A safe, fun, educational experience for all ages

In response to COVID-19, our educators have been busy adapting our programs to keep social distancing in the mix incorporating everything possible to make each day worry free! The safety of everyone during “COVID -19 times” is the MOST IMPORTANT part of reopening programming at the Meadowlands Environment Center.

Procedures to Ensure the Safety of Participants can be found at the bottom of this page. To speak with someone directly, please call Michele at 201-390-5583.

New & exciting outside programs for all ages!

  • Cost: $15 per person
  • 1st Time: 10am-12pm
  • 2nd Time: 1pm-3pm

Note: All programs are scheduled to be held outside as much as possible, weather permitting.  Dress according to the weather forecast.

Pre-registration required.   To register, call 201-390-5583.

Parents/ Guardians Provide:
  • Masks
  • Contact information
  • Completed registration forms (sent via email upon registering)
MEC Staff Provide:
  • A safe environment where families can enjoy 2 hour programs
  • All program equipment & supplies

Program Descriptions

Marsh Meander – Families will get to explore our local wetland habitat with an experienced guide.  We’ll introduce you to what makes the water here unusual, hike out to the marsh, and try dip netting for aquatic critters.  We’ll also make some up-close observations and learn about what these organisms are doing here in their life cycles.  You may get wet or muddy – dress for mess! 

July 13, 24, 30 and August 5, 11

Growing Up – Growing your own garden can be one of the most rewarding activities a family can do together but even if you’re not the gardening type this program will be a ton of fun. Investigate earthworms up close and learn how they experience the world and what makes them expert composters. Take home a seedling pot made from recycled newspaper with seeds we’ll give you planted in it. 

July 14, 20, 31 and August 6, 12

Meadowlands Scavenger Hunt – This program is for the adventurous family!  After a short intro to our park, groups will be given a scavenger hunt sheet, a map, and a time limit to have fun finding your own way around on the hunt for photo ops and answers to mystery clues.  Just be sure to find your way back to the start in time for scoring.  Bring your own camera. 

July 15, 21, 27 and August 7, 13

Knee-high Nature – Explore a world hidden in the grass beneath your feet, a world dominated by creatures that exist in nearly every shape and color, can transform into an armored beast or painted beauty, and often possess superhuman strength and speed. Come discover the world of insects!  We’ll spend some time on insect safari and see some amazing specimens both living and preserved. 

July 16, 22, 28 and August 3, 14

Finding our Feathered Friends – Birds have some of the most interesting and conspicuous life cycles of any animal group and there are few places in New Jersey that rival the Meadowlands for observing them.  Come to DeKorte Park for a couple of hours of fun avian-related activities and some high-quality bird watching.

July 17, 23, 29 and August 4, 10

Note: All programs will have follow-up activities posted on our website that families can do at home or during another visit to DeKorte Park as a public visitor.

Procedures to Ensure the Safety of Participants at Programs at the MEC

 
Adherence to Social Distancing – Our 84-acre campus allows for social distancing during outside activities.
 
Personal Protection of Instructors – All instructors and staff will wear gloves and masks while working with students. 
 
Personal Protection of Participants – All participants over the age of 2 will be encouraged to wear a mask when they are not able to maintain at least 6 feet from another individual not in their family group.
 
Note:  All registered participants must complete a waiver, a Covid screening form and will have their temperature recorded.