Learn to Fish with the Bayside Anglers

First and third Tuesday of the month - May through September | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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​

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
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

Animal Care Trainee

Monday, September 21st | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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

Special Parents Night Out Program

Friday, October 23 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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

Animal Sounds

Tuesday, November 3rd | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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

What is a Mammal?

Tuesday, November 3rd | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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

Forest Friends

Tuesday, November 3rd | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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 

Vet Tech 101 - Intelligence

Monday, December 28th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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

Wonderful Reptiles

Tuesday, December 29th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am 
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

What is Taxonomy?

Tuesday, December 29th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am 
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

Vet Tech 101 - Nutrition

Tuesday, December 29th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm 
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

Seasonal Adaptations

Wednesday, December 30th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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

Endangered Species

Wednesday, December 30th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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

Vet Tech 101 - Rabbits

Wednesday, December 30th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm 
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
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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229-10 Northern Blvd.
Douglaston, NY 11362
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
Email Us
[email protected]