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Weekend Programs

*Registration for Spring Programs opens Tuesday, March 3

Sunday, March 15

Sunday Science Discovery Lab: Color & Water Science  |   11:00-12:00
Explore the colors of the rainbow, enjoy color mixing activities and explore the different properties of water. Your little scientist with enjoy spending an hour at APEC conducting experiments and exploring science. Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.
​​Ages 2-4 (parent participation)   |   $18* per child

Saturday, March 21

Living Lab: Our Winter Environment  |   10:30-12:00
Let’s explore what happens to our ecosystem during the winter. How are the plants and animals surviving? The program will include meeting APEC animals, an art project, and going on an outdoor winter adventure (come prepared in appropriate clothing). Join us as we explore the question what does it mean to be alive. Each session will include experiments with the help of live animals or plants.
​​Ages 7-10 (drop-off)   |   $21* per child
Little Cooks: Funny Face  |   11:30-12:30
Join us as we make our own edible faces made of hummus and vegetables and enjoy them together. After we create and gobble up our delicious snack, we will meet a few friendly animals and feed them their favorite treats! For those little ones who just can’t wait to be a Young Chef. APEC Little Cooks will have fun learning about an animal, and then help make a delicious snack to compliment what they’ve learned.
​​Ages 5-7 (drop-off)   |   $22* per child

Sunday, March 22

I Want to Be a Vet  |   10:00-12:00
Does your child dream of being a veterinarian? Send them to APEC to learn the basics of animal care. All animals need food, water and shelter to survive, but pets sometimes need medical care too. Enjoy pretend play examining animals, look at animal x-rays, groom the rabbits, and help take care of the turtles. Students will love meeting the live animal guests. Limited to 8 participants.
​​​Ages 5-7 (drop-off)   |   $24* per child

Saturday, March 28

Advanced Animal Care Trainee   |    10:00-12:00 
Have you ever wondered what your pet was thinking, or whether the fly on the wall could feel emotions like we do? We’re taking animal care to a whole new level as we study APEC animals’ species-specific behavior. We’ll practice techniques that help us better connect to birds, reptiles, and small mammals, and give their lives more purpose and joy. Learn more about animal needs that go beyond water, food, and a clean shelter. Help care for our animals and all their quirks by learning how to train them, engage them, pamper them, and supplement their diets. Limited to 8 participants.**Prerequisite Requirement: Participation in a prior Animal Care Trainee program is a must in order to qualify for Advanced Animal Care Trainee (Please do not register if you have not participated in Animal Care Trainee; contact Zachary at Ext. 204 for further assistance).  
​​​Ages 10-13 (drop-off)   |   $26* per child

Saturday, April 4

Living Lab: It's Baby Season!   |    11:00-12:30 
Spring is the season for babies! Join us as we learn about how animals prepare for the birth of their babies and care for them until they are independent. We will explore the forest and try to find evidence of baby season (eggs, nests, or even actual babies)! 
Ages 7-10 (drop-off)    |   $21* per child

Saturday, April 18

Little Cooks: Fruit Bowl Painting   |   11:30-12:30 
If you love art and you love fruit, then this is the program for you! We will be making and enjoying a delicious and healthy fruit salad together. Before we slice it up and enjoy it, we will each create a fruit bowl painting. Join us for the yummy fun! 
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)    |   $22* per child

Sunday, April 26

APEC Adventure Time: Bouncing Bunnies   |   2:00-3:15
Bounce, hop and taste some veggies that APEC’s rabbits love to eat. Toddlers and caregivers enjoy some special time together as they socialize with other youngsters and learn about nature.  Each class focuses on a different science theme and includes live animal guests, art projects, trail walks, and children’s literature. Limited to 8 participants with ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.  
Ages 18-36 months (parent participation)    |   $20* per child

Sunday, May 3

Say it in Spanish!  |   1:00-2:15
Join us for an interesting program learning some Spanish!  Learn to say some common animal names in Spanish and meet a chinchilla from South America.  We will also sample salsa and chips, and prepare tasty guacamole. Instill a love of reading with your little ones in this fun class!  Share a seasonal book, make a craft, enjoy a nature walk and meet live animal guests that are characters from the story. Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.  
Ages 2-4 (parent participation)    |   $20* per child

