customers locate the farm |
| Produce Distribution Expansion | 1953 |
| Animal Farm Established | 1989 |
| First Fall Farm Festival | 1991 |
| Primary Attractions | Animal encounters, bird aviaries, Giraffe Experience, Primate Enrichment Barn, Dinosaur Adventure, playgrounds and seasonal entertainment |
| Animal Species | Includes traditional farm animals and species such as giraffes, monkeys, llamas and kangaroos; availability may change |
| Bird Aviaries | Two large walk-through free-flight aviaries |
| Giraffe Experience | Included with qualifying Animal Farm admission |
| Dinosaur Adventure | Included with qualifying Animal Farm admission |
| Pony Rides | Available for an additional charge |
| Train Rides | Additional charge; weather-dependent |
| Fall Festival | Selected weekends in September and October, including Columbus Day |
| 2026 Festival Dates | September 19, 20, 26, 27; October 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25 |
| 2026 Festival Admission | $39.95 plus tax in person with cash; $43.95 plus tax online |
| Children’s Admission | Children 15 months and younger admitted free |
| Fall Festival Entertainment | Six family entertainment shows advertised for the 2026 festival |
| Fall Hayrides | Unlimited hayrides included with qualifying festival admission |
| Pumpkins | Available seasonally for separate purchase |
| Apple Picking | Not offered |
| Corn Maze | Not offered |
| Farm Market | Fresh produce, prepared foods, specialty products and baked goods |
| Bakery Specialties | Pies, breads and other baked goods |
| Garden Center | Seasonal flowers, annuals, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetable plants and gardening supplies |
| Organized Activities | Birthday parties, school field trips and group events |
| Community Programs | Plant, pie and bread fundraising programs |
| Typical Visit Length | Approximately two to four hours, depending on activities and crowds |
| Animal Farm Hours | Generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for admission, with visitors permitted to remain until 6 p.m.; check seasonal calendar |
| Admission Policies | Separate Animal Farm and Fall Festival ticket arrangements |
| Payment | Online ticket purchases by credit card; cash generally required for in-person admission and purchases inside the attraction |
| Parking | Free on-site parking |
| Strollers and Wagons | Generally permitted, but not inside bird aviaries |
| Outside Food | Permitted during ordinary visits; restrictions apply to organized birthday parties |
| Pet Policy | Dogs are not permitted inside the Animal Farm |
| Accessibility | Many areas are flat and paved; contact the farm for specific accessibility requirements |
| Ticket Refund Policy | Generally nonrefundable; review current ticket terms for eligible date-use provisions |
| Farm Market Telephone | 631-351-9373 |
| Animal Farm Website | WhitePostFarms.com |
| Farm Market and Garden Center Website | WhitePostFarms.net |
| Festival Information | Official Fall Farm Festival Page |
| Current Operating Schedule | Official Event Calendar |
White Post Farms represents an important connection between Long Island’s agricultural heritage and its modern family recreation industry. From the Brigati family’s early vegetable farming operations in 1886 to the establishment of the Animal Farm in 1989 and the first Fall Farm Festival in 1991, the property has continually adapted while maintaining its identity as a family-operated business. Today, its animal encounters, bird aviaries, seasonal entertainment, farm market, bakery and garden center provide visitors with several ways to experience the traditions of a Long Island farm. Whether visiting for an autumn festival, spending an afternoon with children at the Animal Farm or shopping for fresh foods and seasonal plants, White Post Farms remains a recognizable destination in Melville and an enduring part of the agricultural and recreational landscape of Long Island.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking | 🍂 Fall Festivals & Farm Activities | 👻 Haunted Houses | 🎃 Pumpkin Picking
