THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the vibrant aquatic life beneath the East River with Brooklyn Bridge Park's hands-on seining program. Perfect for students and adventurers alike, this activity links city views with marine discovery.
Discover the vibrant aquatic life beneath the East River with Brooklyn Bridge Park's hands-on seining program. Perfect for students and adventurers alike, this activity links city views with marine discovery.
Book with Brooklyn Bridge Park
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Brooklyn Bridge Park · New York City, NY
Situated along the stunning Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers an unexpectedly wild side through its innovative seining program. Located on the East River, this activity takes students and adventurers into the heart of New York City's aquatic life. The River's waters are a bustling hub of fish, crabs, and invertebrates that often go unnoticed amidst the city's urban landscape. Brooklyn Bridge Park's program stands out by providing a hands-on experience to catch and identify these marine creatures, offering a rare glimpse beneath the river's surface. Participants use large seine nets to gently scoop from the water, then observe their catch to learn about local species and ecological relationships. This activity highlights the importance of urban waterways and their resilience amid development. Besides being educational, it gives visitors a direct, tactile connection to the river's ecosystem. The park itself features iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge and Statue of Liberty, with the Brooklyn skyline as a backdrop, making it a perfect setting for a day of discovery. The activity is ideal for middle school students, combining outdoor adventure with environmental science in a safe environment. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a pioneer among city parks, blending urban charm with ecological education. It stands out as a hub for community engagement, fostering respect for local waterways and inspiring conservation efforts. Whether you're a curious student or an adult nature enthusiast, seining here delivers a memorable encounter with the East River’s hidden aquatic world.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; just need some mobility for net handling
No, this activity is designed for beginners and includes full guidance.
Yes, with adult supervision, the activity is suitable for children in middle school and older.
Wearing suitable clothing, sunscreen, and arriving prepared for water contact is recommended.
Yes, most of the aquatic life is gently returned to the river after observation.
Yes, activities may be postponed in heavy rain or storms for safety.
Yes, just ensure they are securely fitted or consider contact lenses.
Brooklyn Bridge Park sits on land once occupied by shipping yards that shaped New York’s maritime past.
The park’s stewardship emphasizes sustainable practices to preserve the river’s health and urban wildlife.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront public park in Brooklyn, New York that programs fitness, environmental education, arts, and community events along the East River. The park hosts partner-led fitness classes including Zumba with Dodge YMCA, Pilates with Dodge YMCA, Amp'd with Chelsea Piers Fitness, and Sunset Yoga with Abhaya Yoga. These outdoor classes accommodate a range of abilities and typically ask participants to bring a mat when noted. Educational programs and school field trips are a core offering. Hands-on lessons include Go Fish! Seining the East River (Gr. 9-12), The Awesome Oyster (Gr. 1-8), Plankton and Plastics (Gr. 4-12), Habitats and their Inhabitants (PreK-5), Between the Tides (Gr. 1-4), Everything Rocks! (Gr. 2-4), Water Flows: Embracing Climate Solutions for our City (Gr. 5-12), and seasonal offerings such as Trees of Brooklyn Bridge Park (PreK-3). Several programs run on a waitlist and advance registration is required for select tours. Public engagement events include Community Science Fishing Clinic, Youth Soccer League registration, Waterfront Walks, Kinfolk Tech: Dreaming with the Archives Tour, Art Under the Bridge, and bilingual family bird walks. Docent-led walks start at Jane's Carousel for certain tours and explore the park’s design, ecology, and history. Brooklyn Bridge Park partners with organizations such as the Dodge YMCA and Chelsea Piers Fitness, and relies on trained docents and expert anglers to lead activities. Many events are free; equipment or space may be limited, with registration and waitlists used when necessary. Schedules, locations, and registration details are posted on the park website.
Book with Brooklyn Bridge Park