Saturday, May 9

Hijab Pin Cushion Mommy & Me Workshop  |   10:00-12:00
Do you ever find yourself in need of a simple but cute gift? Something for your kid's favorite teacher? Hijab Mubarak party favor ideas? Looking to give a little boost to little hijabies or new hijabies?  Mason jars have the most versatile uses. How about we turn them into easy hijab pin cushions!  Includes: 2 mason jars, fabrics, batting, embellishments, guided instructions and new skills to enjoy, always!  
Ages 4+ (parent participation)    |   $20* per pair
Animal Tales: Mother's Day  |   10:30-11:45
Celebrate Mother’s Day by decorating a flowerpot and planting a flower for Mom (or Grandma). Instill a love of reading with your little ones in this fun class!  Share a seasonal book, make a craft, enjoy a nature walk and meet live animal guests that are characters from the story. Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.  
Ages 2-4 (parent participation)   |   $20* per child

Saturday, May 16

Little Cooks: Vegan Tacos  |   11:30-12:30
Who doesn't love tacos?! We are going to make some delicious vegan tacos together. We'll learn about the benefits of incorporating plant-based foods into our diet and how it helps the earth - all while making a delicious meal!
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)   |   $22* per child
APEC Adventure Time: From Tadpole to Frog  |   12:30-1:45
Learn about the amazing life cycle of amphibians and get to meet one up-close. Toddlers and caregivers enjoy some special time together as they socialize with other youngsters and learn about nature.  Each class focuses on a different science theme and includes live animal guests, art projects, trail walks, and children’s literature. Limited to 8 participants with ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.  
Ages 18-36 months (parent participation)   |   $20* per child

Sunday, May 17

Animal Care Trainee  |  10:00-12:00
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. Limited to 8 participants. **Because participation in a prior Animal Care Trainee program is a must in order to qualify for Advanced Animal Care Trainee, students over the age of 10 may be able to take Animal Care Trainee under special circumstances (Contact Zachary at Ext. 204 for further assistance).  
Ages 8-10 (drop-off)   |   $24* per child
I Want to Be a Vet  |   10:00-12:00
Does your child dream of being a veterinarian? Send them to APEC to learn the basics of animal care. All animals need food, water and shelter to survive, but pets sometimes need medical care too. Enjoy pretend play examining animals, look at animal x-rays, groom the rabbits, and help take care of the turtles. Students will love meeting the live animal guests. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)   |   $24* per child

Saturday, May 23

Vet Tech 101  |   10:00-12:00
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. Limited to 8 participants. **Because participation in a prior Vet Tech 101 program is a must in order to qualify for Vet Tech 201, students over the age of 13 may be able to take Vet Tech 101 under special circumstances (Contact Zachary at Ext. 204 for further assistance).
Ages 10-13 (drop-off)   |   $28* per child
Vet Tech 201  |   10:00-12:00
 Come see and learn from a licensed Veterinary Technician as we delve deeper into the science of animal care. Students will get to work with the Vet Tech one on one using tools and techniques at a more advanced level than in Vet Tech 101. From testing heart rates and examining animal x-rays or bones, to using stethoscopes and viewing slides, all our Vet Tech 201 students will learn invaluable techniques for in-depth animal examination. Limited to 6 participants. **Prerequisite Requirement: Participation in a prior Vet Tech 101 program is a must in order to qualify for Vet Tech 201, unless you are an APEC Volunteer (Please do not register if you have not participated in Vet Tech 101; contact Zachary at Ext. 204 for further assistance).  
Ages 11-15 (drop-off)   |   $32* per child

Saturday, May 30

Living Lab: Nature Senses  |   11:00-12:30
 There is so much more to nature than what we see. In this class we will explore nature with our other senses. We will go on a long walk on the Alley Pond trails and enjoy many sensory activities. During our outdoor adventure we will use nature to inspire art, music, and poetry. throughout this program we will develop a further understanding of the connection between the human and natural world.
Ages 7-10 (drop-off)   |   $21* per child
Messy May Play Day!  |   12:30-2:00
 If your child likes to get messy, then join us for this hands-on experience!  Children will visit Exploration Stations to feel and play with an assortment of materials including mud, jello, slime, bubbles and shaving cream.  We will then meet some messy guests that also like to play in the      mud-worms!  The fun will continue with a finger painting craft and nature walk. Limited to 8 children with ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.  
Ages 2-4 (parent participation)  |   $22* per child

