Virtual Beginners Tai Chi
Mondays, January 4, 11, 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8 | 6:00-7:00 pm
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Join us, from the comfort of your own home, to learn exercises to reduce stress and anxiety, create harmony and peace in your life, and relieve aches and pains. This 8 week series, led by certified instructor Elaine Fleishman, will feature 8 tai chi and 8 brocades. It is very easy and can be done in a seat. Have a bottle of water nearby and wear comfortable clothing. Zoom invitation link will be sent upon registration. Limited to 10 participants.
Adults | $15/class per household OR $110 per household for full series |
Grades 1st-3rd:
Curious Kids - March
Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 | 3:00-4:00 pm
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Our weekly series will connect literacy and STEM activities with a focus on March Mammal Madness. 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 |
Grades 4th-6th:
Super Scientists - March
Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 | 3:00-4:00 pm
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Sustainability: Changing and Saving the World: Over the course of this program, students will develop an understanding of sustainable principles and practices and contribute to APEC’s new green initiatives!
Week 1 Climate Change – In this class, we will explore our changing climate and figure out how it poses risks to animals and people alike. We will visualize the greenhouse effect at work through experimentation and learn what we can do to play a role in mitigating its effects. Week 2 Renewable Green Energy - we start the class off with a look into the miraculous ways in which people harness the power of atomic bonds, geothermal heat, wind, water, sunlight, and tides. Week 3 Endangered Species Awareness – We will learn a bit about the animals that are most at risk of extinction. We will discover what practices are hurting them and how we are also taking steps to preserve these unique species. It’s also National Panda Day so we will make crafts that celebrate their ongoing conservation! (They have recently been removed from the endangered species list and are currently considered vulnerable). Week 4 More Trees? Yes please! – We end our session with a nature walk, recycling activity, and a tree-planting ceremony. Parents are welcome to come for the last 15 minutes. Participants must wear a mask for the entire program. Limited to 10 individuals. Ages: Grades 4th-6th (drop-off) | $100 per child |
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Bookworm Book Club - Winter Series
Friday, January 15, February 12, March 19 | 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 related activity and animal meet and greet. 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. A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the series. Limited to 6 participants.
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 |
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Busy Bees Preschool Prep
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:30-11:00 AM
March: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
April: 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
May: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
March: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
April: 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
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 | March: 8 classes: $80 April: 8 classes: $80 May: 8 classes: $80 |
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Grades 1st-3rd:
NEW Virtual Curious Kids - March
Fridays, March 5, 12, 26 | 3:30-4:30 pm
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Our March series will connect science, literacy, STEM activities and at home challenges, with a focus on Marvelous Mammals. Children will engage in a fun and enriching educational environment to learn about mammal characteristics, observe mammal skulls and teeth and hear about unique mammals. Learners should bring paper and pencil to each session. Animal ambassadors will make guest appearances during the workshops. Zoom invitation will be sent upon registration. Limited to 15 households.
Ages: Grades 1st-3rd (VIRTUAL) | $75 per household |
March Madness: Science Style - Scientist, Scientist, Who Do You See?
Saturday, March 6 | 9:00-10:15 AM
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Enjoy the smart and sweet book parody Scientist, Scientist, Who Do You See? by Chris Ferrie. Children will be introduced to George Washington Carver and explore his love of botany. Did you know he developed over 100 uses for the sweet potato and we will surely enjoy it one way during class…by snacking on it! All participants must wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 6 child/parent pairs. Only ONE parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats.
Ages 2-3 (with ONE adult) | $24 per child |
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March Madness: Science Style - Chemistry in Nature
Saturday, March 6 | 11:00-12:15 PM
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Children use chemistry long before they understand it! Children will be introduced to this field of science with relevant vocabulary by looking at ways we observe and use chemistry every day. All participants must wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 6 child/parent pairs. Only ONE parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats.
