Ages 5-7 • 1.5 Hours
Bring a young explorer to Tanglewood Preserve for a 1.5-hour, hands-on bug hunt where science meets play. Sunday Science: Science Spies Jr teaches observation, safe animal handling, and makes learning feel like an outdoor mission.
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 (about 0.5–1 mile) on uneven ground; caregivers should be able to hike with kids.
Wildlife
History
Tanglewood Preserve offers a remnant patch of coastal plain forest and meadow in Nassau County that local families have long used for outdoor education.
Conservation
Programs emphasize leave-no-trace and returning specimens to their microhabitats, supporting habitat health and local stewardship.
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.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Trail sections can be uneven and muddy; closed-toe shoes protect little feet during log turns and net sweeps.
Bring a rain layer
Light rain is usually fine, but a compact rain jacket keeps kids comfortable during spring or fall sessions.
Pack a small sketchpad
Encourage observation by letting children draw one insect or leaf to reinforce learning after the hike.
Practice gentle handling
Teach kids to look closely without grabbing—guides will demonstrate how to examine and promptly return animals to their microhabitat.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet during net sweeps, log turning, and muddy patches.
Light rain jacket
Keeps kids dry during drizzles common in spring and fall.
spring
Hand sanitizer
Useful after handling specimens and before snacks.
Child-sized magnifying glass
Makes small invertebrates and leaf textures easier to inspect and photograph.