Category: Things to do with kids: Animals & Nature

Yes, there are a lot of ordinary pigeons in New York, but Central Park is also a busy place for migratory birds. Over 200 different species of birds either live in or pass through the park during the year, making it one of the richest bird sanctuaries on the East Coast. Bring your children to the Henry Luce Nature Observatory at Belvedere Castle to pick up your free “Discovery Kit Backpacks.” The packs contain binoculars, a guidebook, maps, and sketching materials, so you’ll be fully prepared to see the warblers and songbirds at the best birding spots in the park like the Ramble, The North Woods, and The Great Hill. You might even catch a resident red-tailed hawk, which nests on Fifth Ave., flying between feeding spots.

Contact no: (212) 772-0210

Location: Central Park at 79th Street, New York, NY 10021

Learn more here.

Who would have thought there is a federally protected wildlife preserve within New York’s city limits? The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge has plenty of trails that allow hikers to spot snakes, turtles, butterflies and migratory birds including, most famously, the great blue heron and the ebony iris. A stroll through here would be ideal for a city kid who doesn’t get the chance to see actually living trees very often. Once you’re through with your nature walk, the surrounding area of Jamaica Bay hosts tons of different beach activities such as canoeing and sand castle contests in addition to more general sun-basking merriment. Any history buff should check out the surrounding military forts that were built during World War II, as well as the state’s first municipal airport.

Contact no: (718) 318-4340

Location: Gateway National Recreation Area, New York, NY 11414

Learn more here.

If you can’t make it up to the Bronx Zoo, there is always the convenient Central Park Zoo, which houses plenty of monkeys, penguins, and polar bears for kids to see. children can even pet animals at the adjacent Children’s Zoo.

Contact no: (212) 439-6500

Location: 830 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Learn more here.