EVENTS
Free to the public, unless stated otherwise
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Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia (2025)
Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in your neighborhood park!
This summer, NYC Parks and The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs.
Screening of Zootopia at Marine Park will begin at dusk. In the event of extreme rain, the event will be cancelled.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Join the National Park Service for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay.
Open to all — no registration required.
For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) I FISH NY program is excited to offer an engaging recreational experience, connecting state residents with their local natural resources through fishing.
DEC provides all the necessary instruction, equipment, and bait for a fishing experience. Visit the DEC Free Learn To Fish Clinics webpage for more information about this and other free fishing events.
Speak with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Marine Park Alliance staff on site to learn about our upcoming recreation, ecology, and family programs like this one and more!
Moth Ball: A Night of Moths & Moonlight at Floyd Bennett Field
Join us for National Moth Week as we dive into the secret world of Jamaica Bay’s glowing biodiversity. We’ll begin indoors with our “Moth Academy,” featuring light refreshments and an introduction to the local species, led by Don Riepe, a founding member of the NYC Butterfly Club.
While inside, participants can get creative at our moth mask art station and practice their photography skills at the UV “glow-up” photo station. As darkness falls, we will venture outside for our “moth crawl.”
Experience three unique stations, our powerful light sheet, sugar baiting on trees, and a guided UV flashlight walk to find vital coastal pollinators like the Luna moth and the White-lined Sphinx Moth.
No prior experience needed. A perfect outing for all nature lovers.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
9th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival
The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy will host the 9th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival on City of Water Day, Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The Jamaica Bay Festival is a free, fun, family event taking place in Brooklyn and Queens. The Festival celebrates those who share our vision to champion the spirit of the Jamaica Bay community, the unparalleled opportunities and the natural beauty of this urban tidal estuary. Participants can enjoy free kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, bird watching, art, nature and more.
Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) I FISH NY program is excited to offer an engaging recreational experience, connecting state residents with their local natural resources through fishing.
This free event will take place on May 20, 2026 from 12-3pm at Park at Beach 108th Street (Rockaway Ferry Terminal) in Queens as a part of World Fish Migration Day.
DEC provides all the necessary instruction, equipment, and bait for a fishing experience. Visit the DEC Free Learn To Fish Clinics webpage for more information about this and other free fishing events.
Stop by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy table to learn about our upcoming recreation, ecology, and family programs like this one and more!
Shorebird Festival
Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, New York City Bird Alliance, and Gateway National Recreation Area for the 20th Annual Shorebird Festival. August is the perfect time to explore the diversity of New York City’s shorebirds!
Shorebird Festival attendees will have the opportunity to spot and learn about the scores of shorebird species and their natural habitat of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, filled with marshland, fresh and brackish water ponds, and grassy fields.
Attendees will meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
This festival is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
National Park Week Kickoff at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service (NPS) on Saturday, August 22 from 9AM–1PM at Floyd Bennett Field for a special kickoff celebration to National Park Week!
Spend the morning exploring one of New York City’s most exciting national park spaces through a variety of unique experiences happening across the park, including free NPS kayaking on Jamaica Bay, visits to the Ryan Visitor Center, and tours of historic Hangar B to view vintage aircraft up close, with NPS rangers available to help guide your visit.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to rent bikes or hop aboard a trolley shuttle to travel between activities and destinations throughout the park, while the Big Apple Jet Rally takes place the very same day and is open for attendees to enjoy as part of the festivities.
Activities and tours will take place at scheduled times throughout the morning, with a full program and timing to be announced ahead of the event. Whether you are coming for waterfront adventure, aviation history, conservation, or a new way to experience the park, this special celebration offers something for everyone.
Jamaica Bay Open Paddle Kayaking, B43rd St.
Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Gateway National Recreation Area, and the Garden by the Bay for an easy, open kayak paddle in Jamaica Bay!
We’ll paddle around Norton Basin, a protected tributary of the Bay that offers calm conditions welcoming to beginner and experienced kayakers alike. The shoreline of Norton Basin is surrounded by natural areas and open space, making it the perfect place to spot native wildlife – from small shorebirds to soaring raptors. The experienced rangers at Gateway National Recreation Area will provide kayaking instruction, along with on-water support to ensure a safe and fun kayaking experience!
Learn more about the opportunities available to explore Rockaway’s native plants and animals in Norton Basin’s neighboring parks and receive a copy of JBRPC’s Common Plants and Pollinators of Jamaica Bay and Rockaway: A Field Guide to take home.
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.
Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.
Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
Raptorama
Raptorama is an annual event presented by the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, NYC Bird Alliance, and the Wildlife Center of Long Island.
During the fall, millions of birds, including bird of prey migrate through New York City on their journey south for the winter. Raptorama at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the perfect excuse to get outside, learn more about these animals amazing journeys, and see some of them up close and personal!
Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival
Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival will return in fall 2026!
The festival is a free, family-friendly event, featuring site-specific digital video artworks projection-mapped onto the 8,640-square-foot façade of historic Hangars 3 & 4 as a celebration of the park’s rich history and vibrant future.
This year’s festival will feature a playful version of the dinner and a show concept. As the sun sets over the landscape, neighbors and friends will gather for The Longest Table, a collective outdoor dinner that turns dining into art and conversation into connection, accompanied by music and family-friendly lawn activities.
When night settles, the hangars will come alive once more, washed in color, motion, and sound, with newly-commissioned digital artworks projected onto the unique brick and glass canvas of the building façade.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.
Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.
Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.
Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.
Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.
Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.
Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
Summer Sun: Scopes on the Solstice at Marine Park
Join Marine Park Alliance and the Amateur Astronomers Association as we celebrate the longest day of the year by viewing the sun through telescopes with filters to allow for safe solar observation.
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Join the National Park Service for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay.
Open to all — no registration required.
For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Just for Kids: PuppetMobile’s Pinocchio
Find a spot on the lawn for a one-of-a-kind production of Pinocchio in Marine Park, presented by the CityParks PuppetMobile in partnership with City Parks Foundation and the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater team at NYC Parks.
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Join the National Park Service for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay.
Open to all — no registration required.
For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Pollinator Explorers: A JBRPC Family Program at Edgemere Farm
Join us at Edgemere Farm for a free, fun, hands-on program celebrating pollinators and their important role in our community! Designed for children ages 2–10 and their caregivers, this interactive event will explore how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators help grow the food we eat and support healthy ecosystems right here in Rockaway.
Families will enjoy a guided garden tour, playful learning activities including making their own “insect hotels” using upcycled and foraged materials, and a chance to take home a native plant to support pollinators at home. Through exploration, movement, and discovery, participants will learn how caring for pollinators helps strengthen both the farm and our local environment. Pre-registration is required.
Jamaica Bay: Refuge for Wildlife, Refuge for People with the National Park Service
Join a park ranger on a tour to learn all about Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge! Together we'll focus on the plants, animals, and history, that make this place so special. We will incorporate some meditative practices as well to find new ways to enhance our experiences in nature.
Floyd Bennett Field Bike Tour
Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service for a unique biking tour through the past, present, and future of New York City’s first municipal airport—now part of Gateway National Recreation Area and one of the city’s most extraordinary natural and historic landscapes. This guided ride will take you across some of Floyd Bennett Field’s vast runways and hidden trails, highlighting its aviation history, important natural areas that provide critical habitat for birds and other wildlife, ongoing restoration efforts, and the careful stewardship that helps protect this special place.
Logistical notes:
No registration is required, though participants will need to bring their own bikes. Rentals are not available at Floyd Bennett Field.
For folks bringing their bikes via car, free parking is plentiful outside Ryan Visitor Center. Please note that you’ll need to access the park via Aviation Road, off of Flatbush Avenue. See the diagram below.
The full ride will be 5-6 miles in length, punctuated by stops to discuss each point of interest.
Please also make sure to bring water and snacks! There are no public concessions at Floyd Bennett Field. The weather is looking warm and sunny.
The tour begins at the Ryan Visitor Center, where participants will be introduced to Floyd Bennett Field before heading up to the historic aircraft control tower for panoramic views of New York City, Jamaica Bay, and its surrounding communities. We’ll then proceed to historic Hangars 3 and 4 to learn about the exciting plans for their adaptive reuse.
Cycling the original concrete runways, we’ll head to the North 40 Natural Area, making a stop at the Jean Bourque Memorial Bird Blind overlooking a freshwater pond—a sanctuary for fall-migrating birds. From there, the ride will continue to the kayak launch for views of Mill Basin, then onward to the Seaplane Ramp, where sweeping views reveal Jamaica Bay’s surrounding parklands, marsh islands and the Rockaway Inlet.
The tour will continue to Hangar B, home to an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft beautifully restored by NPS HARP (Historic Aircraft Restoration Program) volunteers, before a final ride back along extensive grasslands, where we will scan the skies for hawks, kestrels, and other seasonal visitors.
