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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Spiders
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Spiders
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.
Hispanic Heritage Month:DIY Papel Picado
All Ages | Craft
RSVP REQUIRED
Celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month by paying homage to the colorful Mexican folk art of Papel Picado, and bring home your own banner!
Tiny Tots: Spiders
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Spiders
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.
Monarch Tagging
FREE
Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.
3:00-3:15: Sign In, Volunteer Registration
3:15-3:30: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?
3:30-4:15: Capturing Monarchs
4:15-4:30: Tag & Release
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.
Monarch Tagging
FREE
Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.
3:00-3:15: Sign In, Volunteer Registration
3:15-3:30: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?
3:30-4:15: Capturing Monarchs
4:15-4:30: Tag & Release
Monarch Tagging
FREE
Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.
3:00-3:15: Sign In, Volunteer Registration
3:15-3:30: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?
3:30-4:15: Capturing Monarchs
4:15-4:30: Tag & Release
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
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.
International Coastal Beach Cleanup Day
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!
Please arrive on-time—if you arrive after 15 minutes, you may not be able to join on for the program.
9:00-9:15 Check-in, Volunteer Forms, Safety Talk
9:15-onwards Beach Cleanup
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
Thin Mint Sprint with Nassau County Girl Scouts
The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center will be tabling at this event! See Nassau County Girl Scouts page for more information.
Join the Girl Scouts for their inaugural Thin Mint Sprint 5k Run and Family Fun Walk on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Jones Beach State Park. Families and avid runners of all ages are invited to join on Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend for their first ever Girl Scout Cookie themed fun run and activity fair.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County Website Link: https://events.elitefeats.com/24thinmintsprint
International Observe the Moon Night with AOSNY
Free Event Admission | All Ages
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual worldwide public event that encourages observation and appreciation of the Moon. All are invited to observe the Moon, learn about NASA’s planetary science and exploration, and celebrate cultural and personal connections to our nearest neighbor. Each year, thousands of people participate in museums, planetaria, schools, universities, observatories, parks, businesses, and backyards around the world. Anyone can participate. All you need to do is look up!
RSVP REQUIRED. Early bird tickets open Saturday, August 31st. General Admission opens Thursday, September 5th.
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
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: Five Senses
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Five Senses
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: Five Senses
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Five Senses
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.