Saturday, June 6

Advanced Animal Care Trainee  |   10:00-12:00
Have you ever wondered what your pet was thinking, or whether the fly on the wall could feel emotions like we do? In this advanced course we will study APEC animals’ species-specific behavior. We’ll practice techniques that help us better connect to birds, reptiles, and small mammals, and give their lives more purpose and joy. Learn more about animal needs that go beyond water, food, and a clean shelter. Help care for our animals and all their quirks by learning how to train them, engage them, and supplement their diets. Limited to 8 participants. **Prerequisite Requirement: Participation in a prior Animal Care Trainee program is a must in order to qualify for Advanced Animal Care Trainee (Please do not register if you have not participated in Animal Care Trainee; contact Zachary at Ext. 204 for further assistance).  
Ages 10-13 (drop-off)  |   $26* per child
I Want to be a Vet  |   10:00-12:00
 Does your child dream of being a veterinarian?  Send them to APEC to learn the basics of animal care. All animals need food, water and shelter to survive, but pets sometimes need medical care too. Enjoy pretend play examining animals, look at animal x-rays, groom the rabbits, and help take care of the turtles.  Students will love meeting the live animal guests. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)  |   $24* per child

Sunday, June 7

APEC Adventure Time: Crickets & Caterpillars  |   10:30-11:45
 Enjoy an up-close look at crickets, caterpillars and learn about springtime critters. Toddlers and parents/caregivers enjoy some special time together as they socialize with other youngsters and learn about nature.  Each class focuses on a different science theme and includes live animal guests, art projects, trail walks, and children’s literature.  Limited to 8 participants with ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats. 
Ages 18-36 months (parent participation)  |   $20* per child

Saturday, June 13

Animal Care Trainee  |   10:00-12:00
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. Limited to 8 participants. **Because participation in a prior Animal Care Trainee program is a must in order to qualify for Advanced Animal Care Trainee, students over the age of 10 may be able to take Animal Care Trainee under special circumstances (Contact Zachary at Ext. 204 for further assistance).  
Ages 8-10 (drop-off)  |   $24* per child
I Want to be a Vet |   10:00-12:00
Does your child dream of being a veterinarian?  Send them to APEC to learn the basics of animal care. All animals need food, water and shelter to survive, but pets sometimes need medical care too. Enjoy pretend play examining animals, look at animal x-rays, groom the rabbits, and help take care of the turtles.  Students will love meeting the live animal guests. Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)  |   $24* per child
Exotic Pets |   10:00-11:30
Ever wanted a rabbit for a pet? Interested in having a fluffy guinea pig or scaly snake at home?  Meet some of APEC’s unique animals and learn about the special care they require.  Limited to 8 participants.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)  |   $22* per child

Sunday, June 14

Think Tank: Birding Extravaganza |   11:00-12:30
Birds are one of the most special creatures on this planet. Please join us as we participate in hands-on birding fun! We'll look for birds in the park using binoculars, make our own nests, and experiment on bird behavior using our friendly APEC birds. Children will explore their inner scientist with this fun filled, hands-on experimenting class. They will be challenged to form a hypothesis based on the materials of the day, then draw conclusions based on their experimentation.
Ages 7-10 (drop-off)  |   $23* per child
Animal Tales: Happy Birthday Eric Carle! |   1:00-2:15
Enjoy the wonderful artwork of Eric Carle as we read some of his famous wourks and meet live animal guests from the stories. Instill a love of reading with your little ones in this fun class!  Share a seasonal book, make a craft, enjoy a nature walk and meet live animal guests that are characters from the story. Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats. 
Ages 2-4 (parent participation)  |   $20* per child

Saturday, June 20

Little Cooks: Tea Party with Yoga & Guided Meditation |   11:30-12:30
You are invited to our tea party! Please join us as we partake in yoga and meditation. Afterwards, we will cozy up with some warm tea and snacks. During our party we will learn a little about tea and meet a fluffy rabbit! For those little ones who just can’t wait to be a Young Chef. APEC Little Cooks will have fun learning about an animal, and then help make a delicious snack to compliment what they’ve learned.
Ages 5-7 (drop-off)  |   $22* per child

Saturday, June 27

Plant Based Tie-Dye |   12:00-1:30
Get messy and creative with us! We will be tie-dying tshirts together without the chemicals of store bought dyes. We will be using plant-based ingredients for eco-friendly tie-dye fun. Children will explore their inner scientist with this fun filled, hands-on experimenting class. They will be challenged to form a hypothesis based on the materials of the day, then draw conclusions based on their experimentation.
Ages 7-10 (drop-off)  |   $23* 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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224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
FAX: (718) 229-0376
Email Us
contact@alleypond.com