Pumpkin fling in Yaphank

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank holds its yearly Pumpkin Catapult Contest, aka the Pumpkin Fling, on Saturday, October 27. You build a catapult, fling a pumpkin and vie for prizes. Click here for more information, entry forms and “acknowledgement of risk” forms.

Dickens Festival Nov. 30 in Port Jeff

“A Christmas Carol” comes alive in Port Jeff the weekend of November 30 – December 2.

Among the activities:

“In celebration, the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival beckons to one and all with the Yuletide tradition of High Tea, complete with gorgeous live music, at the First Presbyterian Church.” See the site here Check out the costumes you can rent from Antique Costume and Prop Rental by Nan Guzzetta

Goin’ fishin’…

Children 12 and under can fish for trout at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Acquarium’s Fall fair. All fishing equipment is provided.  Also games, food and refreshments and education on conservation and environment. Saturday, October 13. 10 am – 4:30 pm.

Fall fun! Apple and pumpkin picking

What sounds more wholesome than taking the kids out to pick apples and pumpkins on a crisp Fall day? Newsday had this piece on places to go apple picking on Long Island a few weeks ago, but it seemed too hot in September for apple picking to be much fun. This might be a great day trip for this weekend, with temperatures in the low-60s. Finally, denim jacket weather!

Here are more apple picking listings on About.com, as well as places for pumpkin picking.