I Want To Be A Vet 2
Saturday, February 7th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you want to learn about animals and their vet care? Veterinarians provide medical care for different types of animals depending on their patients - zoo animals, farm animals or pets! Children will meet a new set of animal ambassadors and practice using some tools to examine them. Space is limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child
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Animal Sounds
Tuesday, February 17th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Who Hoo Hoo makes that sound? We will meet and observe three different animals and share a story about Maisy’s Morning at the Farm by Lucy Cousins. Little ones will listen to some local birds on a bird caller. The children will enjoy acting out animal movements and sounds. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
For Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per child/adult pair
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Beautiful Birds
Tuesday, February 17th | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
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There are over 11,000 living species of birds. Come and learn what characteristics they share and what sets them apart from other vertebrates. In this fun class, we’ll learn about birds, create some bird-based artwork, and go on a nature walk. Students will also get to meet one of APEC’s ambassador doves. Students should bring a NUT FREE snack to enjoy during class. Spots are limited.
For Ages 6-8 (drop-off) | $45 per child
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Drawing Animals from Observation
Tuesday, February 17th | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
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In this class students will get to meet and draw several APEC ambassador animals. We will do drawing exercises and play a game to get warmed up before diving into animal anatomy This class is open to artists of all skill levels. Students should bring a NUT FREE snack to enjoy during class. Spots are limited.
For Ages 9-13 (drop-off) | $50 per child
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Interesting Invertebrates
Wednesday, February 18th | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
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Scientists estimate that 95-97% of animal species are invertebrates. In this class students will learn about their adaptations and how evolution has shaped them. Students should be prepared to go on a nature walk and meet several different invertebrates. Students should bring a NUT FREE snack to enjoy during class. Spots are limited.
For Ages 6-8 (drop-off) | $45 per child
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Winter STEAM
Wednesday, February 18th | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
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Calling all young scientists!! This will be a day spent talking about different sciences, brainstorming experiments and completing a hands-on experiment. Students will also get to meet several APEC ambassador animals and go on a nature walk. Students should bring a NUT FREE snack to enjoy during class. Spots are limited.
For Ages 9-13 (drop-off) | $45 per child
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What is a Desert?
Thursday, February 19th | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Come and learn what it takes to live in a harsh ecosystem like the desert. We will talk about what animals live there, what plants you would find there and how they all adapted to that ecosystem. Children will also get to meet some APEC ambassador animals that are adapted to the desert and go on a nature walk. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Vet Tech 101 - Anatomy
Sunday, March 15th | 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.
For Ages 9-12 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Animal Meet & Greet
Friday, March 20th | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
I Want To Be A Vet 3
Friday, March 20th | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
What is an Ocean?
Friday, March 20th | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Approximately 97.5% of Earth’s water is salt water. We will also go on a walk to our salt marsh to observe the salt water firsthand and look for some ocean animals. We will also observe APEC’s saltwater tank and a variety of shells. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the nature walk. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Green, Green, Green
Sunday, March 22nd | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Welcome the new season of spring with a fun class about nature’s favorite color. Enjoy a read aloud of Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, play a game about camouflage, and make a collage with green materials. Children will also observe animal guests and watch them enjoy their favorite green foods! One parent per child. Spots are limited.
For Ages 2-3, with one adult | $10 per child/parent pair - MARCH MADNESS SPECIAL
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Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Sunday, March 22nd | 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
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Celebrate the creative and zany writing of one of the most popular children’s book authors! Enjoy reading 2 classic stories by Dr. Seuss, meet a fine-feathered friend from Are You My Mother?, and play some games inspired by Dr. Seuss characters. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
For Ages 3-5, with one adult | $26 per child/parent pair
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Bouncing Bunnies
Monday, April 6th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Hop into spring with a fun toddler class about rabbits! Enjoy a book about a bunny and make a cute craft to take home. Little ones will also love touching and observing two different rabbits from APEC’s Animal Ambassadors. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
For Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per child/parent pair
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Vet Tech 101 - Rabbits
Monday, April 6th | 10:00 am - 12:00 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.