This event offers a rare chance to experience Floyd Bennett Field’s expansive landscapes by bike, connecting its rich history with its exciting future as a hub for nature, innovation, and community in New York City.
Driving instructions to Ryan Visitor Center:
Birding: Shorebird Families with Urban Park Rangers
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see migratory birds. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that nest on the beach shoreline.
World Cup Under the Stars in Marine Park
Watch Team USA square off against Paraguay on the big screen. Bring a blanket or chair!
The match starts at 9:00 p.m. and the lawn opens at 7:00 p.m.
No registration is required.
Forest Bathing Workshop: Restoring Our Relationship with the Earth
This two-hour guided forest bathing workshop invites participants into a traditional slow immersion walk through the park, integrating mindful sensory invitations, breathwork, and embodied reflection.
In alignment with World Environment Day’s global call for environmental stewardship and climate resilience, the experience concludes with a guided visualization and gentle act-of-care practice, encouraging each participant to identify one sustainable action that supports both personal well-being and planetary health.
Registration required.
Mushrooms of Marine Park
What role do mushrooms and fungi play in the complex web of ecosystems found in the salt marsh? What exactly are mushrooms and fungi? Discover more with Andrew Cannon of the New York Mycological Society and find out what's could be growing in our marsh.
Hangar B Tour with National Park Service
Discover Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history and explore restored aircraft on a ranger-led tour of a historic airplane hangar.
Afterwards, visitors can explore the hangar on their own and see what projects the Hangar B Restoration Project (HARP) volunteers are working on.
Turtle Count Community Science Program at Marine Park
Join Marine Park Alliance to learn how you can use binoculars to help out with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s volunteer diamondback terrapin headcount surveys.
Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) I FISH NY program is excited to offer an engaging recreational experience, connecting state residents with their local natural resources through fishing.
DEC provides all the necessary instruction, equipment, and bait for a fishing experience. Visit the DEC Free Learn To Fish Clinics webpage for more information about this and other free fishing events.
Stop by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy table to learn about our upcoming recreation, ecology, and family programs like this one and more!
World Fish Migration Day Seining at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Help us catch, count, and record fish species and wildlife that thrive along the shores of the Penn Water Access Area!
Join the Education Team on Saturday, May 30th from 10am to 12pm for a morning of seining! Together we'll discover the incredible wildlife that call these shores home.
This program is free! All supplies are provided.
All ages are welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is fully outdoors. Please wear shoes you don't mind getting wet or muddy.
We will meet at the Penn Water Access Area. Note: The PWAA is roughly a 10 minute walk from the parking lot along a flat, gravel trail.
Don't forget to pack water, sun screen, and whatever else you need to be comfortable outside on the trails.
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!
The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.
If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.
Black Birders Week: Sunset Bird Hike at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Join New York State Parks educators and NYC Bird Alliance to discover the joys of urban birding as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline!
Black Birders Week: Beginner Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Join New York State Park staff for a guided birding session where they’ll teach you everything you need to get started!
Come birdwatching with the NYC Bird Alliance, park educators, and other bird enthusiasts to discover the incredible birds at Shirley Chisholm State Park.
Binoculars and ID guides will be provided to borrow for the duration of the hike.
This program is free! All ages are welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants will meet at Hendrix Creek Patio, near the Penn Entrance parking lot. Please wear comfortable shoes for gravel trails, and bring enough water to stay hydrated during this outing.
Hangar B Tour with National Park Service
Discover Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history and explore restored aircraft on a ranger-led tour of a historic airplane hangar.
Afterwards, visitors can explore the hangar on their own and see what projects the Hangar B Restoration Project (HARP) volunteers are working on.
Horseshoe Crab Festival
Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, NYC Bird Alliance, Plover Project, NYC Parks and the National Park Service for the Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival!
Attendees will meet at Sunset Cove Park (next to American Ballfields Park), to see Horseshoe Crabs on the shoreline and learn about their ecological and medicinal importance! Horseshoe crabs, nicknamed “living fossils,” come ashore around Jamaica Bay this time of year to lay millions of eggs.
This event is jointly produced and presented by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Bird Alliance, American Littoral Society, the National Park Service, NYC Plover Project and NYC Parks.
Silent Disco: Marine Park
Grab a set of wireless headphones and dance to your own beat! This is a fun party for all ages where you can individually tune-in to the channel of your choice, while dancing with others. Sound Off Experience DJs will curate some amazing music making you want to bust out all your favorite moves.
