Learn to Fish with the Bayside Anglers
First and third Tuesday of the month - May through September | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Many lifelong residents fail to recognize that a spectacular world class recreational fishery is located right here in the city, and choices abound. Within minutes of APEC, an angler could catch two ounce crappies, two pound smallmouth bass, twenty pound carp, ten pound bluefish, 16 pound striped bass and more without ever getting back in a car. Join us and begin to unlock this bounty for yourself.
In a collaboration with APEC, Bayside Anglers Group LTD is offering fishing instruction for adults and children ages 12 and up at the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston. These evening sessions with seasoned recreational fishermen will provide instruction based on the needs of our participants and can range from beginner to experienced, as well as cover all types of NY fishing from beach, shore, private boat, party boat, dock, and fresh water. Anglers will be apprised of fishing regulations as well as environmentally sound recreational fishing practices to preserve this asset for future generations to enjoy. Let us get you ready to take your kids out for an exciting day of fishing this summer. Preregistration is required; spots are limited! Ages: 12 and older | $5 per person, per session
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Family Nature Hike & Animal Meet-Up
Monday, September 21st | 9:30 am - 10:30 am; 11:00 am - 12:00 pm; or 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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Spend some quality family time at APEC when NYC Public Schools are closed. Families will join us in the classroom to meet 3 live animals and then explore the Boardwalk trail to the salt marsh. We will look for native plants and critters on the guided nature walk. Space is limited.
Ages 4-8, with an adult | $10 per child
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Animal Care Trainee
Monday, September 21st | 10:00 am - 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. They will also learn the first steps of researching and understanding what animal is best fit for lifestyle and family. Space is limited.
Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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It’s Your Turn: A Morning Bird Walk for Adults
Saturday, September 26th | 10:30 am - 11:45 am
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The kids are back in school, and the busy rhythm of fall has begun. Now it's your turn to take a morning for yourself. Slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the birds preparing for the changing season. Guided by Wing Kong, a birder, nature educator & environmental artist helping people discover the birds and quiet wonders of New York City’s urban nature. Space is limited.
Adults | $15 per person
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I Want to Be a Vet 1
Sunday, September 27th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you love animals? Aspiring veterinarians will enjoy learning about different types of vets and the importance of their role for animals in captivity. Children will learn about the needs of a variety of our animal ambassadors and observe them up close. Space is limited.
Ages 5-7 (drop off) | $22 per child
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Busy, Busy Squirrel
Saturday, October 10th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Fall is a frenzy of activity for our cute squirrel friends. Has your toddler ever wondered why they are so busy? Read The Busy Little Squirrel to learn more about these cute creatures. Toddlers will also observe and touch a squirrel relative-a chinchilla! Take a short walk in the park looking for squirrels, acorns, and squirrel nests. One caregiver per child. No siblings except infants in baby carriers. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3 (with one adult) | $22 per parent/child pair
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Monthly Adult Yoga: Relax & Rejuvenate
Sunday, October 18th | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
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Come practice Yoga at APEC with certified Yoga instructor Lorine Bamberg (@SwayingTreeYoga) and start your day with breath work and gentle movement! The emphasis of class will be on relaxing breathing techniques, an exploration of holding basic and non-traditional poses, and a focus on movements which both strengthen and lengthen.
Open to all levels...beginners welcome! Each student is encouraged to express poses in their own interpretation, and in a way that best supports them in the present moment. The goal of the practice is to find enjoyment in movement and continue the day feeling uplifted, centered and, most importantly, peaceful! Please bring your own mat and whatever props you like to support your practice. Space is limited. Adults | $18 per person
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Fall Forest Bathing Walk
Sunday, October 18th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Take a 90-minute meditative Forest Bathing Walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, this unique walk inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. Embrace the crisp Fall days and share the beauty of silence as you rediscover your wild heart in nature. According to Linda, “Take this time to be present, lower the stress you may be experiencing, and connect with nature, which naturally boosts your immune system. Space is limited.
