Gateway National Recreation Area is a great place for the whole family, all year 'round. The National Park Service offers many programs throughout the year for kids to learn about the nature and history that's right here in their own backyard, or to bring out their creativity. They can even earn their Junior Ranger badges! Get the whole family together, and visit the Gateway site nearest you, or make a day trip to visit the other sites. Whatever you do, kids of all ages will enjoy discovering the treasures found in our local national park!
Junior Ranger
Coast Artillery Corps Gunner
Sandy Hook Visitor Center
Saturday, November 7
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Girls and boys ages 7 to 12 will learn and practice the duties of army soldiers who were cannoneers, including how to load and operate a 6 inch coastal gun that protected New York Harbor during WWII. Free, but reservations are required. Call 732-872-5970.
Wreath Making
Staten Island
Miller Field Ranger Station
Saturday, November 7
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Create your own wreath using pine cones, flowers, ribbons, and more! Materials will be provided. Kids of all ages are welcome!
Children’s Christmas Cookie Decoration
Sandy Hook
History House
Saturday, December 5
Sunday, December 6
2 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Children are invited to participate in a ranger-led holiday cookie decorating program. Reservations are required, and enrollment is limited due to space constraints. Call 732-872-5970 to reserve a spot for your child.
Santa Claus Visits History House
Sandy Hook
History House
Sunday, December 13
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bring your camera and the family and take a photo with Santa! Refreshments will be served.
Winter Animal Homes
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, December 13
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Children ages 4 – 8, with an adult, explore how animals live through the chilly season. Listen to a winter story, make decorations that benefit wildlife, and then take a brief nature walk with a ranger. Reservations required.
Winter Mysteries: Solved
Fort Tilden, Bldg 1
Saturday, December 19
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Investigate the mysteries of winter. Are the trees alive? What happens to turtles, ducks & fish in the ice? Are snowflakes really all different? Do I have to wear sunscreen in the winter? Learn the answers on this fun for the family program. Reservations required
Lighthouse Arts & Crafts
Staten Island
Miller Field Ranger Station
Sunday, January 10
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Create a lighthouse model, like the Elm Tree lighthouse that once protected ships along the shore at Miller Field. Supplies and materials will be provided. For all ages. Reservations required. Call 718-351-6970.
Sea Arts & Shell Crafts
Staten Island
Miller Field Ranger Station
Sunday, February 7
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Craft a necklace, keychain or picture frame out of natural treasures from the sea. Supplies and materials will be provided. All ages are welcome. Reservations required. Call 718-351-6970.
Victorian Valentine
Staten Island
Fort Wadsworth
Mont Sec House
Saturday, February 13
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Children ages 7 – 12 make a Victorian Valentine for that special person. Parents and care givers are welcome to participate also. Materials will be provided. Reservations required. Call 718-354-4500.
Winter through the Senses
Fort Tilden, Bldg. 1
Sunday, February 21
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Take a sensory filled walk through the trails of Fort Tilden. Find smells, sounds, sights, and touch in nature. Fun for the whole family. Bring binoculars. Reservations required.
There's so much for kids to do at Gateway!
Gateway's Junior Ranger programs in Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island provide fun ways to learn about Gateway and what Park Rangers do. Kids can also have Park Fun on the Web with the Web Rangers Program.
