Welcome! This page is for our single day weekend programs for all ages. Our ongoing weekend Toddler Time series can be found on our Early Childhood Programs page when available.
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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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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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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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 child/parent 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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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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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.
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229-10 Northern Blvd.
Douglaston, NY 11362 |
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
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Email Us
[email protected] |