Adults | $25 per person
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Special Parents Night Out Program
Friday, October 23rd | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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Parents just want to have fun! What better way to have some fun than to drop the kids off at APEC and spend some time together. Drop your children off at APEC for dinner (pizza, water, and worms in mud dessert), play nature games, meet live animals, and make some nature crafts. We will also read animal-themed picture books to our critters in the Animal Room as we put them to bed for the evening.
Ages 5-9 (drop-off) | $50 per child, $25 for siblings*
*Please call for sibling discount code |
I Want To Be A Vet 2
Sunday, October 25th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you love animals? Aspiring veterinarians will enjoy learning about different types of vets and the importance of their role for animals in captivity. Children will learn about the needs of a new set of our animal ambassadors and observe them up close. Space is limited.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child
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Pumpkins!
Saturday, October 31st | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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Celebrate the fall harvest in our make-believe pumpkin patch! Participants pick funny-faced pumpkins for use in a matching game and meet a pumpkin-colored animal. We will also enjoy story time, nature walk, craft and songs. ONE adult per child and no siblings except babies under one year old in carriers. Space is limited.
Ages 4-5, with one adult | $26 per child/parent pair
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Animal Sounds
Tuesday, November 3rd | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Hoo Hoo Who makes that sound? We will meet and observe three different animals and share a story about Maisy’s Morning at the Farm. Little ones will listen to some local birds on a bird caller. The children will enjoy acting out animal movements and sounds. One adult per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3, with one adult | $26 per child/adult pair
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What is a Mammal?
Tuesday, November 3rd | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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What makes an animal a mammal? Why are they different than mammals and birds? Come and find out as we learn about different types of mammals. We will examine pelts, footprints, skeletons! We will also meet three real-life mammals and go on an outdoor nature walk. Space is limited.
Ages 5-8 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Forest Friends
Tuesday, November 3rd | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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Come meet two forest animal friends and enjoy some time pretending to be each of the animals! Kids will sing some songs, take a nature walk and make a craft. One adult per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 4-5, with one adult | $26 per child/adult pair
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Vet Tech 101 - Anatomy
Saturday, November 7th | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Animal anatomy is the foundation of veterinary studies to understand more complex processes of the body. Students will learn about different skeletal structures and how to identify parts of animal bodies. They will also learn how to exam the animals for healthy bones and mobility. Space is limited.
Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Monthly Adult Yoga: Relax & Rejuvenate
Sunday, November 8th | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
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Come practice Yoga at APEC with certified Yoga instructor Lorine Bamberg (@SwayingTreeYoga) and start your day with breath work and gentle movement! The emphasis of class will be on relaxing breathing techniques, an exploration of holding basic and non-traditional poses, and a focus on movements which both strengthen and lengthen.
Open to all levels...beginners welcome! Each student is encouraged to express poses in their own interpretation, and in a way that best supports them in the present moment. The goal of the practice is to find enjoyment in movement and continue the day feeling uplifted, centered and, most importantly, peaceful! Please bring your own mat and whatever props you like to support your practice. Space is limited. Adults | $18 per person
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Thanksgiving
Saturday, November 14th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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What is your toddler thankful for? We will read The Thankful Book by Todd Parr, which celebrates all the little things children can be thankful for and we’ll all move around like a bunch of turkeys! There will be an animal visit and the children will learn the similarities between APEC’s bird ambassadors and turkeys. One caregiver per child. No siblings except infants in baby carriers. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3 (with one adult) | $22 per parent/child pair
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Animals in Fall
Saturday, November 14th | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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Curious to find out why squirrels are scurrying around with acorns? Wonder why the geese can been seen flying in a V-shape in the sky? Find out how some local forest animals are preparing for winter at APEC. Enjoy a story, nature walk, and create a craft decorated with fall colors. We will also meet 3 live animal guests. One caregiver per child. No siblings except infants in baby carriers. Space is limited.
Ages 4-5, with one adult | $26 per parent/child pair
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Reiki & Meditation Workshop
Saturday, November 21st | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
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As we approach year end and face the busy holiday season, take a moment to pause and reflect with a Reiki & Meditation Workshop at APEC. Can’t quiet your mind? Want to reduce stress in your life? Join Sonia, a certified Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher at APEC for an introduction to Meditation and Reiki. Each participant will be given tools and strategies to implement in their own daily life. Reiki is an alternative method of relaxation and is offered through light, non-invasive touch with the practitioner's hands placed and held on a series of locations on the head and shoulders. Take the first step in your mediation journey! All levels and backgrounds are welcome. Come as you are and leave feeling centered, clear, and renewed. Space is limited.
