Half Day and Field Trip Programs

Give your group the opportunity to spend a few hours enjoying Sandy Hook’s beaches learning about New Jersey’s coastal environments. Participants will explore the shore through hands-on activities and educational interactions that are sure to peak their curiosity and create environmental awareness. Programs are available April through November; however, half-day (2-hour) programs are not available in May or June.

Students participating in a field trip.

Half Day Programs

Secrets of the Salt Marsh:

Spend a half day (2 hours) exploring the most productive ecosystem on earth – the salt marsh. Go seining, sieving, shell collecting and hiking in this very special environment. A food web or watershed activity can be included upon request (time permitting). $225.00 per group, 25 students per group.

Sea Shell Science:

Students will learn all about local seashells during this half day (2 hours) program. Each student will “make and take” a seashell collection and enjoy grade level appropriate learning activities. A shell craft can be included upon advance request (time permitting). $225.00 per group, 25 students per group.

On Sandy Shores:

This half day (2 hours) program offers grade level appropriate activities all about sand. Students hike to collect shells and will experiment with microscopes to examine sand from all over the world. Activities will include making sand sample cards to take home. $225.00 per group, 25 students per group. Limit of two (2) groups per day.

Happiness Is a Horseshoe Crab:

Often called a “living fossil”, this half-day (2 hours) program focuses on the horseshoe crab.  Through hands-on activities children will learn about the care, importance and unique habits of this ancient animal. For younger children, a story may be included. Each student can also “make and take” a crab model (with advance request and time permitting). $225.00 per group, 25 students per group. Limit of two (2) groups per day.

Native Ways

This is a half-day (2-hour program). Students will go fishing with a seine net and learn about the native people who camped on “Sandy Poynt” during pre-colonial times. $225.00 per group, 25 students per group. Limit of two (2) groups per day.

Program limited to (25) students per class or group.

Multiple classes or groups can be accommodated daily.

For more information contact Samantha Maxwell-Kowal at smaxwell-kowal@njseagrant.org. Fill out our program reservation request form HERE!

Prices Effective January 15, 2026