
First Steps Into Nature 2y-4y
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Visit Sweetbriar to meet and learn about some of our resident owls. We will embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight just in case.
*Must have tickets to attend this event. Unfortunately, no walk ins permitted for this event*
Open to families with children ages 5y and up
$15 pp
Tips for attending an Owl Prowl:
1) Arrive at 62 Eckernkamp Dr, Smithtown, NY 11787 ** Gate will open between 7:30pm-7:45pm**
2) Proceed to park in either the roundabout in front of the house or make a left when entering the facility and park in the far-left parking lot
3) Walk up to the house's main door and then turn right and follow the sidewalk pathway to the back of the house. You will arrive at the back deck of the house surrounded by benches
4) Owl Prowl hosts will greet you at the backdoor to check-in
5) Event will proceed outside unless other circumstances arise
Help us care for Baby wildlife by attending our Baby shower!
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Around the double garage in the Sweetbriar parking lot. Household items and fun treasures! Money goes back into the wildlife center.
WE ARE ALSO CALLING FOR DONATIONS OF QUALITY ITEMS THAT WILL HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR OUR WILDLIFE. ANTIQUES AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD TREASURES, COLLECTIBLES AND OTHER NICE KNICKKNACKS.
Please no furniture. no skis, bowling balls, speakers, fish tanks, cages, plastic yard toys, pillows, clothes or other such items unless new with tags or antiques.
NO BOOKS OR CLOTHES UNLESS ANTIQUES, NO ITEMS OVER 4O POUNDS WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE CONTACT AND NO GAMES OR TOYS AGAIN UNLESS ANTIQUES OR COLLECTIBLES AND SEALED.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CALL Joe (631) 901-5911
IF YOU CAN DONATE OR ARE INTERESTED IN THE ITEMS BEING SHOWN CALL JOE CALAMIA AT 631-901-5911
This week, children become a wildlife investigator and discover the amazing adaptations that exist in the animal kingdom through various activities and hands on interactions. *This program is for the younger children ages 6-8y
Ages 6-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
Also offered the week of August 18th- 22nd
This week, children become a wildlife detective and discover the amazing adaptations that exist in the animal kingdom. *This program is for the older children ages 9-11y
Ages 9-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
Also offered the week of August 18th- 22nd
Children will learn all about what makes our furry and feathered friends so special. They will meet some of our animal ambassadors while participating in hands on activities.
Ages 6-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
*Another week offered August 4th- 8th
We will go beyond the borders of Sweetbriar to explore new frontiers. Kayak the Nissequogue, hike the greenbelt trail and explore the forests, wetlands & beaches of Long Island. An overnight camp out with barbecue, campfire, and night hike brings the week to a close.
Some field trips will incur an additional charge
Ages 12-15
9am-3pm
Members $500/ Non-Members $550
+ There maybe an extra fee for some field trips (pay this week of program)
*Also offered the week of August 4th-8th
During this week, children will go on adventures along the Nissequogue River, they will go on a stream trek to waterfalls and learn about animals and nature through guided exploration.
Ages 7 -12y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $375 Non-Members $425 + There maybe an extra fee for some field trips (pay this week of program)
Also offered the week of July 28th- August 1st
Children will meet many of our resident animals, search out wildlife on the preserve and be involved in fun activities as they gain a better understanding of the animals with which we share the earth with.
Ages 6-11y
9am- 3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
*Also offered the week of August 11th-15th
Join us for an exciting week at the Nature Center, where teens aged 13-16 will dive into the world of wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, and animal education! This hands-on program blends animal care with learning how to teach natural science education to others. Participants will practice handling mammals like rabbits and hedgehogs while developing skills in educating others about their care. They'll also learn to teach about and care for reptiles, amphibians, and birds, including raptors. Each day features interactive games, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to assist in real wildlife and domestic animal care. Guided by Sweetbriar’s experienced staff, teens will gain valuable skills in both animal care and wildlife education, while connecting with nature and building confidence in presenting scientific knowledge to others.
Ages: 13-16
Time: 9:00am- 3:00pm
How Much: Members $450 / Non-Members $500
Also: Week of August 11th - 15th
Nature crosses into science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in this discovery week children will “dive” into airplanes designed after raptors, the honeycombs of a beehive, birds eye views from a drone, and design boats to test on the river. *This program is for the older children ages 9-11y
Ages 9-11y
9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
Nature crosses into science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in this discovery week children will be learning how nature and S.T.E.A.M. intertwine and how much fun it can be *This program is for the younger children ages 6-8y
Ages 6-8y
9am- 3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
During this week, children will go on adventures along the Nissequogue River, they will go on a stream trek to waterfalls and learn about animals and nature through guided exploration.
