CANCELLED- Birding & Biking
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Bike Ride
Join us for a leisurely bike ride with rest stops for birding. Learn about the different habitats on Jones Beach and keep your eyes open for shorebirds, ospreys, warblers, tree swallows, and more. No experience required. Binoculars are provided--but bikes and helmets are not.
We will be meeting at the Center, going over a few basics of birding and facts and then participants will follow our educator via bike across the West End.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 4 miles of biking.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Creature Feature
All Ages | Lecture
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is home to several educational animals—come and meet them! Learn about our reptile species, hear their individual stories, and spend time with them in person!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend
Tiny Tots: Sandcastles
Children (Ages 2-4) | Class
Come to Jones Beach and join us for an exciting new activity every week. Your little one will get creative, get moving, and start learning about the fun of the outdoors and of science.
Theme: Sandcastles
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors, with possible short outdoor activity
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Creature Feature
All Ages | Lecture
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is home to several educational animals—come and meet them! Learn about our reptile species, hear their individual stories, and spend time with them in person!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend
Astronomy Night with Dr. J Bret Bennington
All Ages | Guest Lecture
Join Dr. J. Bret Bennington for a night of summer skies! The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the night sky before heading outside. On our back deck, we will use a telescope to focus on the Moon, the brighter stars, and their constellations.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors and Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Speaker:
Dr. J. Bret Bennington - Chair of the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, Hofstra University
Dr. Bennington is a paleontologist who is also interested in regional geology and the geologic history of Long Island, his home for most of his life. In 2019 he was honored with the Neil Miner Award by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers for exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences.
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Community Seining
All Ages, preferred ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event
Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.
Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email
RSVP: RSVP Required.
We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.
Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.
We will provide:
Seine net
You MUST bring:
Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.
Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.
Water
Sunscreen
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Seaside Stretching
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Wellness Activity
Journey down to the seashore to enjoy a guided stretch and meditative exercise.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, but we will move indoors in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 1 mile walk there-and-back walk on a sandy beach.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Fishing Clinic
Join an educator and learn about the fish that live in Jones Bay with our free rod and reel fishing clinic. All ages welcome. CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY
This program takes place at Jones Beach State Park Field 10 Fishing Piers
Photography Hike
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Hike
State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment. Participants are welcome to use their phone cameras.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 2 miles of walking on sand and pavement.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Adult Craft: Coasters
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft
Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just to help you unwind and relax.
Theme: Coasters
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Beach Cleanup
All Ages (6+ preferred) | Volunteer
Help beautify our beachfronts by helping us on this cleanup.
9:30am-9:45am: Volunteer Check-in and Paperwork
9:45am- 10:00am: Introductions and Safety Talk.
10:00am- 11:30am: Beach Cleanup. Distance walked and end time of cleanup dependent on amount of trash present.
Fee: Free / Please give your name to the West End 2 tollbooth to have your vehicle fee waived.
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 3 miles walking across sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Please scroll down for further information.
For this day at the beach, we will provide:
PPE (gloves)
Garbage bags
Other equipment needed for cleanup
However, we ask that you please bring:
Reusable water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing
Closed toed shoes
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Birding & Biking
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Bike Ride
Join us for a leisurely bike ride with rest stops for birding. Learn about the different habitats on Jones Beach and keep your eyes open for shorebirds, ospreys, warblers, tree swallows, and more. No experience required. Binoculars are provided--but bikes and helmets are not.
We will be meeting at the Center, going over a few basics of birding and facts and then participants will follow our educator via bike across the West End.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 4 miles of biking.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Tiny Tots: Rainbows
Children (Ages 2-4) | Class
Come to Jones Beach and join us for an exciting new activity every week. Your little one will get creative, get moving, and start learning about the fun of the outdoors and of science.
Theme: Rainbows
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors, with possible short outdoor activity
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Rainbow Lantern Walk
All Ages | Hike
Have you ever wanted to explore the park after dark? Now is your chance! Take a night-themed walk by rainbow colored lanterns to celebrate Pride Month.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 1 mile walking on sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
STEAM Workshop: Strawberry DNA
Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity
Join an educator each week to explore a different topic in science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics through experiments, art projects, and more.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Green Crab Dissection
Children (Ages 7-12) | Class
Slap on those gloves and get your dissection tools ready because we’re diving into the anatomy and survival adaptions of the Green Crab. Join us for a guided crab dissection for a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine animals.
All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors on tables.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Seashell Serenity
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Walk
Slow down, relax, and enjoy the calm serenity of beachcombing in this mindful wellness program.
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 3 miles of walking on sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.
Adult Craft: Tote Bags
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft
Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just to help you unwind and relax.
Theme: Tote Bags
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Migration Day
Jones Beach is apart of a major migratory pathway--the Atlantic Flyway--and we get a front row seat to the migration of monarch butterflies, humpback whales, and hundreds of different bird species! Let's party and wish our favorite animals a safe journey south. Make a craft, learn to use binoculars, and compete in our fashion show!
