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.
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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Reiki & Meditation Workshop
Sunday, May 31st | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Join Sonia of Sonia Energy Healer for a deeply restorative workshop designed to help you reconnect with peace and presence. Set within a calming outdoor nature setting (weather permitting), this experience invites you to ground your body and soothe your nervous system through the healing power of fresh air, natural light, and the earth beneath you.
Through guided meditation, Reiki energy healing, gentle breathwork, and grounding techniques inspired by the natural elements, you’ll learn practical tools to calm anxiety, release tension, and cultivate inner focus. Participants will be guided through an earth-connection practice—such as mindful walking, seated meditation under the sky, or hands-on grounding—to deepen their sense of stability and safety. This experience will help quiet the mind, balance your energy, and restore a sense of harmony within. All levels are welcome. Come as you are and leave feeling centered, clear, and renewed. Adults | $30
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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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I Love Animals
Sunday, July 12th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Celebrate your child’s love of animals at APEC! Toddlers will enjoy listening to an animal story and observing 3 animal guests close-up! We will also make a heart-shaped bird treat to take home and hang outside for birds in your neighborhood. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per parent/child pair
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I Want To Be A Vet 3
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Scoop on Poop
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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All animals eat, so all animals poop! Did you know that scientists can learn a lot about an animal by examining its poop? Shape, size, and color are clues about an animal’s diet. Youngsters will enjoy looking at models of scat from local animals, sharing the book Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi, and meeting some of APEC’s most frequent and least frequent poopers. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 3-5, with one adult | $25 per parent/child pair
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Fused Glass Workshop
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Join Naomi Rabinowitz, artist, and jewelry designer, for a fun summer workshop 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 it 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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Vet Tech 101 – Nutrition
Saturday, July 25th | 11:00 am - 1:00 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.
For Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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I Want To Be A Vet 1
Saturday, August 1st | 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 Ages 5-7 (drop off) | $22 per child
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Morning with the Birds: A Summer Walk at Alley Pond Park
Saturday, August 15th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Start your summer morning surrounded by nature, community, and birdsong. Join Wing Kong, a passionate birder and nature educator, for a guided bird walk through Alley Pond Park. Together we’ll slow down, sharpen our observation skills, and discover the birds that thrive in one of Queens’ largest urban forests. Whether you’re new to birding or already enjoy watching birds, this walk offers a peaceful way to connect with nature and experience the rich wildlife of the city. Space is limited.
Adults | $15 per person
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Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing
Sunday, August 16th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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There is an important reason why animals do not wear clothing, especially in the summer heat! They have fur, feathers, or scales! Enjoy listening to Judi Barrett’s book Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing and meet some interesting animals with different body covering. Toddlers will observe a fine feathered friend, furry critter, and scaly reptile. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per parent/child pair
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Jump, Frog, Jump
Sunday, August 16th | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Animal Care Trainee
Sunday, August 16th | 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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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] |