Life & Family |

In the breezy cool and the kaleidoscopic leaf color of autumn is a great atmosphere for traipsing around LI farms and enjoying corn mazes, hot cider and good company. But at night, dark forces converge to give you frightening experiences in haunted houses and now-sinister mazes, ghouls and horrid visages around every corner. Here are some locations for fun or fright:

Darkside Haunted House
Oct 2-4, 9-12, 15-18, 21-Nov 1
Wading River
(631) 369-7227
http://www.darksideproductions.com
Celebrating 12 years of scaring the pants off of LI. Not for children or those with medical conditions. Admission: $18, discounts available.

Haunted Mansion/Haunted Nighttime Corn Maze
Oct 3-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 30-Nov 2, 7-11pm
Schmitt’s Family Farms, Melville
(631) 271-3276
http://www.schmittfarms.com
For a family-friendly corn maze adventure, visit 12-5pm. After that, things get scary. Mansion: $16; corn maze: $11; combo: $22.

Wild West Corn Maze
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct 3-Nov 1
Harbes Family Farm, Jamesport
(631) 722-2022
http://www.harbesfamilyfarm.com
This huge 8-acre maze sends you on a treasure hunt where you receive an old map with clues of how to complete the maze.
Harvest Festival Hayride Hoedown
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct 3-Nov 1, 11am-6pm
Palmer Vineyards, Aquebogue
(631) 722-9463
http://www.palmervineyards.com
Receive a free hayride with purchase of a glass of wine or Kool-Aid for the kids. Live bluegrass music with Miller’s Crossing, 1-5pm.

Spooky Walk
October 16-17, 23-24
Camp Pa Qua Tuck, Center Moriches
(631) 878-1070
http://www.camppaquatuck.com
Frankenstein’s monster, mummies and lost pirates, make appearances along with the rest of the horror. Cost: $10 at the gate. All proceeds go to Camp Pa Qua Tuck’s handicapped children.

Halloween Boat Burning
Oct 30, 5pm
Long Island Maritime Museum, West Sayville
(631) 447-8679
http://www.limaritime.org
Called the biggest bonfire on the South Shore. Will also feature apple cider, snacks and magic.