This event is FREE and open to all ages of the public. A form of I.D. is required to exchange for headphones.
Pollinator Festival - A Spring Celebration
Celebrate spring and the essential role pollinators play in the ecosystems of Rockaway and Jamaica Bay at our Shoreline Pollinator Festival!
Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, The Garden By the Bay, and the Edgemere Alliance for this family-friendly event at 43rd Street Waterfront Park, where we’ll highlight native bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects that support our coastal and urban habitats. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, participants will explore how pollinators help sustain local plants, strengthen biodiversity, and contribute to resilient waterfront landscapes, while also learning about the challenges these species face.
Get your hands in the soil by helping us plant pollinator-friendly species to beautify the park and create vital habitat. Participants can also decorate terracotta pots, make seed bombs, and take home native plant seeds, along with a pollinator-friendly plant to care for at home.
Join us to plant, create, and give back to your local environment, because healthy shorelines depend on all of us.
Beach Glass Workshop with Marine Park Alliance
Join Marine Park Alliance and Ayana B. Joy for this hands-on, eco-inspired workshop.
Learn about the beauty, history, and sustainability of beach glass and create your own wearable keepsake to take home (while supplies last).
World Migratory Bird Day Hike with Shirley Chisholm State Park
Join New York State Parks staff to learn about the special birds that can be seen in Shirley Chisholm State Park as they make their long migration journeys.
We will pay special attention to the migratory birds that visit our park during the spring and summer, in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day
This program is free! All ages are welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
We will meet at the picnic tables behind the blue office building in the Fountain Ave parking lot. Please wear comfortable shoes for gravel trails, and bring water!
Hikes will be roughly two miles, on gravel trails. Please reach out if you have questions about accessibility or hike intensity.
Shibori: Indigo Vats and Food Scraps with NYC Parks
Join NYC Parks GreenThumb for a fabric dying workshop at The Healing Garden.
Learn Shibori — enter the world of pattern and surprise. Folding, tying, stitching, and pressing your fabric, you’ll prepare a tote bag for resist dyeing. We’ll dip into a deep blue indigo vat and experiment with subtle hues from avocado pits and carrot tops. The unveiling of your cloth—always a moment of wonder—connects you to a long lineage of global textile traditions while leaving you with a functional, one-of-a-kind piece.
Rockaway Beach and Jamaica Bay Bike Tour with NYC Parks
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a bike ride around Jamaica Bay.
No registration is required. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Please bring your own bike and helmet.
Tot Time with New York State Parks
Join us New York State Park staff at Shirley Chisholm State Park’s Hendrix Creek Patio for a fun morning of toddler-friendly crafts and activities!
Registration is required.
City Nature Challenge BioBlitz with JBRPC and the National Park Service
Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service for a BioBlitz at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge as part of the global City Nature Challenge!
During this hands-on community science event, participants will work together to document as many plant and animal species as possible throughout the refuge. Using the iNaturalist app, you’ll help photograph and record wildlife - contributing valuable data that helps scientists and conservationists better understand urban biodiversity.
Please bring a smartphone or tablet with the iNaturalist app downloaded, or, if you’re new to the app, we can help you download it and learn how to use it at the event. Drop by between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - all experience levels are welcome, whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about the wildlife around you. Come explore the incredible biodiversity of Jamaica Bay and be part of a global effort to document nature in our cities!
Park Pals: Celebrating Earth Day!
Join us for Park Pals, an early childhood family program for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers designed to foster curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world at Floyd Bennett Field!
In celebration of Earth Day, we’ll explore what it means to take care of our planet through fun, hands-on activities that encourage even our youngest park stewards to make a difference. Together, we’ll enjoy a special Earth-themed storytime, create eco-friendly crafts using recycled and natural materials, and engage in simple, age-appropriate stewardship activities that help keep our park clean and beautiful. We’ll also take a walk to our shoreline, where we’ll look for signs of spring growth, talk about how we can protect the habitats that wildlife call home, and celebrate the many ways we can love our Earth every day.
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.
Fort and Dunes Hike at Fort Tilden with the National Park Service
From military batteries to beach dunes, Fort Tilden is known for its many defense systems. Join a park ranger on a guided nature walk on trails nestled between the sea and maritime forest to learn about how this site has defended us in the past and how it continues to do so today.
Meet in front of the chapel at Fort Tilden. This program includes walking for approximately 2 miles on uneven terrain, including hills, rocks, sand and wooden stairs. Visitors who drive in will be issued a free parking permit to park in the Fort Tilden parking lot during the program.