Join us for Park Pals, an early childhood family program for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers designed to inspire curiosity, exploration, and connection with nature at Floyd Bennett Field! This month, we’ll dive into the wonders of Jamaica Bay as we celebrate the mighty menhaden, a small but powerful fish that plays a big role in keeping our oceans and bays healthy. Sometimes called the “most important fish in the sea,” menhaden help clean the water and provide food for dolphins, ospreys, and many other animals.

Families will enjoy hands-on indoor activities to learn about these amazing fish, such as creating shimmering fish-scale collages, exploring sensory bins inspired by the sea, and listening to a fishy read-aloud that brings the underwater world to life. Then we’ll bundle up and head out for a short shoreline walk, where we’ll look for signs of fish life, explore shells and seaweed washed ashore, and imagine where menhaden might be swimming beneath the waves.

JBRPC Park Pals Programs are generously supported by the New York Community Trust, Office of the New York State Attorney General for the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower. Public funding is provided by NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Council Members Joann Ariola and Mercedes Narcisse.