Experiences
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.
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.
Guided tour of the Nike Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area will allow you to see the inner workings where nuclear armed Nike Hercules missiles were controlled and guided during the Cold War defense of the New York metropolitan area. While taking a guided tour of this one-time top secret missile site, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked on the Cold War-era Nike Air Defense System. Free!
A guided tour of the Nike Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area will allow you to see the inner workings where nuclear armed Nike Hercules missiles were controlled and guided during the Cold War defense of the New York metropolitan area. While taking a guided tour of this one-time top secret missile site, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked on the Cold War-era
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.
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.
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
The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer group performing restoration projects and interpreting Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck in WWII-era uniform. As restoration work is being performed, formal tours are not being conducted, but visitors are welcome to chat with members as they work. Annual maintenance on the M1900 6-inch guns will be our focus, a chance to see how these one-of-a-kind historic seacost rifles function. Free! Make your reservation on Eventbrite.
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!
Volunteers gather and record valuable data about debris that is later used to advance state, federal, and local programs to reduce litter. Registration is required and currently open on Clean Ocean Action’s website. For more detailed information, visit:
www.cleanoceanaction.org. Cannot wait to SEA you all there!
Experience the park’s Butterfly Bioblitz with the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Car caravan to different locations and identify as many species as possible. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and dress for the weather and insects (ticks). Free.
Make your reservation on Eventbrite.
Join us for a rewarding experience by lending a hand at our park clean-ups! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help remove litter around the park to protect our critical native habitats.
Space is limited. Find all details and required registration on Volunteer.gov, search "Sandy Hook." Free.
Join JBRPC and the National Park Service for Park Pals on April 12th! Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, every 2nd Saturday from January to May.
The April session will focus on the special signs of spring at Jamaica Bay, such as blooming flowers, the return of migrating birds, and the re-emergence of hibernating animals such as terrapin turtles. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a spring scavenger hunt in the refuge led by a Park Ranger.
Come stop by our B.A.R.K. Ranger table to learn how you and your furry friends can enjoy Sandy Hook to the fullest! Have your leashed pup become a B.A.R.K. Ranger and learn how to be a steward to our environment. You will set the example by Bagging pet waste, Always using a leash, Respecting wildlife, and Knowing where to go. Earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge and meet other dog friends! Free! Make your reservation on Eventbrite.
Join a park ranger for a guided climb of the nation’s oldest operating lighthouse! As you ascend 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder to the lantern room, you’ll hear stories and insights about the lighthouse’s unique history and significance. Children must be 48 inches tall to climb. Free! Make your reservation on Eventbrite (space is limited to 8 climbers).
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.
Calling all Junior Rangers! Explore the trails of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and learn about birds with a park ranger. The program will be followed by a special Junior Ranger “swearing-in” ceremony. This program is recommended for ages 6-10 but Junior Rangers of all ages and their families are welcome to join. Binoculars will be provided.
Join us in preserving the beauty of Great Kills' beach area! By participating in our beach cleanup, you'll help protect the marine life, reduce pollution, and ensure a cleaner, more enjoyable environment for all visitors. Together, we can make a positive impact on our local ecosystems while fostering a sense of community stewardship. Come be a part of the change and help keep our beaches clean and beautiful for all visitors. For details call 718 354-4500.
Visit historic Mont Sec House for an afternoon in another era. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the house and discover how an officer and his family lived at Fort Wadsworth during the nineteenth century. For information call 718-354-4500
Come stop by our B.A.R.K. Ranger table to learn how you and your furry friends can enjoy Sandy Hook to the fullest! Have your leashed pup become a B.A.R.K. Ranger and learn how to be a steward to our environment. You will set the example by Bagging pet waste, Always using a leash, Respecting wildlife, and Knowing where to go. Earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge and meet other dog friends! Free! Make your reservation on Eventbrite.
Step back in time and enjoy a cozy morning of knitting and crocheting inside the charming, 1940’s style History House. Bring your own project, settle into the parlor, and work at your own pace while 1940’s music plays in the background. No formal instruction will be provided, but this self-guided gathering will allow for individuals to create and connect in a 1940’s setting! Free! Make your reservation on Eventbrite.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just looking for an excuse to get outside? Join a park ranger for a walk around the West Pond Trail as you take in a beautiful Jamaica Bay sunset.
Express your artistic interpretation of the Alice Austen House, historic trees and meadow using various art media that the whole family will enjoy! Figurative painting, seascape and a pony may all be included as subjects of your artwork.
Inclement weather will cancel this program.
Experience the park’s Butterfly Bioblitz with the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Car caravan to different locations and identify as many species as possible. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and dress for the weather and insects (ticks). Free.
Make your reservation on Eventbrite.
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
