All APEC Events

I Want to Be a Vet

Saturday, June 10th | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

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.
Spots are limited.
Ages: 6-8 (drop-off) | $20 per child

Whale of a Tale!

Saturday, June 10th | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

What is the largest animal to ever live? A dinosaur? An ancient marine reptile? Nope! Blue whales are unbelievably massive and weigh as much as 30 elephants, with an aorta large enough to crawl through and a heart the size of a car. In this amazing in-depth lesson, we will dive into the world of cetaceans and uncover their incredible evolutionary story, anatomy, adaptations, intelligence and meet the people who are risking their lives to conserve these gentle giants! The class will include a baleen feeding technique demonstration, a fluke ID activity, a save-the-whales poster decorating challenge and students will get to send questions to a member of the Sea Shepherd’s world-renowned activist team! Spots are limited.
Ages: 9-13 (drop-off) | $32 per child

Beautiful Butterflies

Sunday, June 11th | 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Summer is on its way and lots of butterflies are ready for the next season of flowers! Youngsters will enjoy learning about the butterfly life cycle, sharing a book about butterflies, and making a colorful butterfly craft to take home. Live animal guests will include Painted Lady butterflies, beetles, and cockroaches to investigate up-close. The class will wrap-up with a stroll in the park, looking for local butterflies and their insect relatives. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
Ages: 3-5, with one adult | $24 per child

Fused Glass Workshop - Flower Power

Sunday, June 11th | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Join Naomi Rabinowitz, artist, and jewelry designer, for a fun afternoon making Spring flower themed fused glass jewelry. Participants will have the opportunity to make colorful necklaces, pins, magnets, earrings, or rings -- and to learn the basics of fused glass art. Ms. Rabinowitz will fire your piece and you will be able to pick up at APEC – date to be given at workshop. All materials will be provided.
Spots are limited.
Ages: Adults | $28 per person

Get Ready for Summer Awe Walk

Saturday, June 17th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Let’s get ready for summer with an “awe” walk in nature, led by certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo. Nature is one of the 8 Wonders of Life! An “awe walk” is a stroll in which you intentionally shift your attention outward instead of inward. It is awe-inspiring when observed slowly and intentionally. We will explore what inspires awe through invitations offered by your guide. All awe-inspired forest therapy walks end with a ceremonial tea, something that could have been foraged along our walk. Spots are limited.
Ages: Adults | $22 per person

June Story Stroll

Thursday, June 22nd | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Celebrate Summer and nature. Children will listen to stories about beetles and backyard fairies as they walk and explore our nature trails. Our story strolls are a fun way to get children outside, enjoying nature along the way. Spots are limited.
Grades: K-3rd (drop-off) | $20 per child

Evening Pajama Party & Story Time

Friday, June 23rd | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wrap up your busy week with a fun story time program! Come in your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal to share 2 bedtime stories. Touch and observe live animals and share a dessert of cookies and milk. One parent per child. Spots are limited.
Ages: 3-5, with one adult | $20 per child

Mushroom Walk in Collab with the New York Mycological Society

Saturday, June 24th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

PC: Steve Bodzin

Founded by John Cage, The New York Mycological Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising the public awareness, appreciation and knowledge of fungi. We believe that passionate, knowledgeable amateurs are important contributors to science and fungal conservation.

Join us for a walk with New York Mycological Society experts and find out all about the many fungi that call Alley Pond Park home. This includes gilled mushrooms, tiny ascomycetes, jellies, coral fungi, crusts and polypores (depending on the weather). You will find out what to look for to identify a mushroom, and learn the important roles fungi play in nature, whether it's recycling nutrients or partnering with trees to keep them strong and healthy. We walk at a slow pace over mostly even terrain. Make sure to bring water and protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks. We are not foraging for edibles (it is prohibited in New York City parks and many other parks), but we are more than happy to educate you on how to recognize popular edibles as well as their poisonous lookalikes.
Spots are limited. No prior knowledge required.
For All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
$5 per person

Story Time Yoga for Lil' Yogis - July

Saturday, July 22nd | 9:15 am - 10:00 am

Celebrate summer with Yogi Sam, certified Yoga Instructor, for a story time yogadventure! Yogi Sam will bring movement, song, and playfulness together in a fun, engaging way. Children will use props, as well as their bodies to practice yoga postures and games with their family member. Yoga mats will be provided if you don’t have your own to bring to class. One parent per child. Spots are limited.
Ages: 2-5, with one adult | $15 per child

Story Time Yoga for Lil' Yogis - August

Monday, August 21st | 10:00 am - 10:45 am

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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.

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