Sandy Hook Park Cleanup

Lend a hand at one of the park’s clean-ups! Volunteers will remove litter and debris, helping to protect wildlife habitat. Find all details and required registration on Volunteer.gov, search “Sandy Hook.”

Parking Lot B, Sandy Hook

Birding Big Day Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Join us for Global Big Day for birding, a great way to not only see and hear as many birds as possible, but to join a worldwide community of over 1 million other participants! Together we will explore the refuge in search of as many species of birds as possible, while c......More

Join us for Global Big Day for birding, a great way to not only see and hear as many birds as possible, but to join a worldwide community of over 1 million other participants! Together we will explore the refuge in search of as many species of birds as possible, while contributing to a better understanding of bird populations worldwide. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

North Channel Bridge Beach Cleanup

Join the National Park Service and Sadhana for our monthly beach cleanup series, Project Prithvi! Become a steward for your park and help make Jamaica Bay a better place for all of us this year. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided.    Meet at the red bric......More

Join the National Park Service and Sadhana for our monthly beach cleanup series, Project Prithvi! Become a steward for your park and help make Jamaica Bay a better place for all of us this year. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided.    Meet at the red brick pavilion in the North Channel Bridge parking lot, south of Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge (Cross Bay Blvd. North Channel Bridge) on west side of Cross Bay Blvd.  Dress appropriately for weather and conditions - hats, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, and sunscreen are recommended. Thunderstorms or heavy rains cancel.

North Channel Bridge at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Fort Tompkins Tour

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation.

Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1

Battery Weed Open House

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. ......More

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. 

Battery Weed

Hooked on Walking at Sandy Hook

Get your steps in and learn about the natural, cultural, and historic resources around the park. Visitors should come dressed for the weather, wear hiking shoes, and bring a small pack with water and snacks.This is a moderately paced hike, walking on loose sand for the ......More

Get your steps in and learn about the natural, cultural, and historic resources around the park. Visitors should come dressed for the weather, wear hiking shoes, and bring a small pack with water and snacks.This is a moderately paced hike, walking on loose sand for the duration of the walk. Make your reservation on Eventbrite.

Lot M, Sandy Hook

Fort Tompkins Tour

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation.

Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1

Battery Weed Open House

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. ......More

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. 

Battery Weed

Gather and Stitch at Fort Wadsworth

Opportunity for Quilters of all skill levels to sew socially, learn new skills or get advice on projects you are currently working on. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions.  

Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1

Junior Junior Ranger at Sandy Hook: Let's BEE Friends

Meet with a park ranger and learn about pollinators! Dive into fun, hands-on activities and learn how you can make your backyard a pollinator-friendly habitat. For ages 3 to 6. Make your reservation on Eventbrite.

Guardian Park, Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1

WW II Harbor Defense Lantern Tour at Sandy Hook

The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer membership Park Philanthropic Partner uniformed as World War II soldiers. They will take you back in time during this guided walk. Stops will include several sites across Fort Hancock, highlighting Battery Gunnison/New B......More

The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer membership Park Philanthropic Partner uniformed as World War II soldiers. They will take you back in time during this guided walk. Stops will include several sites across Fort Hancock, highlighting Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck. Bring a flashlight. Make your reservation on Eventbrite.

Fort Hancock Museum, Building 28

Fort Tompkins Lantern Tour

Explore Fort Wadsworth after sunset on our Lantern Tour! Rangers will lead you through the dark rooms and passages of Fort Tompkins. Along the way, you will learn about the history of the fort and some unusual stories that have taken place over the centuries. This uniqu......More

Explore Fort Wadsworth after sunset on our Lantern Tour! Rangers will lead you through the dark rooms and passages of Fort Tompkins. Along the way, you will learn about the history of the fort and some unusual stories that have taken place over the centuries. This unique opportunity will allow visitors to see Fort Tompkins in a whole new light! Spots are limited and reservations on Eventbrite are required. We will meet at the Visitor Center and then walk to Fort Tompkins. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions. 

Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Many Waves of Change: Miller Field Beach Cleanup

Join us for a fun, family-friendly beach cleanup where little hands and big hearts come together to make a difference! Bring your crew, your energy, and your love for the ocean as we turn the tide on pollution, one piece at a time. Come ready to have fun, connect, and p......More

Join us for a fun, family-friendly beach cleanup where little hands and big hearts come together to make a difference! Bring your crew, your energy, and your love for the ocean as we turn the tide on pollution, one piece at a time. Come ready to have fun, connect, and protect our beautiful shores! Let’s create waves of change together because clean beaches start with us. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions. 

Miller Field Ranger Station

Fort Tompkins Tour

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation.

Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1

Battery Weed Open House

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. ......More

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. 

