🌳 Parks, Nature & Environmental Science 🌳

Brooklyn Bridge Park (FREE)

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

Science Topics:

✅ Ecosystems
✅ Biodiversity
✅ Climate Science
✅ Environmental Science

Governors Island (FREE or Low Cost)

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

Science Topics:

✅ Sustainability
✅ Ecology
✅ Human Impact on the Environment

Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk (FREE)

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

Science Topics:

✅ Earth Science
✅ Weathering & Erosion
✅ Ocean Systems

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (FREE)

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

Science Topics:

✅ Ecosystems
✅ Adaptations
✅ Biodiversity

🌺 Plants, Gardens & Ecology 🌺

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Students can:

• Observe pollinators

• Identify plant adaptations

• Study biodiversity

• Explore native and invasive species

Website: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Science Topics:

✅ Plant Biology
✅ Pollination
✅ Ecology

Narrows Botanical Gardens (FREE)

A hidden gem in Bay Ridge perfect for:

• Plant identification

• Pollinator observation

• Nature journaling

Website: Narrows Botanical Gardens

Science Topics:

✅ Native Plants
✅ Urban Ecosystems
✅ Biodiversity

🐠 Animals, Adaptations & Marine Science 🐠

New York Aquarium

Students can explore:

• Marine ecosystems

• Animal behavior

• Predator-prey relationships

• Adaptations for survival

Website: New York Aquarium

Science Topics:

✅ Marine Biology
✅ Adaptations
✅ Conservation

Bronx Zoo

One of the best places in NYC to investigate:

• Animal adaptations

• Habitats

• Food webs

• Biodiversity

Website: Bronx Zoo

Science Topics:

✅ Evolution
✅ Ecosystems
✅ Animal Behavior

🦖 Museums, Space & Engineering 🦖

American Museum of Natural History

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

Science Topics:

✅ Paleontology
✅ Geology
✅ Evolution

New York Hall of Science

A hands-on STEM museum with interactive exhibits about:

• Physics

• Engineering

• Technology

• Design challenges

Website: New York Hall of Science

Science Topics:

✅ Engineering Design
✅ Forces & Motion
✅ Technology

Hayden Planetarium

Explore:

• Space

• Planets

• Black holes

• Constellations

• Astronomy shows

Website: Hayden Planetarium

Science Topics:

✅ Astronomy
✅ Space Science
✅ Earth-Sun-Moon Systems

📱 Science at Home & Around Your Neighborhood (FREE) 📱

Become a Citizen Scientist

Students can contribute real scientific data using free apps:

• iNaturalist

• eBird

• GLOBE Observer

Scientists actually use this data in research projects.

Websites:

• iNaturalist

• eBird

• GLOBE Observer

🌙 Astronomy & Moon Watching (FREE)

Students can:

• Track moon phases

• Observe planets

• Watch meteor showers

• Record sunset times

Website: NASA Skywatching Guide

📚 Bonus: Free Museum Passes with a Library Card 📚

Many NYC libraries offer free admission to museums and science institutions through Culture Pass.

Website:
Culture Pass NYC