Adults | $30 per person
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Animal Care Trainee
Sunday, November 22nd | 11:00 am – 1:00 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. They will also learn the first steps of researching and understanding what animal is best fit for lifestyle and family. Space is limited.
Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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I Want to Be a Vet 3
Saturday, December 5th | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fused Glass Workshop
Sunday, December 6th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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The holidays are approaching! Are you looking for an original gift for someone special? Join Naomi Rabinowitz, artist, and jewelry designer, for a fun morning making 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. Space is limited.
Adults | $30 per person
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Monthly Adult Yoga: Relax & Rejuvenate
Sunday, December 13th | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
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Come practice Yoga at APEC with certified Yoga instructor Lorine Bamberg (@SwayingTreeYoga) and start your day with breath work and gentle movement! The emphasis of class will be on relaxing breathing techniques, an exploration of holding basic and non-traditional poses, and a focus on movements which both strengthen and lengthen.
Open to all levels...beginners welcome! Each student is encouraged to express poses in their own interpretation, and in a way that best supports them in the present moment. The goal of the practice is to find enjoyment in movement and continue the day feeling uplifted, centered and, most importantly, peaceful! Please bring your own mat and whatever props you like to support your practice. Space is limited. Adults | $18 per person
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Vet Tech 101 - Intelligence
Monday, December 28th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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Come join us for this Vet Tech class focusing on intelligence! Students will get to learn about different forms of intelligence, which animals are smarter than others, and the cognitive needs of our animal ambassadors. Students will also learn how to check to make sure the animals are receiving proper mental stimulation by giving them examinations and providing enrichment. Space is limited.
Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Wonderful Reptiles
Tuesday, December 29th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Snakes, turtles, lizards, alligators – what do all these animals have in common? They are all reptiles! Come and learn what traits reptiles share and what types of adaptations different reptiles have. Kids will get to meet three real-life reptiles. Students will also go on a nature walk so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Space is limited.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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What is Taxonomy?
Tuesday, December 29th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Are dinosaurs truly lizards or birds? Are we related to dogs? Are all insects the same? Come and learn about how scientists’ group different living things and what happens when those change. A perfect class for animal lovers and young scientists. Students will get to meet an APEC ambassador animal and will also go on a nature walk so be sure to dress appropriately. Space is limited.
Ages 8-11 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Vet Tech 101 - Nutrition
Tuesday, December 29th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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Students will focus on the nutritional needs of our animals and optimal dietary choices for body weight, bone health, and organ health. They will also learn how to check to make sure the animals are receiving the right amount of nutrition by giving them examinations and will feed a variety of animals in our care. Space is limited.
Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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Seasonal Adaptations
Wednesday, December 30th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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How do the animals and plants survive the changing seasons in New York City? From hibernation to migration, diet change to dormancy, students will learn about the special adaptations animals have to survive a cold New York City Winter. Students will get to meet an APEC ambassador animal and will also go on a nature walk so be sure to dress appropriately. Space is limited.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Endangered Species
Wednesday, December 30th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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This class will distinguish between the terms threatened, endangered & extinct, teaching students to why it is important to know each term and advocate for our animal friends Students will also learn the reasons that animals become endangered and choices that they can make for a healthier planet. Students will get to meet an APEC ambassador animal and will also go on a nature walk so be sure to dress appropriately. Space is limited.
Ages 8-11 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Vet Tech 101 - Rabbits
Wednesday, December 30th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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Are you interested in exploring the anatomy of rabbits, their behavior, diet, and needs that a vet technician would know about? Students will meet and care for a variety of our bunnies and discover differences between wild and domesticated rabbits as well. It is also an opportunity to get crafty and DIY some simple toys for them to play with. Space is limited.
Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 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.
229-10 Northern Blvd.
Douglaston, NY 11362 |
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