Experiences
Tour the Nike Integrated Fire Control Areaand see where nuclear armed missiles were
controlled during the Cold War defense of the New York. While taking a tour of this site, you
will have a chance to talk with veterans whoworked the Nike Air Defense System.
No reservation is needed.
Tours are first-come, first-served. Children must be 48 inches tall to climb the tower. Lighthouse tour sign-ups start at 12:30 PM in the 1883 Keeper’s Quarters. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
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.
Discover information about the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
The Visitors Center, once New York City's first airport terminal, now houses a ranger desk, a bookstore, bathrooms, and many exhibits on the history of aviation, particularly here at Floyd Bennett Field, as well as exhibits about the ecosystems and flora and fauna of the New York Harbor area.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is the gateway to this 900-acre preserve, home to salt marshes, uplands, open bay and beach areas, and two man-made ponds, all supporting hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. The one story, flat-roofed building contains a ranger desk, colorful exhibits on the eco-system of the surrounding area, a classroom, a bookstore, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, water fountains, and tactile, hands-on nature exhibits. Restrooms are open when the visitor center is
Learn about one of the oldest military installations in the nation on the northeastern shore of Staten Island.
Outdoor Activities
See the breathtaking natural scenery and historic military buildings of Sandy Hook's peninsula by bike. Sandy Hook's Multi Use Path is seven miles long and begins at the entrance to the unit. The main path runs past the beaches and to the Fort Hancock parade ground past historic Officers Row. You also ride past the Nike radar site, and have a chance to visit various historic batteries and the Sandy Hook lighthouse. This is a flat and even path.
Visitors are able to fish at many sites throughout Gateway. A fishing/parking permit is required after hours throughout the park. There are also some sites that require permits at all time. Visit our fishing page to learn where you need a parking permit and how to purchase the permit.
Programming
Join Gateway National Recreation Area and our park partners American Littoral Society, NYC Bird Alliance, NYC Plover Project, and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the 20th Annual Shorebird Festival—a free, fun-filled event for birders of all levels and families of all ages.
What to Expect:
- Bird walks with expert guides
- Engaging talks on shorebird behavior and conservation
- Kid-friendly activities
- Stunning views of marshes, ponds, and meadows alive with wildlife
Schedule to be posted closer to the festival date. Stay tuned!
Registration link (not required to attend): Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival 2025 - American Littoral Society
We often find beautiful shells washed up on the shores but never get to know the creatures that once lived within them. NYC Parks and National Park Service rangers to explore the shores of Jamaica Bay for shells and learn about clams, oysters, horseshoe crabs and more that live in the waters all around us, just below the waves.
This trip follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point and back. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation. (2 miles)
The National Park Service and the American Littoral Society are partnering to teach young children surf fishing on Sandy Hook. As part of the program, we will cover the basics of casting, knot tying, lure/bait selection, and “reading” a beach.
All skill levels are welcome. Rods, reels, and tackle will be provided. Children 10-16 are welcome with a supervising adult. Parents must have a copy of their NJ Saltwater Registry License. Please bring your lunch and snacks.
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 in July. Stop by and learn about this wonder under the Verrazzano Bridge.
Lace up and join a park ranger for a morning run to take in the scenic sights of Sandy Hook. For intermediate and long-distance runners! “No drop” run. No pets.
4 mile loop, no elevation gain, paved paths.
Please make your free reservation on Eventbrite.
Gateway National Recreation Area Events - 15 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. Who are the four sparrows and why the remarkable name? Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation.
Rockaway beach is great for summer fun, but did you know that many birds, including endangered species, make it their home in the summer? Join NYC Parks and National Park Service rangers to explore the shoreline for birds like plovers, terns, and oystercatchers that are nesting right here for the summer as well as many shorebirds that are just starting to pass through on their migrations.
Paddle directly to this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the island and the plants and animals that thrive there. (2.0 miles) Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation. (2 miles)
Hunt for hidden treasure on this ranger-led beach walk. Learn how to identify sea glass as we enjoy a leisurely walk around the shore. Visitors are free to take their finds home with them at the end of the walk. Please bring a bag or pail to hold your collection. For more details call 718 354-4500.
Meet at the Fort Wadsworth Campground
Paddle out towards the tip of Crooke’s Point and return. Ponder the languid doldrums of Staten Island’s South Shore. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672 3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation.
Interested in birds, but feel intimidated about getting into birding? No problem, this is birding for beginners! Together we will take a nature walk, talk about what makes Jamaica Bay such a great place for birds, and give you the tools to learn the basics of bird identification and appreciation. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.
Join a park ranger for a rewarding experience by lending a hand at a park clean-up! Find all details and required registration on Volunteer.gov, search “Sandy Hook.”
Come stop by our B.A.R.K. Ranger table to learn how you and your furry friends can responsibly enjoy Sandy Hook to the fullest!
Come join us for our book club! We will be reading selections of nature-themed literature, and together think critically about nature literature and our place in the natural world. This will be an outlet for open and respectful discussion, and a space to jointly enjoy the works that we will be reading! Please bring your thoughts and questions. Please email jdgreen@nps.gov or call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge at 718-318-4340 in advance if interested in attending.
Did you know New York has over 400 native species of bee? Join a National Park ranger to learn all about New York's native bees and what we can do to help them. This program will involve a woodworking demonstration where you'll learn how to make a bee hotel - a place where certain bees will make their nest.