Ages: 4-6 (with ONE adult) | $22 per child |
I Want to be a Vet
Saturday, March 6 | 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. 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) | $18 per child |
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Young Chefs - Luck of the Irish
Friday, March 12 | 3:00-4:30 PM
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What better month to feast on an Irish meal, than March? Young APEC Chefs will prepare a delicious, traditional “Colcannon” dish and enjoy a cool Leprechaun smoothie with warm Irish Soda Bread. All materials included. Participants are required to wear masks for entire program. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages: 8-12 (drop-off) | $26 per child |
Endangered Species
Saturday, March 13 | 10:30-12:00 PM
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Many animal species are on the verge of extinction. Students will learn about the primary threats to these animal species and learn how to make a positive impact by making green choices. Live animal observations will help develop a better understanding of animal behaviors. The program will also include an engaging nature walk to foster a love of nature. Limited to 10 children.
Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $26 per child |
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Animal Count!
Saturday, March 20 | 9:30-10:30 AM
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Practice counting by counting critters at APEC! Toddlers will love the close-up encounters with a variety of APEC’s Animal Ambassadors. Join us as we count 1 bouncing bunny, 2 timid turtles, 3 interesting insects, 4 leaping lizards, and 5 calling canaries. All participants must wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 6 child/parent pairs. Only ONE parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats.
Ages: 2-3 (with ONE adult) | $20 per child |
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Saturday, March 20 | 11:00-12:15 PM
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Celebrate your child’s love of literature by sharing this silly story by Mo Willems. Learn some interesting facts about 2 different bird species from APEC’s Animal Collection. Then, “cook-up” a tasty pigeon-inspired snack made with chia seeds. We will end the class with an outdoor nature walk, looking for birds in nature. Please call before registering if your child has food allergies. All participants must wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 6 child/parent pairs. Only ONE parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats.
Ages 3-5 (with ONE adult) | $24 per child |
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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
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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 |
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 |
Wildflowers Throughout the Seasons - Virtual
Wednesday, March 24 | 4:00-4:45 pm
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This virtual workshop, is being hosted by Lynne Arnold, President of the Federated Garden Clubs of New Your State, Inc., the largest gardening organization in the world. Gardening in a USDA plant hardiness zone 5 presents certain challenges. Join Ms. Arnold as she shares wildflowers throughout the seasons, growing in her NY garden. Who doesn’t love wildflowers that provide a bright splash of color. Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Adults | $5 per person |
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Dr. Seuss' Birthday Party
Monday, March 29 | 10:00-11:15 AM
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You could not, would not, want to miss a celebration as fun as this! You are invited to the ultimate Dr. Seuss party as we play, craft, laugh, and share a memorable book by this beloved author. Limited to 6 child/adult pairs. No siblings except infants in baby carriers or car seats. All participants must wear masks for the entire program.
Ages: 3-5 (with ONE adult) | $22 per child |
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Furry Friends Happy Hour
Thursday, April 1 | 10:30-11:30 AM
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Spend an hour at APEC learning about some loveable furry friends! Enjoy songs, a short book, and a visit to the Animal Room to feed some critters. Youngsters will also love observing live animal guests including a rabbit, guinea pig, and chinchilla! . Limited to 6 child/adult pairs. No siblings except infants in baby carriers or car seats. All participants must wear masks for the entire program.
Ages: 2-3 (with ONE adult) | $18 per child |
Spring Into Science Week
Monday-Thursday, March 29, 30, 31 & April 1 | 1:30-4:30 PM
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Tuesday-Friday, April 6, 7, 8, 9 | 1:30-4:30 PM
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Tuesday-Friday, April 6, 7, 8, 9 | 1:30-4:30 PM
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Spring into Science with an engaging week of productive learning and fun in a relaxed environment. Learners will participate in themed days that will include related literacy, STEM activities, games, outdoor nature hikes and exploration, animal meet and greet and more. Daily themes include – Symmetry in Nature, Amazing Animals and more. Masks must be worn for the entire program. Participants should bring a boxed lunch and labeled water. Limited to 10 participants.
