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Exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Intertidal Zone: Between the Tides Educational Adventure for Kids - Brooklyn

Exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Intertidal Zone: Between the Tides Educational Adventure for Kids

Brooklyneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Good for children with average fitness comfortable walking on uneven, wet terrain

Overview

Discover Brooklyn Bridge Park’s unique winter program, "Between the Tides," where young students explore the East River’s intertidal zone through hands-on science. It’s an urban outdoor classroom bursting with marine life and environmental wonder.

Brooklyn, New York

Between the Tides (Gr. 1-4, Winter)

$150 | Up to 35 Students | Chaperones Required

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Adventure Photos

Between the Tides (Gr. 1-4, Winter) photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover the vibrant intertidal zone of the East River with Brooklyn Bridge Park's "Between the Tides" program. Students in grades 1-4 engage in hands-on exploration, using quadrats to investigate and document their findings on the shore. This unique outdoor experience combines science with the beauty of nature in a dynamic learning environment.

Brooklyn Bridge Park's Education Program serves over 10,000 students a year. We use the Park as a living laboratory for hands-on investigation, incorporating inquiry-based learning into lessons that meet Common Core, NYC and NYS learning standards.


BETWEEN THE TIDES (GRADES 1-4)

Explore the intertidal zone habitat of the East River estuary and tidal strait. Students will learn how to use a quadrat to measure, make observations, and record data about the natural and non-natural materials that they find on the shore of the park.

Location: Pebble Beach. If class is outside, you should anticipate the potential for full sunlight. Class will be on uneven ground of rocks and beach as they explore.

Duration: 60 minutes

Adventure Tips

Dress in Layers

Winter weather near the water can be chilly and windy—wear layers to stay warm during the outdoor activities.

Wear Waterproof Boots

Tide pools and muddy areas require waterproof footwear to keep feet dry and comfortable.

Arrive Early for Low Tide

Scheduling your visit during low tide reveals the most marine life and tidal features for exploration.

Bring a Clipboard and Pencil

Tools like clipboards help children record observations easily while standing outdoors.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Green crabs
  • Atlantic rockweed seaweed

History

Brooklyn Bridge Park was developed on reclaimed piers and industrial land, opening in 2010 to create waterfront access and conservation within a dense urban environment.

Conservation

Brooklyn Bridge Park emphasizes sustainable urban ecology by protecting native species and educating visitors about tidal ecosystems to foster environmental stewardship.

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Adventure Hotspots in Brooklyn

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Boots

Essential

Protects feet from cold water and mud while exploring tidal pools.

winter specific

Warm Layers

Essential

Helps maintain body heat in chilly waterside conditions.

winter specific

Gloves

Keeps hands warm during prolonged outdoor activities.

winter specific

Clipboard and Writing Supplies

Essential

Facilitates note-taking and scientific observation recording for kids.