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.
BioBlitz: Spring has Sprung
Adults, Families (All ages) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the winter! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects
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 8:30 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:
8:30am—Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
9:00am—Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols
9:30am— Walk to beach
10:00 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.
---
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: What is in Water?
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: What is in Water?
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: What is in Water?
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: What is in Water?
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.
String Day Volunteers
All Ages | Volunteer Event
Protect the Piping Plovers by assisting the park with sectioning off their nesting habitat.
Volunteers at this event will walk across the beachfront with Parks staff preparing the string fencing for our endangered species. Includes at least 1 mile of walking across sand. Any volunteers under the age of 16 MUST have a parent or guardian onsite.
We ask that you please bring:
Water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing (jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, warm footwear)
Closed toed shoes
A light snack
Schedule:
9:00am – Check-in and Fill out volunteer forms
Please arrive on time to complete volunteer paperwork and get checked-in.
If you would like a certificate of volunteer hours for your school please let staff know right away.
9:15am — Receive volunteer group assignments and group leaders
9:30am – Start working on the beach!
There is no specific end time for this program. If you need to leave before work is completed, please notify your group leader.
Thank you for volunteering to protect our endangered species!
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. This will cover the first 30 minutes of 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.
Relics of the Sea
Families (All Ages) | Activity
$4 per program participant
It's time for show-and-tell! Our educators will take you through our extensive collection of marine animal bones, teeth, and skulls. You will get to touch some of our specimens as you hear theirs and learn more about these amazing marine animals.
This program takes place INDOORS.
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.
Tiny Tots: Wind
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Wind
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: Rock Painting
Adult Craft | Activity
$4 fee per program participant
Activity: Get a headstart on spring decorating and paint stones for your garden.
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.
Tiny Tots: Wind
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Wind
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Astronomy Night with AOSNY
Free Event Admission | All Ages
The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the winter sky before heading outside. On our back deck, we will use a telescope to focus on the Moon, the brighter stars, and their constellations.
This program is both indoors and outdoors.
Early bird tickets available now, General Admission opens March 1st.
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
Wild Kids: Prep for a Hike
Children (Ages 7-12) | Activity
$4 fee per program participant
Topic: Prep for a Hike
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.
Photography Hike
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. Participants are welcome to use their phone cameras.
This program might involve up to 2 miles of walking on sand and pavement.
This is an OUTDOOR program.
RSVP required. Program departs 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.
Relics of the Sea
Families (All Ages) | Activity
$4 per program participant
It's time for show-and-tell! Our educators will take you through our extensive collection of marine animal bones, teeth, and skulls. You will get to touch some of our specimens as you hear theirs and learn more about these amazing marine animals.
This program takes place INDOORS.
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.
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. This will cover the first 30 minutes of 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.
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.
WHM: Shark Science in Action
FREE
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Guest Lecture
For Women's History Month, join us in celebrating the women who work in marine and aquatic sciences, and hear from experts in the field.
Dive into the adventures of Marissa DeBonis, the Stony Brook professor training the next generation through smooth dogfish research.
Marissa’s presentation will highlight her work training students in field-based shark research, focusing on smooth dogfish. She will discuss ongoing tagging efforts and diet studies aimed at understanding their ecological role in coastal habitats. The talk will emphasize how these projects provide students with practical skills while advancing shark science and conservation.
Q&A will be held during the presentation.
Guest Speaker:
Marissa DeBonis - Stony Brook University, Lecturer
Marissa is a dedicated educator and researcher specializing in marine conservation and shark science. As a Lecturer and Lab Coordinator at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, she focuses on training and mentoring students, emphasizing hands-on learning and field-based experiences. With a strong background in environmental education, Marissa is passionate about engaging diverse audiences, from early childhood learners to advanced college students, in understanding and protecting marine ecosystems. Marissa’s goal is to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in marine science and foster a lifelong sense of stewardship for the ocean.
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.
WHM: A Deep Dive into Water Quality Monitoring
FREE
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Guest Lecture
For Women's History Month, join us in celebrating the women who work in marine and aquatic sciences, and hear from experts in the field.
Environmental Analysts Samantha Wilder and Valeria Izeppi test New York's waters and share what you need to know about monitoring.
The Interstate Environmental Commission (IEC) coordinates regional water quality monitoring programs, collaborating with various levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and the general public. The accredited laboratory regularly collects and analyzes water samples from the Western Long Island Sound and the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. The IEC is committed to expanding its network of monitored water bodies and partnerships to address data gaps, which can influence future regulatory decisions aimed at improving and preserving the quality of our waterways. Additionally, the IEC encourages local communities to get involved in monitoring efforts and become more aware of how their actions impact water quality.
Q&A will be held during the presentation.
Guest Speaker:
Samantha Wilder - Environmental Analyst II, Interstate Environmental Commission
Samantha currently serves as the Project Manager for the Western Long Island Sound Monitoring Program for the Interstate Environmental Commission (IEC) and coordinates IEC's involvement in Save the Sound's Unified Water Study. She joined IEC as a seasonal intern in May 2021 following the completion of her B.S. in Sustainability Studies from Hofstra University, with a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition to her work at IEC, Samantha is the part-time Water Quality Coordinator for the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee, where she performs water quality monitoring during the recreational season. During her studies, Samantha focused on community engagement in quantifying and reducing coastal pollution, particularly through beach cleanups. She has also been participating in boat-based surveys, collecting and analyzing water samples across the western Long Island Sound and its embayments since 2019. Samantha is currently pursuing a M.A. in Marine Conservation & Policy at Stony Brook University.
Valeria Izeppi - Environmental Analyst II, Interstate Environmental Commission
Valeria’s main role is coordinating the Interstate Environmental Commission participation in the Alley Creek and Bergen Basin pathogen mitigation project, which aims to assess nature-based solutions to mitigate pathogen loading in New York City embayments. Valeria also performs field work and data management for a new monitoring program in the New York Harbor, funded by a 604b award from the New York State Department of Conservation. Valeria earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Rutgers University, with a minor in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a M.S. in Environmental Science at Rutgers.
BioBlitz: Winter Wilds
Adults & Families (All Ages) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the winter! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
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.
Black History Month: Petri Dish Microbiology
Free Event Admission
Adults & Families (All Ages) | Lecture
What can you grow in a dish? Learn about tiny living things and make a fun craft!
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.
Astronomy Night with AOSNY
Free Event Admission | All Ages
The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the winter sky before heading outside. On our back deck, we will use a telescope to focus on the Moon, the brighter stars, and their constellations.
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
Tiny Tots: Zoom In!
Children (Ages 3-6) | Activity
Theme: Zoom In!
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.
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.