For Ages 9-12 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Critter Clues
Monday, April 6th | 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
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We can learn a lot about animals by examining clues they leave behind. Animal tracks, scat, fur, seed shells, and feathers can often be spotted in nature. Become a nature detective and learn about rabbits, birds, and turtles. Enjoy live animal guests and a tour of APEC’s Animal Room. One parent per child. Spots are limited.
For Ages 3-5, with one adult | $26 per child/parent pair
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Planting a Rainbow
Tuesday, April 7th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Celebrate spring at APEC! Share Lois Ehlert’s colorful book Planting a Rainbow and observe two animal guests. Then enjoy a color matching activity and plant seeds to take home. ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
For Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per child/parent pair
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My Spring Robin
Tuesday, April 7th | 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
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Get ready for spring as we share My Spring Robin by Anne Rockwell. Enjoy a springtime scavenger hunt while we explore the park on a nature walk. Class will also include special animal guests including a rabbit, bird, and turtle. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
For Ages 3-5, with one adult | $26 per child/parent pair
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What Is An Ecosystem?
Wednesday, April 8th | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Ecosystems depend on many different plans and animals working together. In this class we’ll discuss several different ecosystems and how all the organisms within those ecosystems work together. Students will also get to meet two APEC ambassador animals and learn about their roles in their native ecosystems. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the nature walk. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Animal Science
Wednesday, April 8th | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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There are lots of wacky animals in the animal kingdom. In this class, we will learn why a whale isn’t a fish and why a frog isn’t a reptile. We will look at bones, x-rays, pelts, and footprints as we learn about animal classification. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the nature walk. Spots are limited.
For Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Birding for Beginners Family Program Session 1
Friday, April 10th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Educators from the CI Bird Sanctuary are offering a free family program at APEC this spring! The workshop will begin in the classroom, exploring the importance of quality habitats, particularly in urban areas along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory bird species. Students will engage in hands-on activities to learn about specific migratory birds, such as Ospreys, Loons, and Turkey Vultures. Afterward, we’ll head outdoors for a guided nature walk, using kid-friendly field guides to identify and count local bird species. Registration for children is required. Parent must stay with child for duration of program.
For Ages 5 & up, with adult chaperone | FREE
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Birding for Beginners Family Program Session 2
Friday, April 10th | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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Educators from the CI Bird Sanctuary are offering a free family program at APEC this spring! The workshop will begin in the classroom, exploring the importance of quality habitats, particularly in urban areas along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory bird species. Students will engage in hands-on activities to learn about specific migratory birds, such as Ospreys, Loons, and Turkey Vultures. Afterward, we’ll head outdoors for a guided nature walk, using kid-friendly field guides to identify and count local bird species. Registration for children is required. Parent must stay with child for duration of program.
For Ages 5 & up, with adult chaperone | FREE
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Cool & Cold-Blooded
Friday, April 10th | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
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Reptiles, insects, arachnids, cephalopods and amphibians are all cold-blooded. In this we’ll talk about all kinds of cold-blooded animals and what it means to be cold vs warm blooded. Students will get to meet several cold-blooded APEC ambassador animals and go on a nature walk. Students should bring a NUT FREE snack to enjoy during class. Spots are limited.
For Ages 6-8 (drop-off) | $45 per child
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Nature Journaling
Friday, April 10th | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
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An important part of being an environmentalist is being immersed in nature. During this class students will learn about nature journaling, practice several nature journaling exercises and spend time out in nature observing plants and animals. Students will also get to meet an APEC ambassador animal. Students should bring a NUT FREE snack to enjoy during class. Spots are limited.
