See the information below to find great things to do over the summer to keep learning and engaging in science in NYC! Many are free or low cost ideas. See the information below:
Students can:
Observe ecosystems and marine life
Participate in environmental education programs
Learn about pollinators and native plants
Attend nature walks and stargazing events
Website: Brooklyn Bridge Park Education Programs
✅ Ecosystems
✅ Biodiversity
✅ Climate Science
✅ Environmental Science
A great place to explore:
Composting
Sustainability
Urban farming
Climate science
Native plants and pollinators
Families can also visit environmental exhibits and participate in science-themed events.
Website: Governors Island Events & Education
✅ Sustainability
✅ Ecology
✅ Human Impact on the Environment
Become an Earth scientist by investigating:
Erosion
Waves
Sand composition
Human impact on ecosystems
Students can compare weather conditions and shoreline changes throughout the summer.
Website: NYC Parks Coney Island Info
✅ Earth Science
✅ Weathering & Erosion
✅ Ocean Systems
One of NYC’s best locations for:
Birdwatching
Wetland ecosystems
Animal adaptations
Migration studies
Bring binoculars or use the free Merlin Bird ID app.
Website: National Park Service Jamaica Bay Info
✅ Ecosystems
✅ Adaptations
✅ Biodiversity
Students can:
Observe pollinators
Identify plant adaptations
Study biodiversity
Explore native and invasive species
Website: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
✅ Plant Biology
✅ Pollination
✅ Ecology
A hidden gem in Bay Ridge perfect for:
Plant identification
Pollinator observation
Nature journaling
Website: Narrows Botanical Gardens
✅ Native Plants
✅ Urban Ecosystems
✅ Biodiversity
Students can explore:
Marine ecosystems
Animal behavior
Predator-prey relationships
Adaptations for survival
Website: New York Aquarium
✅ Marine Biology
✅ Adaptations
✅ Conservation
One of the best places in NYC to investigate:
Animal adaptations
Habitats
Food webs
Biodiversity
Website: Bronx Zoo
✅ Evolution
✅ Ecosystems
✅ Animal Behavior
NY residents can often use pay-what-you-wish admission.
Students can investigate:
Dinosaurs
Fossils
Human evolution
Meteorites
Earth science exhibits
Website: American Museum of Natural History
✅ Paleontology
✅ Geology
✅ Evolution
A hands-on STEM museum with interactive exhibits about:
Physics
Engineering
Technology
Design challenges
Website: New York Hall of Science
✅ Engineering Design
✅ Forces & Motion
✅ Technology
Explore:
Space
Planets
Black holes
Constellations
Astronomy shows
Website: Hayden Planetarium
✅ Astronomy
✅ Space Science
✅ Earth-Sun-Moon Systems
Students can contribute real scientific data using free apps:
iNaturalist
eBird
GLOBE Observer
Scientists actually use this data in research projects.
Students can:
Track moon phases
Observe planets
Watch meteor showers
Record sunset times
Website: NASA Skywatching Guide
Many NYC libraries offer free admission to museums and science institutions through Culture Pass.
Website:
Culture Pass NYC