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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; just need some mobility for net handling
Wildlife
History
Brooklyn Bridge Park sits on land once occupied by shipping yards that shaped New York’s maritime past.
Conservation
The park’s stewardship emphasizes sustainable practices to preserve the river’s health and urban wildlife.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
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.
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.
Programs
30 programs
Fitness, education, and tours
Local Partners
Dodge YMCA; Chelsea Piers; Abhaya
Partner-led classes and events
Free Events
Select free events
Fishing clinics and walking tours
School Programs
K–12 field trips
Hands-on environmental education
Check schedules, register for programs with advance registration when required, or attend select free events and clinics.
Wear quick-drying clothes
Get ready for water splashes and wet hands; dress accordingly.
Bring sunscreen
Protection from the sun is key while working along the water.
Arrive early
Secure your spot and enjoy calmer waters in the morning.
Listen to guide instructions
Ensure safety and maximize learning during the activity.
Water-resistant clothing
Keeps you dry and comfortable during wet hands-on activities.
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Sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure while working outdoors.
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Hat with brim
Provides additional sun protection.
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Sturdy shoes
Provides good footing on wet or uneven surfaces.
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