Ages 5-7 • 1.5 Hours
A hands-on 1.5-hour program for kids ages 5–7 at Tanglewood Preserve. Meet live reptiles and invertebrates, practice safe handling, and hunt for insects in a real outdoor classroom—perfect for families visiting Rockville Centre.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for young children who can walk short distances; adults should be able to supervise and walk brief, level trails.
Wildlife
History
Tanglewood Preserve functions as a community green space protecting coastal plain habitat around Rockville Centre and offering environmental education programming.
Conservation
Programs emphasize low-impact observation and release practices; participants are asked to follow Leave No Trace basics and avoid disturbing nesting or breeding sites.
Center for Science Teaching & Learning
Ages 5-7 • 1.5 Hours
The Center for Science Teaching & Learning (CSTL) delivers hands-on science education and family programs that connect children and adults with the natural world. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the organization runs seasonal events and school-vacation programs designed to combine inquiry-based lessons with outdoor exploration.
CSTL’s Holiday Camp provides full-day science programming for children ages 5–12. During school vacations, campers participate in hands-on experiments, meet live animals, and explore 17 acres of natural habitat. Sessions are led by professional science teachers and operate rain or shine; families can register for single or multiple days for extended learning.
Spooky Fest is a family-oriented Halloween event that runs rain or shine. The program includes a Haunted Woods experience, face painting, crafts, fortune telling, themed music, an Enchanted Walk, and costumed characters for family photo opportunities.
Sunday Science: Wetland Wonders invites families to explore wetland habitats through guided observation and age-appropriate activities on select Sundays. The program emphasizes local ecology and outdoor stewardship.
CSTL focuses on safe, educational experiences delivered by trained educators. Programming emphasizes active learning, curiosity, and respectful interaction with wildlife and habitats. Materials and activities are designed to engage a range of ages and learning styles.
Families seeking hands-on science, outdoor discovery, and professionally led children’s programming can find clear options with CSTL’s seasonal events and camps. The organization’s use of outdoor space, live-animal encounters, and educator-led instruction supports memorable and educational family experiences. Program details, dates, and registration information are available through event listings and official program pages online.
Experiences Offered
3
Seasonal events and camps available
Age Range
Ages 5–12
Holiday Camp age guidance
Outdoor Space
17 acres
Natural habitat for exploration
All-Weather
Rain or shine
Selected events operate outdoors
Choose a camp day or seasonal event — programs fill quickly; check dates and register to secure attendance.
Dress for dirt
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind soiling—kids will sit on logs and sift leaf litter.
Bring a magnifier
A pocket magnifier or small hand lens turns small invertebrates into memorable classroom exhibits.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before check-in so kids can settle and instructors can begin on time.
Supervise handling
Always keep one adult within arm’s reach during handling stations to ensure safety and calm behavior.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet on grassy trails and during logs-and-leaf-litter exploration.
Small magnifier
Helps kids inspect tiny features like insect legs and reptile scales up close.
Light jacket
Spring mornings can be cool and breezy in the preserve’s open meadow.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Keeps kids hydrated during outdoor demonstrations and short walks.
summer