DARING DECEMBER
Author: Ellen Rosner Feig

ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Queens
www.alleypond.com

DECEMBER 3, 10, 17, 10:30-11:45 AM: Parents and toddlers (age 2) explore the wonderful world of nature as they create nature crafts, read stories, take short nature walks and pet the animals.

DECEMBER 3, 10-12 PM: Explore the world of animals as ages 4-5 follow a path through the environment, greet the animals and create a fun craft.

DECEMBER 3 & 4, 1-3 PM: Put on your thinking caps and learn about the environment as you perform tests on simple household supplies. Ages 8-12.

DECEMBER 10, 1-3 PM: Take your picture with your favorite animal and create a frame using natural materials collected on a forest walk. For ages 3. Programs for ages 4 -6 available – contact Alley Pond for information.

DECEMBER 27, 1 PM: Get up close with wolves and learn the truth about this mysterious animal. Weather permitting.

DECEMBER 28, 10:30 – 12:30 PM: Share winter vacation with birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians while learning how they cope with winter. You’ll have a chance to take a close look at an array of live critters!

ONGOING PROGRAMS:
Junior Nature Kids, Conservation Club, and Eco Explorers Club.

BLUE HERON PARK
222 Poillon Avenue, Staten Island
www.preserve2.org/blueheron

DECEMBER 3, 1-3:30 PM: Learn all about bird banding at Blue Heron Park. Watch as birds are captured in mist nets, banded with Federal Fish and Wildlife Bands, and vital information is recorded. Bad weather will cancel this event so make sure to call ahead: 718-967-3542.

DECEMBER 4, 8 AM: Meet with other young people who like birds at Blue Heron Park for a trip to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center. Call for further information: 718-967-3542.

DECEMBER 10, 12- 4 PM: The tree is going up at Blue Heron Park! Enjoy as Holiday elves help you create tree trimmings from all natural materials – you can even make your own decoration to take home. Hot chocolate will be served to help keep you warm.

DECEMBER 10, 2-3:30 PM: Join naturalist Nancy Zawada Clair at Blue Heron Park for Kids and Kritters and learn all about how animals survive during the winter.

BRONX ZOO
Bronx, NY
www.bronxzoo.com

DECEMBER 19 THRU JANUARY 2, 5:30-9 PM: Experience the wonder of the Bronx Zoo at night. This year’s holiday light extravaganza is “The Land of Narnia”, a living interpretation of the new Disney film. Free entertainment at night includes carolers, stilt walkers, ice carvers and costumed characters.

DECEMBER 27, 10-3:30 PM: Explore winter wildlife adventures at the zoo as you search for hidden clues on a zoo quest, meet animals close up and play winter games. Child members $220., Child non members $240.

CENTRAL PARK
Manhattan, NY
www.centralparknyc.org

DECEMBER 1-11, 10-5 PM: Explore one of a kind gingerbread houses created by NYC’s gourmet chefs especially for the animals they love (to eat?). For further information call 212-860-1370.

DECEMBER 8, 4-6 PM: Meet at The Charles Dana Discovery Center, Park at 110th Street and watch as the holiday lights are lit. Create ornaments, decorate trees, groove to live music!

DECEMBER 3-4, 10-11, 17-18: Feed the animals at the Central Park Zoo some very special holiday treats!

FOREST PARK
One Forest Park, Woodhaven, NY
www.nycgovparks.org

DECEMBER 3, 11:30-3 PM: Enjoy a holiday extravaganza as you create holiday crafts, sing-a-long to live entertainment. Tickets are free but must be picked up in advance at the park Monday through Friday from 8-4:30.

DECEMBER 3, 1 PM: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a lesson on winter survival. Meet at the park’s visitor center by Woodhaven Blvd. and Forest Park Drive.

NY AQUARIUM
Brooklyn, NY
NY Aquarium
www.nyaquarium.com

DECEMBER 26-29, 10-2 PM: Spend winter break at the NY Aquarium and learn all about corals, sea anemones and jelly fish through exploration, games and crafts. $140 members, $160 non members. To register call 718-265-3448.

NY BOTANNICAL GARDEN, Bronx, NY
DECEMBER 1-31: Get on board with the annual holiday train show and experience the wonder of trains and trolleys as they wind their way through replicas of NY landmarks.

DECEMBER 1-31, 10- 5:30 PM: Explore the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden as you smell, touch and taste the spices that make up a gingerbread recipe. Note that weekdays the garden is open from 1:30-5:30 pm.

PROSPECT PARK
Brooklyn, NY
Prospect Park
www.prospectpark.org

DECEMBER 3, 2-3 PM: Nature themed music, storytelling and crafts program for ages 3-5 and their caregivers at the Con Edison Discover Nature Theater. Free.

DECEMBER 9, 12-5 PM: Learn all about pigeons and their natural history. Free.

STATEN ISLAND ZOO
Staten Island, NY
www.statenislandzoo.org

DECEMBER 10, 5-8 PM: Celebrate Christmas as Charles Dickens would; meet Santa, sing along with a chorus, light the Christmas tree, greet the reindeer. Advance ticket sales $10, $8 Members, $15 at the door.

DECEMBER 17, 8:30 -10 AM: Have a holiday breakfast with the beast! Enjoy your breakfast as you look at outdoor animal life and learn how they deal with winter. $13., $11. members.

VAN CORTLANDT PARK
246TH at Broadway, Bron, NY
www.vancortlandt.org

DECEMBER 3, 1 PM: Learn how to identify trees in the winter – no leaves? No problem!