Park Pals is a free early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregiver(s) that takes place monthly at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Join JBRPC and the National Park Service as we introduce the next generation of young scientists to parks and urban wildlife through a range of hands-on activities and guided exploration. Activities include a themed read-aloud, a short nature walk with a park ranger, crafts, and more!

Check out the upcoming sessions below. Registration opens 2 weeks before each session.


SATURDAY, January 11, 10:30AM - 12PM

winter wonders

To kick off the new year, our Winter Wonders session will focus on exploring the winter landscape at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and learning about seasonal changes, highlighting the differences between winter and summer. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a winter scavenger hunt in the refuge led by a Park Ranger.


upcoming Sessions

SATURDAY, february 8 - cozy critters

This month, we will explore how animals stay warm and cozy through the winter at Jamaica Bay, including wintering waterfowl paddling through icy waters, birds and butterflies migrating south, and the special fur and feathers of our animal friends who stay behind. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk in the refuge led by a Park Ranger. 

Saturday, march 8 - Good night, good morning: nocturnal animals

In light of the upcoming equinox, when day and night become the same length, we will learn about nocturnal animals at Jamaica Bay, such as bats, owls, moths, and horseshoe crabs. Where do they live and what do they eat? How do they get around in the dark? We’ll explore these questions through themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk in the refuge led by a Park Ranger. 

Saturday, april 12 - SIGNS OF SPRING

The April session will focus on the special signs of spring at Jamaica Bay, such as blooming flowers, the return of migrating birds, and the re-emergence of hibernating animals such as terrapin turtles. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a spring scavenger hunt in the refuge led by a Park Ranger. 

Saturday, May 10 - may flowers

The May session will focus on the spring flowers of Jamaica Bay and their important role in the ecosystem and food chain of Jamaica Bay. What are the parts of a flower? How does a flower go from a seed to a bloom? Which of our animal friends like to eat from flowers? We’ll explore these questions through themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a flower exploration walk in the refuge led by a Park Ranger.