*Choose only one series when registering* Ages: Grades 1st-3rd (drop-off) | $180 per child |
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Budding Environmentalists Week
Monday-Thursday, March 29, 30, 31 & April 1 | 1:30-4:30 PM
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Tuesday-Friday, April 6, 7, 8, 9 | 1:30-4:30 PM
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Tuesday-Friday, April 6, 7, 8, 9 | 1:30-4:30 PM
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Through fun discussions, crafts, and experiments we will explore our environment like never before! Let’s start by learning about our planet’s various biomes and go out into our park to see the extraordinary creatures who dwell among us. Participants will learn about the threats our wild spaces face from human exploitation and how we can combat these issues. Lastly, by examining the efforts of prominent environmentalists of the past and present we can understand and contribute to their legacies of the conservation and preservation of the natural world. Please bring snacks and a labeled bottle of water. Participants are required to wear masks for the entire program. Limited to 10 children per session.
*Choose only one series when registering* Ages: Grades 4th-6th (drop-off) | $180 per child |
Forest Bathing Experience
Saturday, March 20 | 10:30-11:45 AM
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Join us for a 75-minute forest bathing experience, in the style of the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku. This walk will focus on nurturing invitations as we celebrate the Spring Equinox. Led by certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, you will learn about forest bathing, also called forest therapy, a way to create a deeper connection with nature. You will slow down as we open our senses to what is in motion around us. A warmup to some more personal invitations created in partnership with the forest, designed especially for this Alley Pond Park walk! You will have the option of sharing your experience with others or sharing the beauty of silence as you rediscover your wild heart in nature. All precautions are taken to create a safe and enjoyable nature connection in compliance with New York’s phase 4 reopening. Masks must be worn in the group. Please feel free to bring whatever you require to make this a safe and enjoyable experience.
Ages: Adults | $15* per person |
Spring Equinox Walk
Saturday, March 20 | 1:00-3:00 PM
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Join us as we celebrate the Spring Equinox, the first day of Spring and the beginning of some extra sunlight! As we walk the trail, identifying plants, and discussing their edibility and uses, Jocelyn will also share some folklore and history associated with the coming of Spring. Led by Jocelyn Perez, Herbalists Without Borders (HWB) NYC Queens Chapter Coordinator and local herbalist, naturalist, and conservationist. Be sure to dress for weather. Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks are required. Registration required. Recommended to bring:
A notebook and pens/pencils, Cameras, Water Bottle and a snack Ages: Adults, Children, & dogs (on a leash) welcome | $5* per person |
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Animal Care Trainee
Saturday, April 10 | 10:00-12:00 PM
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Would you like to help us care for APEC’s animals? This program introduces children to the unique responsibility of being an animal caretaker. Participants will learn about the needs of our animal ambassadors, and gain hands-on experience in feeding, brushing, and cleaning them. Students are required to wear masks for the entire program and will only be allowed to touch and handle animals when wearing gloves. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $28 per child |
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Vet Tech 101
Sunday, April 18 | 10:00-12:00 PM
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Come join us to learn about animal health basics. During the class we will practice conducting animal check-ups, handling live animals, and studying animal anatomy. Students can learn the specialized skills needed to keep our animals healthy at this program. From eye examinations to checking teeth, gums, and ears, our Vet Tech students will learn the ins and outs of keeping some of the most common pet animals in peak medical condition. Students are required to wear masks for the entire program and will only be allowed to touch and handle animals when wearing gloves.
Ages 9-12 (drop-off) | $28 per child |
Advanced Animal Care Trainee
Sunday, April 25 | 10:00-12:00 PM
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Can a chinchilla be bathed? Does a goldfish only have a 3 second memory? Why should bearded dragons have lights above their tanks? In this advanced class, students will learn facts and techniques for the care of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Step up your animal care knowledge and work with our animal ambassadors in this interactive class! Students are required to wear masks for the entire program and will only be allowed to touch and handle the animals when wearing gloves. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 9-12 (drop-off) | $28 per child |
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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 |