Adults and Teens (12+) | Walk

$4 fee per program participant

Join one of our educators on a walk through the history and design of Jones Beach. On this walk you will be introduced to master planner, Robert Moses, who created the state park that 6 million people visit each year.

We will meet at the nature center and then you will drive behind our Parks vehicle to the historical locations to walk within the park.

This program takes place OUTDOORS. Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

FREE*

Adults, Families (All Ages) | Hike

April 27th is a day to explore your local trails--visit the Center and journey through the dunes down to the Atlantic Ocean with us.

Get a taste of Jones Beach with a beautiful hike. Take a guided walk down to the ocean and back to see what plants, animal tracks, and other features of the landscape there are to be seen on a given day, and learn about what makes Jones Beach unique. This hike a 1 mile there-and-back trail across sand.

Since 2013, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has teamed up with hundreds of partners—trail groups, agencies, nonprofits, businesses, brands, clubs and every other type of organization in between—to inspire tens of thousands of people to get outside and celebrate their local trails.

* $8 Jones Beach State Park vehicle use fees apply, NYS Empire Pass honored

FREE

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!

The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank. RSVP NOT required.

Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

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.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Upcycled Plastic Suncatchers

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

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.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Adults, Families (Ages 6 and up) | Volunteer Event

Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

ALL AGES

RSVP TO: lousab@aol.com

Free admission to the Center (Jones Beach State Park vehicle use fees apply, NYS Empire Pass honored)

Topic: 2023 Was the Hottest Year on Record: What are the Consequences? Possible Solutions?

FREE

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!

The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank. RSVP NOT required.

ALL AGES

RSVP NOT REQUIRED

Free admission to the Center (Jones Beach State Park vehicle use fees apply, NYS Empire Pass honored)

Join us as we bring Brookhaven National Laboratory science to the Long Island community with family-friendly activities relating to nature, solar, and climate change.

FREE

Adults and Children, Ages 8 and up | Citizen Science

Help us catch ants, beetles, and mosquitos to help researchers unlock the secrets of their DNA.

Join other citizen scientists to collect Long Island insects for DNA sequencing!

In this event, participants will familiarize themselves with the biodiversity of Jones Beach, with a focus on local ant, beetle, and mosquito groups.

We will be catching insects with bug nets, and then attempting to identify them and label them for a database.

Attendees will be introduced to how DNA barcoding can be used to identify species, and will obtain, document, and preserve specimens for DNA isolation at future events. Collection and identification of these insects helps improve their range maps and can show how species are responding to environmental pressures such as global climate change.

Our Event Coordinator:

Olivia Trinkus - Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center Intern

Olivia Trinkus is a current high school senior interning at Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. She plans to study molecular biology in college and is thinking of pursuing a career in research. She has always had a love for all living things but found her enthusiasm for biology through her AP Biology class in school. She wants to continue expanding her knowledge of science, from molecules to ecosystems, through everything she does. She hopes this experience in DNA barcoding through the Center will be another step towards her goal.

Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

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.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

FREE

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!

The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank. RSVP NOT required.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Lecture

FREE PROGRAM

Gardening season is here! Come by the Center to learn different gardening methods, the differences between types of flowers, and a list of native species to plant at your own house to attract some of our lovely Long Island pollinators.

All Ages | Lecture

FREE WALK UP PROGRAM

Learn about the eclipse the hour before it starts, then join us in watching the phenomena!

Even if the tickets are “Sold Out”, we will be taking walk-ins!

FREE

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!

The experience typically takes about 15 minutes to explore the different animal species and shells we house in our tank. RSVP NOT required.

Families (All Ages) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

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.

This is an OUTDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Families (All Ages) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Spring is on its way! What better way to prepare for the season than to get started on some outdoor decor. Come paint rocks at this month’s weekend craft Boulder Bash!

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

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.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Natural Dye Jars

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Children (8-12) | Activity

Discover how rocks are made and what makes each one unique! With an educator, we’ll learn how to identify different types of rocks and put our skills to the test with a hands-on sorting activity.

This program takes place INDOORS.

Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

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.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Families (All Ages) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Calling all young photographers! Join us as we discuss the history, logistics, and importance of photography.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Free Event Admission (NO RSVP REQUIRED)

Scouts (All Ages) | Walk

Do you and your troop want to see seals? Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals--our educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals!

This walk is on sand, and is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. However, we will have educators stationed at the accessible docks which are by the water and also have a chance of seeing seals. Stop by at any point between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms.

CANCELLED: Free Event Admission (NO RSVP REQUIRED)

SATURDAY 3/23 SCOUT SEE SEALS IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Scouts (All Ages) | Walk

Do you and your troop want to see seals? Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals--our educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals!

This walk is on sand, and is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. However, we will have educators stationed at the accessible docks which are by the water and also have a chance of seeing seals. Stop by at any point between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms.

Open to adults and families. Ages 12 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Plan to arrive by 9:00 am (schedule below). Help survey Jones Beach! NYS DEC and NYS Parks, with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, hosts a Marine Debris survey and clean-up biannually. Come learn more about why this survey is so important! The duration depends on conditions but is expected to take 3-4 hours.

In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled to March 22nd.

For this day at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

• Data recording materials

• Other equipment needed for the cleanup and survey

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• Lunch or light snack

Schedule:

9:00-9:15: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

9:15-9:30: Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols

9:30-10:00: Walk to beach

10:00: Survey and beach cleanup. Some groups will finish earlier than others. Survey's usually take between 2.5 - 5 hours depending on number of volunteers and the amount of trash present.

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Presented by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program

If there are questions, please feel free to reach out to francis.mcparland@dec.ny.gov or hayden.uresk@parks.ny.gov.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Lecture

FREE PROGRAM

This year for Women’s History Month we are highlighting the women who made their mark on the field of energy! Come by the Center for a lecture on different forms of energy and meet some of the women who have dedicated their lives to the field.

Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

It’s time to start thinking about blooming gardens and our favorite pollinator pals- bees! Learn about the important world of bees before making a bee inspired craft.

This is an INDOOR program.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Families (All Ages) | Walk

RSVP REQUIRED

$4 fee per program participant

In the winter, Jones Beach welcomes back its winter seal population. Learn about these incredible marine mammals and their migration to Jones Beach, and go for a walk to spot Harbor and Gray Seals feeding in our bay.

We start at the Center, with a talk about seals, and then participants follow our educators in their personal vehicles over to the seal-watching spot for a guided 1.5 mile walk on the sandy beach.

This program has portions both INDOORS and OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.

Please wear:

• Warm coat

• Gloves, Scarf, Hat

• Boots or other warm closed-toe footwear

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 (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

The art of journaling is a great way to record your scientific observations. Let’s examine the stars, planets, and even our own Sun to see what we can learn about astronomy. Will your own journal go down in history?

Journals provided.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.