For Ages 9-13 (drop-off) | $45 per child
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Eggcellent Animals
Saturday, April 18th | 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
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Spring is the season for baby animals! Learn about some amazing hatchlings including birds, insects, and frogs. Children will observe 3 “eggcellent” animals and enjoy an in-class egg hunt. The program will also include an outdoor nature walk looking for egg-laying creatures. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
For Ages 3-5, with one adult | $26 per parent/child pair
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The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog
Sunday, April 19th | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Hop into a great book by sharing the silly tale of The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog. Pretend to grow from tadpole to froglet to adult frog and enjoy a fun activity of catching flies. Toddlers will also observe 2 amphibians and play with sticky slime. One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers and car seats. Spots are limited.
For Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per child/parent pair
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Animal Care Trainee
Saturday, April 25th | 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.
For Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Fused Glass Workshop
Sunday, April 26th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Shake off the winter and embrace Spring with this creative workshop. Perhaps you are looking for an original gift for someone special or just want to create a little something for yourself? Join Naomi Rabinowitz, artist, and jewelry designer, for a fun morning making fused glass jewelry. The focus will be on Spring and Florals! 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.
For Adults | $30 per person
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All-Ages Spring Walk - City Nature Challenge
Sunday, April 26th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Join us to help observe and record different species on a guided walk around our trails! We will be using iNaturalist to document biodiversity like birds, plants, fungi, invertebrates, or other nature clues. These observations will contribute to the 2026 City Nature Challenge! Please bring a water bottle, weather appropriate clothes and shoes, and download the free iNaturalist app on a mobile device. All ages are welcome, and participants ages 14 and under will need to be accompanied by an adult.
For All Ages | Free (Donation)
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I Want To Be A Vet
Saturday, May 9th | 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.
For Age 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child
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Vet Tech 101 - Intelligence
Wednesday, May 27th | 10:00 am - 12:00 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.
For Age 9-12 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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What Is A Pond?
Wednesday, May 27th | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
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What exactly is a pond and why is it different than a lake or an ocean? During this class children will learn about pond ecosystems, visit ponds and work on a pond-based craft. Children will also get to meet some APEC ambassador animals that live in a pond. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Spring Forest Bathing Walk
Saturday, May 30th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Celebrate Spring with 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 season 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.” Spots are limited.
For Adults | $25 per adult
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Animal Care Trainee
Thursday, June 4th | 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.
For Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Bountiful Bugs
Thursday, June 4th | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
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Bugs exist all around us. In this fun class children will learn about different kinds of bugs and what makes them different from other animals. Then they will go on a nature walk to talk about bug habitats and get to create a bug craft. Children will also get to meet some APEC ambassador bugs and go on a nature walk. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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I Want To Be A Vet 2
Saturday, June 20th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you want to learn about animals and their vet care? Veterinarians provide medical care for different types of animals depending on their patients - zoo animals, farm animals or pets! Children will meet a new set of animal ambassadors and practice using some tools to examine them. Space is limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child
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Fungi Walk Presented by the Mycological Society
Saturday, June 20th (Rain Date Sunday, June 21st) | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm*
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Step into the enchanting world of fungi with the New York Mycological Society on a magical walk through Alley Pond Park. This June, as summer’s first mushrooms make their debut, we’ll explore the hidden wonders of the forest floor. We'll be looking for elegant Amanitas and vibrant Russulas, which form symbiotic partnerships with trees, and be keeping an eye out for the season’s first colorful boletes. We're also likely to find polypores sprouting like shelves from fallen logs, jelly fungi and intricate crust fungi weaving their way across fallen logs and branches. Guided by the club's experts, you’ll learn how to find and identify fungi and gain insight into their vital roles in our urban habitats. Please note, this is a walk to appreciate fungi, not a foraging walk. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, apply insect repellant and sunblock, and bring water. Space is limited.
*Fungi enthusiasts may choose to continue the walk for more time, but you are welcome to leave after 90 minutes. For Adults | $5 suggested donation to help care for APEC's Animal Ambassadors
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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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