The NJSEA offers many opportunities for families to enjoy the Meadowlands stunning natural beauty and natural resources. There is no charge for NJSEA activities.
DeKorte Park
The home of the NJSEA, DeKorte Park features 3.5 miles of walking paths, panoramic views of wetlands and waterways, and birds galore, all framed by the New York City skyline. A series of colorful, interpretive signs highlight the park’s resources and the wildlife that inhabit its tidal waters, marshes, and uplands. These informational signs provide visitors with an understanding and appreciation of the Meadowlands’ unique and diverse urban eco-system.
The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk daily, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Information: 201-460-1700 and www.njsea.com
Email: info@njsea.com
*All events and programs take place at DeKorte Park, located at DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, unless otherwise noted.
Public Programs
Pontoon Boat Tours – May through September
NJSEA Pontoon Boat Tours of the Hackensack River provide a unique viewpoint of the waterway, its marshes and its thriving urban ecosystem.
Authority tour guides discuss the estuary’s storied history and the ongoing efforts of Authority scientists and naturalists that have greatly contributed to the Meadowlands amazing environmental comeback.
Guides point out sites of interest and the many bird species that may be seen during the trips. The numerous birds that inhabit the Meadowlands include Bald Eagles, Great Egrets, Peregrine Falcons and Osprey. Bring binoculars!
The leisurely, two-hour tours launch from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. Tours are for ages 10 and up. Pre-registration is required, the tours do not take walk-ons.
Information: 201-460-4677 and https://www.njsea.com/pontoon-cruises/
Events and Nature Walks
The NJSEA and the Bergen County Audubon Society co-sponsor family-friendly public programs throughout the year. The fun and educational events raise awareness among all ages of the vital importance of protecting, preserving and enhancing the Meadowlands sensitive environment, natural resources and wildlife habitats.
Native Plant Day
Saturday, May 17, 2025
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Native Plant Day provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the importance of native plants for pollinators and birds, how they help maintain healthy soil and contribute to biodiversity, and more. There will be native plant walks and presentations on the Native Plants of DeKorte Park and Native Plants for Birds.
Butterfly Day
Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Rain Date Sunday, July 27)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The NJSEA and BCAS’ marquee event features butterfly walks, talks, presentations, information tables and music. There are plentiful kid’s activities, including games, crafts, a costume contest and a scavenger hunt.
Butterflies contribute to the health of ecosystems and support food production. They also play a vital role in the food web, serving as a food source for various animals. In addition, their unique migration patterns and captivating beauty inspire interest in nature and conservation efforts. The majestic Monarch Butterfly, a species in decline, is of critical importance.
Meadowlands Birding Festival
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 (Rain or Shine)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Birding Festival celebrates the more than 290 avian species and counting that have been identified in the region, including some three dozen on the State Endangered, Threatened and Species of Special Concern lists. Join us as we scan the sky and water for Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and other raptors, as well as Egrets, Great Blue Herons and various mallards.
More details will become available as the date draws closer.
Meadowlands Eagle Festival
January 2026
Details TBA Closer to the Festival
NJSEA-BCAS Nature Walks
The NJSEA and BCAS host regular nature walks at several Meadowlands sites, including DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus and Losen Slote Creek Park in Little Ferry.
William D. McDowell Observatory
The NJSEA William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park is open to the public for stargazing every Wednesday evening, year-round, weather permitting and excluding holidays. Visitors see and learn about the moon, planets and their moons, nebulas, star clusters, individual stars, and galaxies.
The Classical-Cassegrain telescope has a 20-inch mirror housed beneath a six-meter retractable dome and is capable of viewing objects millions of light years away.
Viewing sessions are for ages 10 and up. Hours vary by season.
Information: 201-460-4001 and https://www.njsea.com/observatory/
For additional information on public programs, call 201-460-1700, email info@njsea.com and visit www.njsea.com.
