F & W Schmitt’s Family Farm
F & W Schmitt’s is a long-standing, family-run farm on Long Island, serving as both a working greenhouse/garden center and a seasonal destination for family farm fun.
While the Schmitt family’s larger agricultural operations (notably in Riverhead) date back over 150 years and span multiple generations, the Melville location emphasizes garden center operations, seasonal produce, and fall experiences for Nassau/Suffolk families.
In the spring, the farm supports gardeners with greenhouse stock-hanging baskets, annuals, vegetables, herbs, planters, and more. In the fall, it transforms into a festival space with pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, and farm attractions.
Fall & Halloween Attractions
| Activity / Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin Picking | Wide open fields of pumpkins ready for families to choose and take home for decorating or carving. |
| Corn Maze | A themed 7-acre maze that changes each year with fun twists and turns for kids and adults. |
| Hayrides | Tractor-pulled wagon rides around the farm for a true countryside experience. |
| Petting Zoo | Meet friendly goats, sheep, and other barnyard animals. |
| Pony Rides | A favorite for children; gentle ponies offer short rides in a supervised area. |
| Inflatable Play Zone | Bounce houses and slides for energetic fun. |
| Haunted House (Daytime & Night) | Themed haunted attractions offering both family-friendly and spooky nighttime versions. |
| Farm Market & Food | Fresh roasted corn, apple cider donuts, kettle corn, and other classic fall treats. |
Visitor Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fall Festival Dates | Mid-September through early November |
| Weekday Hours | Monday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Weekend Hours | Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last ticket sold 4:00 PM) |
| Admission | $23 (weekends/holidays), $18 (weekdays) — children 2 and under free |
| Parking | Free on-site |
| Pets | Not permitted during the Fall Festival |
| Payment Methods | Cash and credit card (some vendors may charge a small processing fee) |
| Pro Tip | Visit early in the day to avoid crowds; weekdays in October are quieter and ideal for photos. |
Seasonal Offerings
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring / Summer | Garden center open daily with annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, and vegetables. |
| Fall | Full festival season featuring pumpkin picking, mazes, hayrides, and the haunted house. |
| Winter | Seasonal decorations, Christmas plants, and holiday gift items available. |
Why Families Love Schmitt’s
| Reason | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Convenient Location | Easily accessible from Route 110 and the Long Island Expressway. |
| Tradition | A family-run farm serving the community for decades. |
| Fun for All Ages | Attractions for young kids, teens, and parents alike. |
| Photo Opportunities | Sunflower fields, pumpkin patches, and rustic backdrops perfect for fall photos. |
| Great Value | Affordable admission compared to many East End farms, with plenty included in one ticket. |
Snapshot Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | Family farm operating for over 50 years |
| Known For | Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maze, Hayrides, Haunted House |
| Best Time to Visit | Late September through October |
| Family-Friendly Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Typical Visit Length | 2–3 hours |
Vicinity on the Island
With its perfect mix of nostalgia and fun, F & W Schmitt’s Family Farm captures the very essence of autumn on Long Island. From picking pumpkins under blue skies to navigating the corn maze or enjoying a fresh cider donut, every visit feels like a slice of seasonal tradition. Whether you’re coming for the haunted house thrills or simply to enjoy a sunny afternoon with family, Schmitt’s remains one of Melville’s – and Long Island’s – most beloved fall destinations.
