PLAN YOUR VISIT

Hours &
admission

The Center is open:

7 Days a Week : 9:00am - 4:30pm

Summer Schedule (June 26th-August 28th):

Monday-Wednesday: 9:00am-4:30pm

Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm

Friday-Sunday: 9:00am-4:30pm

There is no admission charge to visit the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center or grounds. However, a parking fee may apply. See below for more information.

Most programs require advance registration and a small admission fee, which is payable on site. See below for rates, and visit the programs page to register.

Learn more about accessibility at the Center.

  • There is a required fee of $4 per person per program, unless otherwise stated. (Children 0-2 years old go free.)

    The program fee must be paid in person at the Center by cash, credit card, or check (made out to “NYS Parks”).

    Group program fees are $75 for 10 - 20 participants and $50 for each additional 1-10 people. Virtual group programs are $75 (flat fee).

    Register for public programs here.

  • Smoking is prohibited throughout the Center building and grounds.

    No skateboarding on site.

    No dogs allowed on site.

  • The Center’s extensive exterior exhibits and programs are a resource for safe, socially distanced education and recreation.

    Visitors who enter the building are welcome, but not required, to wear a mask. Hand sanitizer will be available on site, and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.

Visiting by car

Parking fees apply for parts of the year. Please see below for details.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card offers year-round, unlimited entry to most facilities operated by State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation, including forests, beaches, trails, and more. For more information, visit the Empire Pass website.

  • April 5 - May 18
    $8 per car on weekends only, 8am - 4pm

    May 24 - August 10
    $10 per car on weekdays (8am - 4pm) and weekends and holidays (6am - 6pm)

    August 11 - August 31
    $10 per car on weekdays (8am - 4pm) and weekends and holidays (7am - 6pm)

    September 1 - September 7
    $10 per car on weekdays, weekends, and holidays (8am - 4pm)

    September 8 - September 14
    $8 per car on weekends and holidays only (8am - 4pm)

    September 15 - November 2
    $8 per car on weekends and holidays (8am - 3pm)

    Seniors (62+)
    Parking on weekdays (Monday through Friday) is free throughout the year, but fees apply on weekends and holidays.

  • Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
    Jones Beach State Park
    West End 2
    150 Bay Parkway
    Wantagh, NY 11793

    Download printable driving directions here.

  • Bus permits are only required when parking fees (VUFs) apply, and are issued through the Babylon Permit Office.

    Please contact longislandpermits@parks.ny.gov.

    Bus Permit Cost: $35