Scouts See Seals
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 between 10:00am – 12:00pm. 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 about a 1 mile roundtrip 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
Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have them. 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.
Fee: Free
RSVP: No RSVP required
Seal Walk
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.
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
Balloon Survey and Beach Cleanup
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer Event
Ages 12 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Plan to arrive by 9:30 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.
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:
9:30am—Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
9:45am—Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols
10:00am— Walk to beach
10:30am—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.
---
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 jbenc@parks.ny.gov.
Scouts See Seals
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 between 10:00am – 12:00pm. 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 about a 1 mile roundtrip 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
Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have them. 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.
Fee: Free
RSVP: No RSVP required
Seal Walk
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
Seal Walk
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
Seal Walk CANCELLED
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.
Seal Walk
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.
Seal Walk
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
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. You can complete this form before 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.
INDOOR Seal Walk
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.
Today’s Program will be INDOORS ONLY. We will going over the life histories of our most common seals and share with you Long Island’s best Seal Watching hotspots.
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.
INDOOR Seal Walk
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.
Today’s Program will be INDOORS ONLY. We will going over the life histories of our most common seals and share with you Long Island’s best Seal Watching hotspots.
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Seal Walk
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.
CANCELLED DUE TO INCELMENT WEATHER Seal Walk
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.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Seal Walk
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.
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.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER 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.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Seal Walk
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.
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.
Seal Walk
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.
Seal Walk
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.
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.