Whether you are a local, or just passing through, here are five great ideas for how to enjoy a summer day in Riverhead, NY!
1. The Long Island Aquarium
The Long Island Aquarium has ALOT to offer. We didn’t expect to spend as much time in here as we did, and we could have spent even longer! They have talks at different tank areas and feedings scheduled throughout the day.
There is the large tank filled with sharks and rays, and tanks filled with different ecosystems.
We loved the Sea Lion Show! Java was a real star!
They didn’t just have aquatic animals, they also had a butterfly exhibit, amphibians and reptiles, and monkeys!
We really enjoyed how well the animals here are treated, and that it is an accredited aquarium.
Check out the Aquarium and buy tickets here! : https://www.longislandaquarium.com/
We saved by getting discount tickets from our local library!
2. Harbes Family Farm
Harbes Family Farm is a great place to go during the summer. They have a farm stand serving cool homemade flavors like Blueberry Crunch and Honey Lavender! You can also buy fresh fruits, veggies, and flowers!
Beyond the farmstand there is a food stand and the winery building! I love the apple cider slushee they have here and ordered a hot dog as well! About 11$ total without the fries! They also have sandwiches, wine, and fresh corn!
They have events here often, and we were able to pick a table either close to the live music or the vineyard building. We decided today to sit at a table under a tree by the vineyard building.
Inside the farm area you have to buy tickets, but we had a blast! There are farm animals to feed, pig races throughout the day, games to play, obstacle courses, a hedge maze, and you can pay a bit extra to shoot apples at targets out of a giant blaster!
Please be aware that this spot is card only! Both at the barnyard adventure and food spot! https://harbesfamilyfarm.com/
3. Lavender by the Bay and Sunflower Farms
Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm is a gem. In the summer months they have a sunflower maze and strawberry shortcake made from their own fresh picked strawberries! Lavender by the Bay is beautiful in the summer months as well! I like stopping by their farm stand to pick up a few items and taking in the lavender on the drive by. Before going to either, make sure you check their facebook pages/ websites to make sure you time it right and the flowers are in bloom!
4. Farmstands
There are so many other cool farm stands with local produce, as well as shops, and yard sales you will see on your drive in and around Riverhead. I would definitely recommend stopping at some of them! You never know what you may find…
5. Drive Past the Big Duck
We love to drive past and give a honk for the big duck! If you have never been, it is worth getting out and taking a quick picture!
