Tiny Tots: Hibernation
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Hibernation
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Tiny Tots: Hibernation
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Hibernation
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Walk-in Touch Tank Hours
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: Wreath Making
Families (All Ages) | Activity
Join us for a fun seasonal craft! Create your very own custom wreath using our provided foraged materials.
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.
Walk-in Touch Tank Hours
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.
Citizen Science Bird Count
Adults, Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Come see our fascinating winter birds here at Jones Beach, and fill out a bird checklist to submit to Cornell Lab's "eBird" app, a citizen science project.
Binoculars recommended, but we will provide some pairs for the group.
We will be walking approximately 1 mile on sand. Please dress appropriately.
Bayberry Candle Making
Families (Ages 6+) | Craft
$4 fee per program participant
Many people celebrate the start of a new year in the Northeast by lighting candles. Bring the family to create bayberry-scented candles from soy wax, and we’ll add some of Jones Beach’s homegrown bayberries!
Doors close 10 minutes after program 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.
*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”.
Winter Wonders
Families (All Ages) | Walk + Activity
$4 fee per program participant
While the beach may be known to be the hot spot in the summers, winters at Jones Beach are just as wonderful! Join an educator to learn about identifying the animal tracks from our winter critters and explore how to harvest seeds from the dormant plants.
This is a leisurely walk throughout the paved sidewalks of the Pollinator Garden, and a short walk on the sand to see any wild animal tracks.
This program takes place OUTDOORS. Please dress appropriately and drink water. Program departs 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.
Mindful Mondays
This mindful walk, inspired by shinrin-yoku forest bathing, uses tools for connecting to our coastal environment while supporting our health and well-being. Walk with us on a paved path through our pollinator garden and dune area.
First Day Hike 2025
Free Event Admission (NO RSVP REQUIRED)
Families (All Ages) | Walk
This free event will take place at Field 10 of Jones Beach. Drop in anytime between 10am - 3pm to talk with an educator and go looking for seals swimming along in the bay. This hike is 1.5 miles out-and-back. Our educators will have a scope to help patrons spot any seals. Bring your family and friends!
Wear boots, bring binoculars, and dress in layers, with scarves, hats, and gloves.
We're excited to see you!
In the event of inclement weather, please refer back to this page to know of any cancellations or delays.
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Celebrate the new year in the outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of the many events across the state and nation.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invite New Yorkers to kick off 2025 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State.
This event is OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.
Wild Kids: Knot Tying
Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity
$4 fee per program participant
Topic: Track Scavenger Hunt
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Mindful Mondays
This mindful walk, inspired by shinrin-yoku forest bathing, uses tools for connecting to our coastal environment while supporting our health and well-being. Walk with us on a paved path through our pollinator garden and dune area.
The Art of Shorebirds
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Guest Lecture & Art Display
What goes on behind the scenes when creating a shorebird sculpture? Understand the artform, from bird watching, journal notes, sketching, pattern making, and finally, carving in wood the chosen subject including the eyes. . Local artist Tommy Stewart takes us through his process.
Q&A will be held during the presentation.
Guest Speaker:
Tommy Stewart – Artist, Sculptor
Tommy's concentration and discipline is centered around his life-like qualities in his work, design and composition. Through a history of acclaimed works, Tommy has studied shorebird anatomy and color theory advancing in this artform and mentoring aspiring artists. You can find examples of his work on his Instagram, @tommy_stewart_shorebirds.
Citizen Science Bird Count
Adults, Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Come see our fascinating winter birds here at Jones Beach, and fill out a bird checklist to submit to Cornell Lab's "eBird" app, a citizen science project.
Binoculars recommended, but we will provide some pairs for the group.
We will be walking approximately 1 mile on sand. Please dress appropriately.
Adult Craft: Wreath Making
Adult Craft | Activity
$4 fee per program participant
Activity: Wreath Making
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program 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.
Walk-in Touch Tank Open Hours
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.
Walk-in Touch Tank Open Hours
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.
Tiny Tots: Polar Bears
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Polar Bears
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Tiny Tots: Polar Bears
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Polar Bears
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Mindful Mondays
This mindful walk, inspired by shinrin-yoku forest bathing, uses tools for connecting to our coastal environment while supporting our health and well-being. Walk with us on a paved path through our pollinator garden and dune area.
Tiny Tots: Tracks
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Tracks
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Adult Craft: Pottery Mosaics
Adults & Teens (12+) | Activity
Craft: Pottery Mosaics
Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just make to help you unwind and relax.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.
Tiny Tots: Tracks
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Tracks
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Wild Kids: Track Scavenger Hunt
Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity
$4 fee per program participant
Topic: Track Scavenger Hunt
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.
This is an INDOOR program.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Mindful Mondays
This mindful walk, inspired by shinrin-yoku forest bathing, uses tools for connecting to our coastal environment while supporting our health and well-being. Walk with us on a paved path through our pollinator garden and dune area.
Birding & Biking
Adults (Ages +12) | Bike Ride
RSVP REQUIRED
$4 fee per program participant
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.
This program takes place OUTDOORS. Please dress appropriately. Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
If it is raining, this event will be cancelled and attendees will be notified by email.
Balloon Survey and Beach Cleanup
Open to adults and families. 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:
9:30-10:00: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
10:00-10:30 Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols
10:30-11:00 : Walk to beach
10:30 am: 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 jbenc@parks.ny.gov.
Tiny Tots: Pumpkins
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Pumpkins
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Tiny Tots: Pumpkins
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Pumpkins
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Mindful Mondays
This mindful walk, inspired by shinrin-yoku forest bathing, uses tools for connecting to our coastal environment while supporting our health and well-being. Walk with us on a paved path through our pollinator garden and dune area.
Celebrating the New Moon with Amateur Observer’s Society of NY
Free Event Admission | All Ages
Join AOS as we tour the night sky under the New Moon. As New Moon nights are dark, they are often the best time to view other celestial objects like planets, meteor showers, and deep sky objects such as star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Anyone can participate. All you need to do is look up!
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.
Website: jonesbeachenc.org
Instagram: @JonesBeachENC
Saltwater 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
Tiny Tots: Bats
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Bats
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Tiny Tots: Bats
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Bats
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.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Wild Kids
Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity
$4 fee per program participant
Topic: The Art of Fish Prints
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.
This is an INDOOR program.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Mindful Mondays
Adults & Teens (Ages 14+) | Activity
This mindful walk, inspired by shinrin-yoku forest bathing, uses tools for connecting to our coastal environment while supporting our health and well-being. Walk with us on a paved path through our pollinator garden and dune area.
RSVP Required. 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.
Birding & Biking
Adults (Ages +12) | Bike Ride
RSVP REQUIRED
$4 fee per program participant
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.
This program takes place OUTDOORS. Please dress appropriately. Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
If it is raining, this event will be cancelled and attendees will be notified by email.
Adult Craft: Fall Leaves Tote Bags
Adults & Teens (12+) | Activity
Craft: Fall Leaves Tote Bags
Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just make to help you unwind and relax.
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.
Walk-in Touch Tank Open Hours
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.