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, October 5, 10:30AM - 12PM
seasonal change in the parks
Our October will delve into the signs of seasonal change, including the presence of monarch butterflies and raptors. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk led by a Park Ranger to search for these fascinating creatures. Join us at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to explore the vibrant flora and fauna of this unique habitat!
Past Sessions
Saturday, JUNE 29 - INTERNATIONAL MUD DAY CELEBRATION
This end-of-June session took place on International Mud Day and focused on introducing our Park Pals to soil and earthworms.
Saturday, april 6 - INTRODUCTION TO URBAN WILDLIFE
The first Park Pals session focused on introducing little ones to parks and urban wildlife through a range of hands-on activities!
Saturday, May 4 - SIGNS OF SPRING
The May session focused on the emergence of flowers in Spring. We will look closely at plants on a guided nature walk led by a park ranger, listen to a read-aloud and search for other signs of Spring!
Saturday, June 1 - EXPLORING THE ESTUARY
The June session focused on introducing little ones to salt marshes, estuaries, and horseshoe crabs through a range of hands-on activities including a themed read-aloud, a short nature walk with a park ranger, eco-crafts, and more!