Battery Weed

Seining in the Bay at Sandy Hook

Join a park ranger on the bayside to go seining – dragging a large net with two poles on each end through the water – to catch various marine species and discover what calls the bay its home! Must bring water shoes. Make your reservation on Eventbrite.

Parking Lot C, Sandy Hook

Family Horseshoe Crab Walk at Sandy Hook

Learn about the natural history of horseshoe crabs and why they visit Sandy Hook’s shores during the full/new moon phases in May & June. Observe horseshoe crabs on the beach and learn how scientists monitor their population status. Wear shoes that can get wet. Make your......More

Learn about the natural history of horseshoe crabs and why they visit Sandy Hook’s shores during the full/new moon phases in May & June. Observe horseshoe crabs on the beach and learn how scientists monitor their population status. Wear shoes that can get wet. Make your reservation on Eventbrite.

Parking Lot C, Sandy Hook

10th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival

Join the National Park Service and our partners for the 10th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival! Horseshoe crabs, nicknamed “living fossils,” come ashore around Jamaica Bay this time of year to lay millions of eggs. Attendees will meet at Sunset Cove/Broad Channel American ......More

Join the National Park Service and our partners for the 10th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival! Horseshoe crabs, nicknamed “living fossils,” come ashore around Jamaica Bay this time of year to lay millions of eggs. Attendees will meet at Sunset Cove/Broad Channel American Park for the chance to see Horseshoe Crabs up close and learn more about their amazing ecology. This event is free, and ideal for nature-lovers of all ages. No registration or reservation required.  Accessibility and Directions: Broad Channel American Park is accessible by the Q21 bus. The Q52-SBS and Q53-BS buses are also located a short distance away, and parking is available on site. This event involves being on the beach and potentially in knee-length water. 

Sunset Cove/Broad Channel American Park

Fort Tompkins Tour

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation.

Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Coastal Defense Days at Sandy Hook

Volunteers from the Army Ground Forces Association, a Park Philanthropic Partner, bring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck and its 6-inch guns to life! Learn about Army Harbor Defense Operations. See and experience restored vintage telephone and electric systems. See the......More

Volunteers from the Army Ground Forces Association, a Park Philanthropic Partner, bring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck and its 6-inch guns to life! Learn about Army Harbor Defense Operations. See and experience restored vintage telephone and electric systems. See the M1900 6-inch seacoast guns operated, how they are loaded and how to track ships.For more information visit: armygroundforces.org/MayCoastDefenseDays.html

Battery Gunnison, Sandy Hook

Ocean Fun Day at Sandy Hook

Spend the day with your family enjoying hands-on fun while learning about the environment. Join NJSGC and their Ocean Fun Days partners for this popular pre-summer event. Learn how to use a seine net or join the youth scavenger hunt for energy savings tips. Test your sa......More

Spend the day with your family enjoying hands-on fun while learning about the environment. Join NJSGC and their Ocean Fun Days partners for this popular pre-summer event. Learn how to use a seine net or join the youth scavenger hunt for energy savings tips. Test your sand science knowledge or become a hiker and search for natural treasures on a guided tour. Dozens of exhibits and children’s activities. Free.

New Jersey Sea Grant consortium - Building 22 Sandy Hook

Nike Missile Radar Site Tour

Take a guided tour of this one-time top-secret missile site and have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked on the Cold War-era Nike Air Defense System.

Horseshoe Cove, Lot L, Sandy Hook

Spring Wellness Walk and Nature Journaling at Great Kills Park

Join a Park Ranger and hike along the Multi-use path and park trails. Create a seasonal journal and record soundscapes, tracks, plants and animals...look for elusive hibernating critters. All ages are welcome. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions. ...More

Join a Park Ranger and hike along the Multi-use path and park trails. Create a seasonal journal and record soundscapes, tracks, plants and animals...look for elusive hibernating critters. All ages are welcome. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions. 

Great Kills Park Playground (Parking Lot A)

Fort Hancock Museum Open House

Stop in and learn about Sandy Hook’s history from cannons to missiles. Explore Artist in Residence Heather Heckel’s work, which displays 250 pieces of art that connect visitors to the places and stories interpreted by the National Park Service.

Fort Hancock Museum, Building 28

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1

Battery Weed Open House

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. ......More

Have you always wondered what was inside of Battery Weed, but have not been able to join in on a tour? Park Rangers will open up Battery Weed to explore at your own pace on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge. 

Battery Weed

Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On M......More

Tours are first-come first served. Visitors are guided up 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room. Children must be 48 inches or taller to climb. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes long.Tour signups start at 12:30 in the Sandy Hook visitor Center. Note- On May 17 tours will run from 12 pm- 4pm.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Sandy Hook History House

Built in 1898 and designated a lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, History House is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the fort’s history. Enjoy this unique experience at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Sandy Hook History House, Building 1