Busy Bees Preschool Prep
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:30-11:00 AM
May: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
May: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
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Prepare your child for preschool with this fun virtual program. Each lesson will focus on a different nature or animal theme. Students will enjoy read-alouds of popular children’s literature, practice counting, and learn to identify letters, colors and shapes using songs and fun activities.
Ages 3-4 | May: 8 classes: $80 |
Bookworm Book Club - Spring Series
Friday, April 16, May 21, June 18 | 3:30-4:45 pm
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Young readers will gather in a relaxed atmosphere to take turns reading a “book of the month” together. A copy of the book will be given to each child and an APEC educator will engage and encourage the children as they read. The program includes a book related activity. Your child will leave with a brand-new book each month, to enhance their at home library. Children must wear a mask for the entire program. Limited to 6 participants. Copies of April’s book pick, Kaia and the Bees by Maribeth Boelts were generously donated by the author and illustrator Angela Dominquez. A portion of the funds raised for this series will go towards the care of our animal ambassadors thanks to the generosity of local friends of APEC.
Ages: Grades 1st-3rd (drop-off) | $60 per child |
Grades 4th-6th:
Super Scientists - May
Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 | 3:00-4:00 pm
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You’re still thirsty for more science?… fine! Another month of “Super Science” experiences coming right up! This May we will be looking into some of the various, unique habitats and the remarkable animals that call these places home. We will put ourselves in their... shoes?… more like in their webbed-feet! Our journey will take us across the continents and include some brand-new STEM experiments and engineering challenges! In the wise words of Ms. Frizzle, take chances, make mistakes, get messy!!
Ages: Grades 4th-6th (drop-off) | $100 per child |
Grades 1st-3rd:
Curious Kids - May
Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 | 3:00-4:00 pm
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Our weekly series will connect literacy and STEM activities with a focus on Amphibian Awareness. Children will engage in a safe, fun, and enriching educational environment. Dress for weather as nature walk is included. Participants must wear a mask for the entire program. Limited to 10 individuals.
Ages: Grades 1st-3rd (drop-off) | $100 per child |
Animal Tales: Planting a Rainbow
Saturday, May 15 | 1:30-2:45 PM
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Celebrate May flowers at APEC! Share Lois Ehlert’s colorful book Planting a Rainbow and observe two cuddly animal guests. The class will also include a fun flower matching activity and children will plant flowers to take home. Limited to 6 parent/child pairs. ONE adult per child. Masks must be worn by all adults and children for the entire program.
Ages 3-5 (with ONE adult) | $25 per child |
Food Illustration Watercolor Workshop
Tuesday, May 18 | 6:00-7:30 pm
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Explore your creativity by painting your favorite foods in watercolor! Illustrating the food from your kitchen (or your fantasy meals) can be fun for many reasons. It is therapeutic, creative, and experimental. And you can even create fun wall art for your home while you are at it! In this beginner-friendly class, we'll explore shape, color, and texture using simple watercolor techniques. We will start with a few basic exercises and quick, simple projects, then move on to create paintings using food from your kitchen or reference photos. Along the way, learn a process for gathering delicious-looking inspiration for artwork. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Various supplies needed:
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Exploring Earthworms
Saturday, May 22 | 1:30-2:45 PM
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Did you know that earthworms are an important part of the forest ecosystem? They are also beneficial to your garden plants! Students will learn about these wiggly critters by observing live specimens and sharing a book about wiggly worms. We will also dig for worms in the park and take a nature walk. Limited to 8 children. Masks must be worn by children for the entire program.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child |
For the Birds
Sunday, May 23 | 10:00-11:15 AM
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Bring out your Junior Ornithologist as we learn about birds. Examine feathers, nests, eggs, and learn some amazing facts about nature’s fine feathered friends. Observe three different birds from APEC’s Animal Collection and enjoy an outdoor bird walk. Limited to 8 children. Masks must be worn by children for the entire program.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child |
Eggcellent Animals
Saturday, June 5 | 9:15-10:15 AM
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Birds aren’t the only animals that hatch from eggs! Nature has many egg-laying critters including reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and more. Children will enjoy a fun classroom egg hunt as they learn about these eggcellent animals. Live animal observations of a dove, snake, and insect will provide an exciting learning experience. Limited to 6 parent/child pairs. ONE adult per child. Masks must be worn by all adults and children for the entire program.
