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Exploring the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with Kids

When you first enter the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, you will be greeted by a friendly staff member. Take note of the touch tank hours posted on the reception desk. If you would like a scavenger hunt for your child, this is the place to get it. You can also find information about upcoming events here, as well as bathrooms. There are two sides to the nature center to explore from here: The west side focuses on energy, while the east focuses on beach ecology. 

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The touch tank has hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, conch, fish, and more. 

Touch Tank

This is the end all, be all for my 6-year-old. One day he spent an hour talking to a staff member while touching all the animals in the tank. There are hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, conch, fish, and more. You can pick up all the animals, which is different from other aquariums in the tri-state area requiring just a two-finger touch. The staff was more than happy to entertain all of my son's questions. Touch tank hours vary by day, and can be effected by other events, so always check before you leave. 

Animal Exhibits

Another favorite for both of my kids is the live animal exhibits. There are seahorses, snakes, and a turtle, though the turtle's exhibit was under maintenance last time we went. You can also check out the interactive screen on the wall to learn more about whales, or one of the books at the table to read about frogs, whales, and more.

Sand Stations

There were two sand stations available during our last visit, and one is a new addition. The first station has kinetic sand, which has footprint stamps you can use to press into the sand and make tracks. Other stamps include animals you find near the coast. The second sand station was a sand table with traditional sand. This can get a little messier, but better to get messy here than at home. There were brushes, pretend skeletal remains, and shells in the sand for kids to dig up. 

Discovery Table

There are multiple sections to the Discovery Table. The microscope station gives kids an up-close look at different specimens, There are rodent bones, butterfly wings, plants, shells, and more to discover. There is also a large viewing window for other guests to see an enlarged version of what the microscope sees. On the other side of the microscope station is a puzzle area. The puzzle pieces are stuck on the table and you have to slide the pieces around to reveal the picture. The last section at the discovery table is a giant lite-brite, where kids can take colored cylinders and put them in the lit-up holes to create a design. My 3-year-old loved collecting all the purple ones. 

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Marine life is everywhere at the nature center, including hanging from the ceiling. 

The West Gallery

While my family spends less time in the West Gallery, it's mainly due to age, since this side is likely more appealing to older kids. This side of the center is all about renewable energy and how nature and energy connect.

See how wind affects turbines, visit the energy classroom, and check out the structure of an energy-efficient house. Since you can see the studs and framing of the house, my kids like to play Three Little Pigs in it. There is also a small mega-block and Lego table for kids to play with here. 

Events at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

Throughout the year, the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center offers different events based on the season. In the early months of the year, there are seal walks on many Saturdays, while the spring and summer bring beach and birding walks, nature hikes, and beach cleanups. Note that many of these events require advance sign-up and a nominal fee. 

Tiny Tots

Each week, children ages 3-6 can participate in a themed class that includes storytime, crafts, and activities. 

Crafts

There are family programs and adult-only craft programs. Family programs include snowflake making, rock painting, and more. Previous adult crafts have involved making pumpkin jar lights, clay planters, and dye jars. 

Science Classes

Dissect a squid, and learn about geology, icebergs, and more at one of the weekly science classes offered for families.

Getting to the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is located at the West End of Jones Beach, past the Meadowbrook Parkway entrance. Follow signs for West End Beaches. Follow the arrow to the left, which takes you around the bend. Enter the parking lot on the right for the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center parking lot. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• Admission is free for everyone to enter the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, but there is a NYS Parks parking fee on weekends from April-November, and weekdays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. 
• The center is handicap and stroller accessible, though if you want to walk down to the beach it's best to leave the stroller behind. 
• There is no food available to purchase on-site. You will want to pack a snack or lunch.
• If you're not doing an event, the nature center can be completed in 1 1/2-2 hours.

Photos by the author