Family-friendly Waterdrinker North Fork opens with its Tulip Festival in full bloom

Open for its first spring season, Waterdrinker North Fork is sure to become a new go-to destination for children and adults alike.

Perched on Sound Avenue at the end of Northville Turnpike, you’ve likely watched the transition from Garden of Eve to the new Waterdrinker North Fork. The once farm and market is now home to acres of family-friendly fun including jump pads, giant wooden play structures, mini golf, a playhouse town square, Nigerian dwarf goats, plenty of picnic tables, and more.

“There are tons of activities for the kids including jumbo jump pads, mini golf, basketball hoops, lawn bowling, bouncy bullpen, giant billiard ball area, and our new foam axe throwing area. Don't worry… totally safe for kids as they are made of foam! Parents will love it too,” co-owner Marc Weiss shared with us. 

In addition to the many opportunities for kid-friendly fun, the Waterdrinker North Fork is also home to thousands of stunning tulips in near full bloom for the farm’s Tulip Festival happening now through the beginning of May. 

“The North Fork has never had a Tulip Festival quite like this. We love the rich history of tulip farming and we are excited to share the festival with local families on the North Fork,” said Marc. “Our tulip fields are perfect for family photos and selfies, and it is our hope that families make it a tradition to visit the fields every year and make memories.”

Waterdrinker North Fork is a sister business to the popular Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville, known for its annual Tulip Festival which attracts thousands of visitors each year. 

“Tulips are one of the first spring flowers to bloom, so we feel that this is a great festival to jumpstart the North Fork for the season,” Marc told us.

In addition to the Tulip Festival, Waterdrinker North Fork will host five additional festivals and events throughout the farm’s season: a Mother’s Day Market on May 11 and 12, tulip bulb dig days from May 15 through June 15, a sunflower festival in July and September, a garlic festival on September 14 and 15, and fall at the farm in September and October. Visit the farm’s website and Instagram page for exact dates and info to come.

While outside food is not permitted, snacks and treats are for sale in the gift barn and food trucks fill the bellies of hungry visitors on the weekends. Like Waterdrinker farm in Manonrville, Waterdrinker North Fork also features a Beer Garden with beer from Long Island Farm Brewery including the well-loved Waterdrinker and Tulip Fest Dutch Pilsner. 

Waterdrinker North Fork is located at 4560 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. The farm is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The cost for weekday admission is $20 per person over the age of 2, tickets can be purchased here for those Monday through Friday visits. For weekend admission, tickets must be purchased at the gate. Season passes are not currently available but check Waterdrinker’s website for a possible future release.