Ages 2-3 (with ONE adult) | $18 per child |
On the Nature Trail
Thursday, June 3 | 1:30-4:30pm
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Young learners will meet for an engaging afternoon of exploring Alley Pond Park. The afternoon will include nature literacy, scavenger hunt, games, outdoor nature exploration, and animal meet and greet. Masks must be worn for the entire program. Participants should bring lunch/snack and labeled water. Limited to 12 participants.
Ages Grades 1st-3rd (drop-off) | $45 per child |
Engineering is for the Birds
Tuesday, June 8 | 1:30-4:30pm
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Young learners will meet for an engaging afternoon of productive learning and fun in a relaxed environment that will include nature literacy, STEM activity, games, outdoor nature exploration, and animal meet and greet. In this workshop children will be challenged to create a recycled birdhouse repurposing milk cartons. They will be introduced to the concept of protype and design. Masks must be worn for the entire program. Participants should bring lunch/snack and labeled water. Limited to 12 participants.
Ages Grades 1st-3rd (drop-off) | $45 per child |
Young Chefs - Pasta Primavera
Friday, June 18 | 3:00-4:30pm
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Spring lends itself to dishes loaded up with seasonal vegetables. For June’s Young Chefs’ class, we will prepare a simple yet delicious pasta dish with fresh vegetables from the local farmer’s market. APEC’s sous-chefs will be able to choose which sautéed veggies they would like to enhance their individual dish. All materials included. Participants are required to wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 8-12 (drop-off) | $26 per child |
Welcome Summer Forest Bathing Experience
Saturday, June 19 | 1:30-3:00 pm
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Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us. We will wander the trails, slow down and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature as we welcome Summer. Ground yourself and connect with the trees as you create some nature art together. These walks are slow and easy-going, not a hike. Walk length: 90 minutes; please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking outdoors. Bring whatever else you require to feel comfortable: organic bug spray only, please, water, etc. Masks are required. We also practice physical distancing. Limited to 12 participants.
Ages: Adults | $15 per participant |
The Very Busy Spider
Saturday, June 19 | 9:15-10:15 AM
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Enjoy a visit to the farm and observe a busy spider as we read Eric Carle’s classic book. Learn some special spider facts, observe a live tarantula, and make a craft to take home. Limited to 6 parent/child pairs. ONE adult per child. Masks must be worn by all adults and children for the entire program.
Ages 2-3 (with ONE adult) | $18 per child |
Creepy, Crawly Critters
Saturday, June 19 | 11:15-12:30 PM
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Get ready for summer fun by learning about creepy, crawly critters. Children will enjoy an up-close observation of a Madagascar hissing cockroach, crickets, and a tarantula as they compare insect and arachnid characteristics. Each child will receive a colorful science book about insects to enjoy at home. Limited to 6 parent/child pairs. ONE adult per child. Masks must be worn by all adults and children for the entire program.
Ages 3-5 (with ONE adult) | $25 per child |
I Want to Be a Vet
Saturday, June 19 | 10:30-11:30 AM
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Aspiring veterinarians will enjoy learning about the many aspects of veterinary care. Veterinarians provide different medical care for different types of animals depending on their patients-zoo animals, farm animals or pets! Children will learn about the special needs of a variety of APEC’s Animal Ambassadors and observe them up-close. Each child will receive an informative hard cover about animals to take home. Children will be permitted to wear latex gloves to touch the animals. All participants must wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 8 children.
Ages 6-8 (drop-off) | $25 per child |
Summer Solstice Walk
Sunday, June 20 | 1:00-3:30 pm
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Celebrate the upcoming Summer Solstice, which ushers in the new season, with a guided walk led by Jocelyn Perez who will discuss plant species found in the park, especially those associated with the Solstice and its traditional folklore. Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks are required. Registration required. Recommended to bring: a notebook and pencil, camera, and water bottle. Limited to 20 participants.
Ages: Adults, children, & dogs on a leash welcome | $5 per participant |
Mid-Summer Edible Plant Stroll
Wednesday, June 23 | 5:30-7:30 pm
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Come and meet the edible plants of Alley Pond Park with wild foods author Marie Viljoen. On a two-hour midsummer stroll we will identify a cosmopolitan botanical population as diverse as the borough of Queens. From exotic plants and so-called "weeds" to native species, we will walk and talk about plants that are valued or dismissed as food in different cultures, how to use wild flavors in the kitchen, the pitfalls of urban foraging, and issues of sustainability. Many wild edible plants can easily be grown at home or in community gardens, and they deserve a place in the kitchen and our table. Enjoy a wild inspired snack provided by Ms. Viljoen. This walk will cover some rough terrain and is not suitable for persons with limited mobility. Masks are required. We practice social distancing. Limited to 15 participants.