Visit an 1898 lieutenant’s quarters on “Officers Row” overlooking Sandy Hook Bay that 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. Park rangers are available to chat and answer questions. Free!
Meet Artist-in-Residence Collette Kennedy in the Fort Hancock Museum! Experience the “Sunset Hues of Fort Hancock,” in one solo exhibition.
Please use Eventbrite to make your free reservation.
Meet the Artist: Collette Kennedy Tickets, Sat, Aug 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Experienced paddlers will enjoy big playful waters along the West Bank of the lower harbor around the two historic manmade quarantine islands and see today’s unique wildlife sanctuary and refuge. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Please call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation. (4.5 miles)
Join the National Park Service and our partner, 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 North Channel parking lot, south of Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge (Cross Bay Blvd North Channel Bridge) on west side of Cross Bay Blvd. There is overflow parking in the lot across the street as well.
Dress appropriately for weather and conditions - hats, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, and sunscreen are recommended. Thunderstorms or heavy rains cancel. For more information, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge at (718) 318-4340.
Join a park ranger to discover the differences between turtles and terrapins – with the chance to see some up-close! Ages 3-6, with an adult.
Learn how this rare coastal woodland thrives, why holly trees are so special, and what comes to life after dark.
Please use Eventbrite to make a reservation.
Join a park ranger on the bayside to go seining and discover various marine species! Must bring water shoes or waders. Ages 7-14, with an adult.
Join instructor Tony Costa every Saturday morning for yoga to start your weekend off right! Yoga will take place on the beach just over the dunes in front of the Spermaceti Cove Lifesaving Station.
Enjoy a fun “how to” paddle program. Learn to get in and out, go forward, turn, stop and back up a kayak. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation.
Kayaking for Beginners. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided.
Enjoy this easygoing paddle along the basin’s shoreline and perhaps glimpse roiling bunker or horses on the far shoreline. Instruction provided. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation. (1 mile)
Bike New York's free group class is for children who are ready to ditch the training wheels and ride a two-wheeler for the first time. With our safe, easy, effective method taught by experienced instructors, kids will learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bicycle.
Please note: Registration for this class should be under the student's name, not that of parent or guardian.
We can provide bikes and helmets for kids ages 10 and up. For kids ages 9 and under, you must bring your child's own bike and helmet.
To sign up and get more information email classes@bike.nyc
Come stop by our B.A.R.K. Ranger table to learn how you and your furry friends can responsibly enjoy Sandy Hook to the fullest!
Kayaking for beginners. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Please call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information.
The Staten Island Chapter of the Amateur Astronomer’s Association hosts free public stargazing at the main parking area, lot A. Telescopes will be provided. Rain or cloudy weather will cancel this program. For details call 718 354-4500.
Opportunity for Quilters of all skill levels to sew socially, learn new skills or get advice on projects you are currently working on.
Quilting and sewing have many health benefits including stress reduction, the repetitive motions of quilting, like meditation, can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Quilting allows for self-expression which can be therapeutic as well as challenging the brain by following patterns, color selection and problem solving all of which can improve cognitive functioning. Quilting and sewing with others fosters social interaction and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Most of all it is just fun to meet with other people, share ideas and be creative together.
For questions, call 718 354-4500
Kayaking for Beginners. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided.
This ranger-led art program invites adults to explore the park through art. Bring a sketchbook & drawing supplies.
Kayaking for Beginners. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided.
The National Park Service and the American Littoral Society are partnering to teach young children surf fishing on Sandy Hook. As part of the program, we will cover the basics of casting, knot tying, lure/bait selection, and “reading” a beach.
All skill levels are welcome. Rods, reels, and tackle will be provided. Children 10-16 are welcome with a supervising adult. Parents must have a copy of their NJ Saltwater Registry License. Please bring your lunch and snacks.
From the Revolutionary War to the Cold War, Sandy Hook boasts a rich military history. Stop in and learn about Sandy Hook’s history from cannons to missiles. Explore Artist in Residence Collette Kennedy’s work, which embraces the sunset hues of Fort Hancock.
Paddle across island channel and visit the shallows South of Canarsie Pol. Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. Call (347) 672-3210 or email Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov for more information, and to make a reservation. (4.5 miles)
Bike Skills 101: Learn to Ride—Adults is a free class for adults and mature teens who are ready to ride. Whether you are 18 or 80, we’ll get you rolling in no time. With our safe, easy, effective method, Learn to Ride students learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bike, as well as adjust a helmet for proper fit.
Please note: Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration for this class should be under the student's name, not that of parent or guardian.
Loaner bikes and helmets will be provided.
To sign up and get more information email classes@bike.nyc
Join a local Girl Scout and park ranger for a guided walk through the native plants of Sandy Hook!
Make your free reservation at Eventbrite.
Gateway National Recreation Area Events - 15 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Explore restored aircrafts and learn about Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history every Sunday!
The hangar is open from 1 - 4 pm. A park ranger will lead a guided tour from 2 - 3 pm.
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public! Note: all events are 30 minutes after sunset. To calculate sunset, click here.
Floyd Bennett Field is part of Gateway National Park, Brooklyn. NOTE: Events are cancelled in the event of rain/snow, if sky is overcast, or if there is snow covering the ground.
The observing location at Floyd Bennett Field is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars. This location is also easy for people to find in the dark, as it is next to the Community Garden.
Outdoor Activities
Experiences
Event Programming