Teachers’ Workshop
The Teachers’ Workshop provides educators with an immersive experience at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Teachers are placed in the role of students, and learn about how to use the building and site to teach students about environmental design, dune ecology, climate change, coastal resilience, and more. Participants can receive CTLE (Continuing Teacher and Leader Education) hours through the New York State Education Department.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Here are some preview questions from the Energy and Us unit. This will cover the first 30 minutes of the workshop
https://forms.office.com/g/7q7qisgE4q
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.
Creature Feature
All Ages | Lecture
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is home to several educational animals—come and meet them! Learn about our reptile species, hear their individual stories, and spend time with them in person.
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend
Tiny Tots: Insects
Children (Ages 2-4) | Class
Come to Jones Beach and join us for an exciting new activity every week. Your little one will get creative, get moving, and start learning about the fun of the outdoors and of science.
Theme: Insects
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors, with possible short outdoor activity
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Fishing Clinic
Join an educator and learn about the fish that live in Jones Bay with our free rod and reel fishing clinic. All ages welcome. CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY
This program takes place at Jones Beach State Park Field 10 Fishing Piers
Rest & Relax Yoga
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Class
A basic level yoga class to restore calm and balance through stretching and meditation
We will provide yoga mats, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, weather allowing—otherwise will be indoors.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
BioBlitz: By the Bay
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the summer! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement
RSVP: RSVP Required
Astronomy Night with AOSNY
All Ages | Activity
Join us with our guest, AOSNY. for an evening of night skies! On our back deck, we will use multiple telescopes to focus on the various celestial bodies.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Speakers:
Amateur Observers’ Society of New York
Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!
Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.
Photography Hike
All Ages | Hike
State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment. Participants are welcome to use their phone cameras.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 2 miles of walking on sand and pavement.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Tiny Tots: Field Day
Children (Ages 2-4) | Class
Come to Jones Beach and join us for an exciting new activity every week. Your little one will get creative, get moving, and start learning about the fun of the outdoors and of science.
Theme: Field Day
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors, with possible short outdoor activity
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Creature Feature
All Ages | Lecture
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is home to several educational animals—come and meet them! Learn about our reptile species, hear their individual stories, and spend time with them in person.
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend
Storytime Corner Walk-in Hour
Children (Ages 0-8) | Read-aloud
Drop in to our hour of storytelling. Our educators will make our picture books come alive for your children. Our library of entertaining picture books will keep your kids interested all morning long.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
Each picture book takes about 10 minutes to be read aloud.
BioBlitz: On The Trails
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the spring! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement
RSVP: RSVP Required
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Astronomy Night with AOSNY
All Ages | Activity
Join us with our guest, AOSNY. for an evening of night skies! On our back deck, we will use multiple telescopes to focus on the various celestial bodies.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Speakers:
Amateur Observers’ Society of New York
Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!
Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.
Adult Craft: Sustainable Pillows
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft
Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just to help you unwind and relax.
Theme: Sustainable Pillows
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Creature Feature
All Ages | Lecture
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is home to several educational animals—come and meet them! Learn about our reptile species, hear their individual stories, and spend time with them in person.
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend
Fishing Clinic
Join an educator and learn about the fish that live in Jones Bay with our free rod and reel fishing clinic. All ages welcome. CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY
This program takes place at Jones Beach State Park Field 10 Fishing Piers
Squid Lab
Children (Ages 7-12) | Class
Slap on those gloves and get your dissection tools ready because we’re diving into the anatomy and survival adaptions of the squid. Join us for a guided squid dissection for a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine animals.
All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors on tables.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Teachers’ Workshop
The Teachers’ Workshop provides educators with an immersive experience at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Teachers are placed in the role of students, and learn about how to use the building and site to teach students about environmental design, dune ecology, climate change, coastal resilience, and more. Participants can receive CTLE (Continuing Teacher and Leader Education) hours through the New York State Education Department.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Here are some preview questions from the Energy and Us unit. This will cover the first 30 minutes of the workshop
https://forms.office.com/g/7q7qisgE4q
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.
Wild Kids: Tracks
Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity
If you want to master the outdoors, join our workshop! Our educators will share the tricks, tools, and tips learned from our time in the wilderness.
Theme: Tracks
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Both.
Distance: If weather allows, up to 1 miles of walking on sand and/or pavement.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Touch Tank Walk-in Hours
All Ages | Tours
Drop in anytime during these hours to request a touch tank experience with an educator. Our educator will introduce you to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.
The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank.
Tiny Tots: Gardening
Children (Ages 2-4) | Class
Come to Jones Beach and join us for an exciting new activity every week. Your little one will get creative, get moving, and start learning about the fun of the outdoors and of science.
Theme: Gardening
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors, with possible short outdoor activity
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Creature Feature
All Ages | Lecture
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is home to several educational animals—come and meet them! Learn about our reptile species, hear their individual stories, and spend time with them in person.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend
Photography Hike
All Ages | Hike
State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment. Participants are welcome to use their phone cameras.
Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 2 miles of walking on sand and pavement.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.