Ages: Adults | $25 per participant |
Summer Science Kids
Entering grades 1st-3rd:
Mondays-Fridays | 1:30-4:30pm
Week 1: July 12 – 16 Super Science
Week 2: July 19 – 23 Get Wild! Urban Wildlife Week 3: July 26 – 30 Heroes of the Environment Part 1 Week 4: Aug. 2 – 6 Heroes of the Environment Part 2 Week 5: Aug. 9 – 13 Beautiful Birds Week 6: Aug. 16 – 20 Exploring Ecosystems |
Get ready for Summer Science! Join seasoned educators for indoor and outdoor science activities, games, literacy, walks along one of our many nature trails, daily STEM challenges, yoga and more! Children should bring a bagged snack, labeled bottled water, apply sunscreen and bug repellant prior to entering the Center. Masks are required. Sign up for one or more of our themed weekly afternoon sessions. Limited to 12 participants. Purchase an APEC summer t-shirt for your child at a discounted price of $10.00.
Ages: Entering grades 1st-3rd (drop-off) | $300*/week per child *Save $25/week if you register before March 31 - no code needed at checkout |
Alley Pond Pioneers
Entering grades 4th-6th:
Mondays-Fridays | 1:30-4:30pm
Week 1: July 12-16 Thinking Green
Week 2: July 19-23 Exploring Ecosystems Week 3: July 26-30 Beautiful Birds Week 4: August 2-5 Reptiles Rule Week 5: August 9-13 Marvelous Mammals Week 6: August 16-20 Prehistoric Passages |
Get ready for an unforgettable summer science experience! Join our seasoned APEC educator Mr. Jacob as we explore our park and the surrounding environment. Together, we will engage in hands-on experiments that enhance our understanding of fundamental scientific topics! Each topic we cover will encompass a wide variety of, (both indoor and outdoor) games, reading activities, crafts, and daily STEM challenges. Participants should bring a reusable labeled water bottle (if possible), bagged snack, and apply sunscreen and bug repellant before entering the center. Masks are required for all participants indoors and outdoors on our trails. Sign up for one or more of our themed weekly afternoon sessions. Limited to 12 participants. Purchase an APEC summer t-shirt for your child at a discounted price of $10.00.
Ages: Entering grades 4th-6th (drop-off) | $300*/week per child *Save $25/week if you register before March 31 - no code needed at checkout |
Kindergarten Kids: Blooming Scientists
Entering grade K
Mondays-Fridays | 1:30-3:30pm
Week 1: July 12-16 Animals Around the World
Week 2: July 19-23 Classy Animals Week 3: July 26-30 Sensational Sea Life Week 4: August 2-5 Pond Life Week 5: August 9-13 Ornithology Club Week 6: August 16-20 Animal Senses |
Young scientists who are entering Kindergarten in the fall will love exploring nature and science at APEC! Each weekly program will focus on a different topic and have live animal guests. Activities will include read alouds of children’s literature, hands-on activities, and development of math skills like counting, sorting, comparing, and graphing. Children should dress for a daily nature walk and bring a water bottle labeled with their names. Masks must be worn for the entire program. Limited to 8 students per week. Purchase an APEC summer t-shirt for your child at a discounted price of $10.00.
Ages: Entering Kindergarten (drop-off) | $200*/week per child *Save $25/week if you register before March 31 - no code needed at checkout |
Fledglings - Ages 3-4 years (drop-off) 10:30-12:00 PM
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Is your child ready for a weekly drop-off class? Explore science and nature with read-alouds from great children’s literature, observation of live animal guests, and outdoor walks in the park. Counting, colors, and letter recognition will be incorporated into each exciting lesson. Participants must be able to use the bathroom independently (No diapers or pull-ups). All students must wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 6 participants.
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Wednesdays:
July 14, 21, 28 | 3 classes: $69
August 4, 11, 18 | 3 classes: $69
*Click on the MONTH to register
The environmental center is located in Alley Pond Park, surrounded by lush nature trails where visitors can enjoy NYC's natural landscapes. Guests are welcome to attend one of APEC's many nature oriented programs for all ages and visit the center's animal ambassadors. Please explore our website to learn more and register for programs.
Follow our journey on social media:
224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens, NY 11364 |
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
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Email Us
contact@alleypond.org |