• Miles of uncrowded white sandy beaches extend to the horizon, separating the clear blue ocean and undulating grass-covered dunes.

    Fire Island

    National Seashore New York

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  • More Park Facilities Reopen During May 2013

    Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas open May 10. Limited ferry service from Sayville to Sailors Haven resumes May 13 and ferries from Patchogue to Watch Hill start on May 18. Remaining park facilities to reopen by May 25, 2013. More »

For Kids

Park ranger leads beach walk program for children and parents.
Ranger-guided beach walks and other programs throughout the year help kids (and parents, too!) learn about Fire Island's dynamic coastal environment and other special resources.
 
Be a Junior Ranger Programs for Scouts Let's Move Outside!
 
Group of children talk to a park ranger inside visitor center.

Day camps and other groups can enjoy a visit to the visitor center and lifeguarded beach at Sailors Haven or Watch Hill.

During the summer, park staff offer a variety of activities and programs for children. Kids of all ages can join in the fun!

Pick up a copy of the Summer Program Guide or check bulletin boards to see what programs are currently offered.

Check out the aquaria at the Fire Island-based visitor centers. Join a seining demonstration or canoeing program (swimmers only).

Learn more about the resources and wonders of Fire Island National Seashore.

 
Canoe instruction.

Explore the salt marsh! Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided for the canoeing programs at Watch Hill.

Explore Your Park!

A variety of special programs at Fire Island National Seashore help kids and their families explore the park.

You can join a weekly seining program, Catch of the Day, to discover the common marine life in the Great South Bay. This program is offered during the summer at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven.

Sign up for a weekly Ranger-Guided Canoe Trip at Watch Hill. All equipment is provided, but participants must be able to swim. (Children under age 6 are not permitted on this program.)

 
Students sort sand to discover grain size and composition.

Did you ever wonder where all that sand comes from, or where it all goes?

During an activity on the beach, kids learn about the size of sand grains and what the sand is made of.

Explore the ancient maritime forest on a daily Sunken Forest Tour at Sailors Haven.

Children's Seaside Stories and Crafts are offered weekly at each visitor center during the summer and monthly throughout the year.

The Fire Island Lighthouse provides activities especially for kids, with additional programs offered during local school breaks.

Junior Ranger Workshops and activities are also offered throughout the year.

Check the Calendar of Events for a complete list of scheduled activities.

See what programs are scheduled to happen when you plan to visit!

Special Programs this Week

 

Watch for National Park Week activities each April!

  • National Park Service History National Park Service History

    Find Fire Island National Seashore on the National Park System timeline. Read More

  • Fire Island Multimedia Fire Island Multimedia

    Photos, videos and official social media sites help you discover more about Fire Island National Seashore. Read More

  • For Kids: Junior Ranger Patch or Badge For Kids: Junior Ranger Patch or Badge

    is the reward for completing Fire Island's Junior Ranger Workbook. Read More

Did You Know?

Hike in light clothing walks down sandy trail through dense shrubs.

You can hike into New York State's only  federally-designated wilderness area on Fire Island. Day trips into the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness provide an opportunity to sample the sensation of being miles away from civilization. More...