Ages 7 -12y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $375 Non-Members $425 + There maybe an extra fee for some field trips (pay this week of program)
Also offered the week of July 7th- 11th
We will go beyond the borders of Sweetbriar to explore new frontiers. Kayak the Nissequogue, hike the greenbelt trail and explore the forests, wetlands & beaches of Long Island. An overnight camp out with barbecue, campfire, and night hike brings the week to a close.
Some field trips will incur an additional charge
Ages 12-15
9am-3pm
Members $500/ Non-Members $550
+ There maybe an extra fee for some field trips (pay this week of program)
*Also offered the week of June 30th- July 4th
Children will learn all about what makes our furry and feathered friends so special. They will meet some of our animal ambassadors while participating in hands on activities.
Ages 6-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
*Another week offered June 30th- July 4th
Join us for an exciting week at the Nature Center, where teens aged 13-16 will dive into the world of wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, and animal education! This hands-on program blends animal care with learning how to teach natural science education to others. Participants will practice handling mammals like rabbits and hedgehogs while developing skills in educating others about their care. They'll also learn to teach about and care for reptiles, amphibians, and birds, including raptors. Each day features interactive games, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to assist in real wildlife and domestic animal care. Guided by Sweetbriar’s experienced staff, teens will gain valuable skills in both animal care and wildlife education, while connecting with nature and building confidence in presenting scientific knowledge to others.
Ages: 13-16
Time: 9:00am- 3:00pm
How Much: Members $450 / Non-Members $500
Also: Week of July 14th - 18th
Children will meet many of our resident animals, search out wildlife on the preserve and be involved in fun activities as they gain a better understanding of the animals with which we share the earth with.
Ages 6-11y
9am- 3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
*Also offered the week of July 14th-18th
This week, children become a wildlife detective and discover the amazing adaptations that exist in the animal kingdom. *This program is for the older children ages 9-11y
Ages 9-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
Also offered the week of June 23rd- 27th
This week, children become a wildlife investigator and discover the amazing adaptations that exist in the animal kingdom through various activities and hands on interactions. *This program is for the younger children ages 6-8y
Ages 6-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
Members $350 Non-Members $400
Also offered the week of June 23rd- 27th
Come visit our center to learn about some local animals, make a green craft and learn ways to celebrate the Earth not just today but every day!
Celebrate the wonders of the natural world and living things that share the planet with us. Children will meet resident animals, enjoy the natural world through their senses, and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Come away with a craft to help reduce your impact on the Earth.
Best for: Families with children over the age of 4y
How Much: $15/child and $5 for adults
Tickets are Nonrefundable and cannot be credited
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Around the double garage in the Sweetbriar parking lot. Household items and fun treasures! Money goes back into the wildlife center.
WE ARE ALSO CALLING FOR DONATIONS OF QUALITY ITEMS THAT WILL HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR OUR WILDLIFE. ANTIQUES AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD TREASURES, COLLECTIBLES AND OTHER NICE KNICKKNACKS.
Please no furniture. no skis, bowling balls, speakers, fish tanks, cages, plastic yard toys, pillows, clothes or other such items unless new with tags or antiques.
NO BOOKS OR CLOTHES UNLESS ANTIQUES, NO ITEMS OVER 4O POUNDS WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE CONTACT AND NO GAMES OR TOYS AGAIN UNLESS ANTIQUES OR COLLECTIBLES AND SEALED.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CALL Joe (631) 901-5911
IF YOU CAN DONATE OR ARE INTERESTED IN THE ITEMS BEING SHOWN CALL JOE CALAMIA AT 631-901-5911
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing
Rescheduled date April 13th
*Rain date- Sunday April 13th, 2025*
Price: $25.00 for Children 5y & up & Toddler 2y-4y (Includes egg hunt 2y- 14y)
$5.00 for Adults
Join us for a day of springtime fun at Sweetbriar Nature Center! This
family-friendly event features exciting musical entertainment by Lena and the Happy Clam Band in addtion to games, animal presentations, crafts, whisker face
painting, and an egg hunt. A separate egg hunt is available for ages 2-4 with parental
assistance, and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Enjoy delicious treats
from two delicious food trucks; the Apple Puffs Truck & All American Wontons and don’t miss Steppin’ Out Ponies, offering pony rides and introducing extra animal friends. The festival opens at 10:00 AM,
with plenty of activities to enjoy before and after the egg hunts. Bring your own Easter
basket or bag and celebrate spring with us!.
We have egg hunts throughout the day with prizes and a separate egg hunt for 2-4-year-olds to do with their parents. A special long-earned guest will be available for photo opportunities. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
You will need to show up at least a half-hour before your child’s egg hunt time to give yourself time to park and get to the field. 2-4y can do their egg hunts anytime within their timeslot.
BRING YOUR OWN BASKET OR BAG TO COLLECT EGGS - PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON REGULAR EGG HUNT FIELD
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Slither on over to Sweetbriar to see a selection of several ssssensational serpents. Participants will meet several snakes and learn about their unique adaptations through games and other participatory activities. Create a cool snake craft to take home.
Best for: Families with children over the age of 5y
How Much: $15/child and $5 for adults
Tickets are Nonrefundable and cannot be credited
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more.
How much: $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y)
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more.
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
More information on daily themes to come soon.
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
*Full payment is due at time of registration. Refund policy applies.
Cancellation Policy
Sweetbriar Nature Center reserves the right to cancel a Discovery Day/Week session due to insufficient enrollment. If Sweetbriar cancels a session, all fees will be fully refunded.
If you remove your child from a Discovery day/week session before it begins, membership fees are non-refundable and the refunds are as follows:
If you cancel 21+ days prior to program beginning (before January 27th, 2025) 50% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 20-14 days prior to program beginning (January 28th -February 3rd, 2025) 25% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 13-0 days prior to program beginning (After February 4th, 2025) 0% of session fee will be refunded
Sorry, no exceptions will be made.
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing list.
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
More information on daily themes to come soon.
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
*Full payment is due at time of registration. Refund policy applies.
Cancellation Policy
Sweetbriar Nature Center reserves the right to cancel a Discovery Day/Week session due to insufficient enrollment. If Sweetbriar cancels a session, all fees will be fully refunded.
If you remove your child from a Discovery day/week session before it begins, membership fees are non-refundable and the refunds are as follows:
If you cancel 21+ days prior to program beginning (before January 27th, 2025) 50% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 20-14 days prior to program beginning (January 28th -February 3rd, 2025) 25% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 13-0 days prior to program beginning (After February 4th, 2025) 0% of session fee will be refunded
Sorry, no exceptions will be made.
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing list.
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
More information on daily themes to come soon.
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
*Full payment is due at time of registration. Refund policy applies.
Cancellation Policy
Sweetbriar Nature Center reserves the right to cancel a Discovery Day/Week session due to insufficient enrollment. If Sweetbriar cancels a session, all fees will be fully refunded.
If you remove your child from a Discovery day/week session before it begins, membership fees are non-refundable and the refunds are as follows:
If you cancel 21+ days prior to program beginning (before January 27th, 2025) 50% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 20-14 days prior to program beginning (January 28th -February 3rd, 2025) 25% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 13-0 days prior to program beginning (After February 4th, 2025) 0% of session fee will be refunded
Sorry, no exceptions will be made.
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing list.
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
More information on daily themes to come soon.
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
*Full payment is due at time of registration. Refund policy applies.
Cancellation Policy
Sweetbriar Nature Center reserves the right to cancel a Discovery Day/Week session due to insufficient enrollment. If Sweetbriar cancels a session, all fees will be fully refunded.
If you remove your child from a Discovery day/week session before it begins, membership fees are non-refundable and the refunds are as follows:
If you cancel 21+ days prior to program beginning (before January 27th, 2025) 50% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 20-14 days prior to program beginning (January 28th -February 3rd, 2025) 25% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 13-0 days prior to program beginning (After February 4th, 2025) 0% of session fee will be refunded
Sorry, no exceptions will be made.
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing list.
Once again Sweetbriar Nature Center will be offering daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children from 9:00am-3:00pm. Each day will be a different natural science theme. Each day is chock-filled with fun hands-on activities, interaction with our residents, non-releasable wildlife, crafts, games, and much more. Parents can register their child/children for one day, two days, three days, four days, or the entire week.
Who: Children ages 6-11y
More information on daily themes to come soon.
$85/Day or $350/Week for members
$95/Day or $400/Week for Non-members
*Full payment is due at time of registration. Refund policy applies.
Cancellation Policy
Sweetbriar Nature Center reserves the right to cancel a Discovery Day/Week session due to insufficient enrollment. If Sweetbriar cancels a session, all fees will be fully refunded.
If you remove your child from a Discovery day/week session before it begins, membership fees are non-refundable and the refunds are as follows:
If you cancel 21+ days prior to program beginning (before January 27th, 2025) 50% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 20-14 days prior to program beginning (January 28th -February 3rd, 2025) 25% of session fee will be refunded
If you cancel 13-0 days prior to program beginning (After February 4th, 2025) 0% of session fee will be refunded
Sorry, no exceptions will be made.
Stay informed on registration openings and other Sweetbriar events by joining our mailing list.
Join us for an afternoon of close encounters with wildlife. Meet some of Sweetbriar’s cute and loveable animals, play an animal matching game for Valentine’s Day, and create a craft to remember the day. There will be many photo opportunities including our “Animal Kissing Booth”
Families Welcome
Best for ages 2y-10y
How Much: $15/child and $5 for adults
Tickets are Nonrefundable and cannot be credited