Hudson River Park’s programs are designed to balance hands-on learning with outdoor experiential education. Programs are offered in various locations throughout Hudson River Park. If you are interested in having your class participate in one of these programs, please download and submit the attached application.

Download Fall Program Application

School Year Field Trips 2012-2013

Plankton Discoveries

Tiny aquatic creatures known as plankton are essential to a healthy river and planet. In Plankton Discoveries, students investigate the importance of these microscopic organisms by collecting Hudson River water samples and extracting live plankton specimens. With microscopes, students identify these amazing alien-like life forms and record and share their observations with classmates. Students explore plankton biology and the different role of zooplankton and phytoplankton in the river’s food web. Students will also learn how, through photosynthesis, phytoplankton is responsible for producing half of the earth’s oxygen!.

• Grades: K-10
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Location: Pier 84, Midtown
• Fee: $100
• Class Size: Up to 30 participants

Fish On!

Fish in the Hudson River? You bet! More than 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson River and its tributaries. In Fish On! students enjoy a hands-on education in fish anatomy, life-cycle and biology. This class introduces students to life under the Hudson River through such activities as observing and classifying live fish specimens, fish dissection (optional for older grades), life cycle crafts (for younger grades), and, an all-time favorite, catch and release fishing!  

• Grades: K-10
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Location: Pier 84, Midtown
• Fee: $100
• Class Size: Up to 30 participants

Our Living Estuary

Our Living Estuary teaches students about the Hudson River’s role as a dynamic estuary system through interactive experiments and application of the scientific method. Such hands-on activities teach students about watersheds, tides and currents. Students also collect river water samples to test the river’s physical and chemical properties. Students then create a River Report Card, allowing them to assess for themselves, based on their findings, the current health and condition of the Hudson River.

• Grades: 2-10    
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Location: Pier 84, Midtown
• Fee: $100
• Class Size: Up to 30 Participants

Education Program Policies

Payment: Payment is required within ten days of program confirmation in order to reserve the program. Please provide check or money order made out to “Hudson River Park Trust.” Cancellations must be received three weeks in advance for a full refund. 

Time: Most of our education programs are 90 minutes in length. Summer programs start at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Please specify a first and second choice of times when requesting a program.

Lunch: There are lawns and picnic areas throughout Hudson River Park. There is no indoor space for eating. Classes are welcome to eat in the park before or after their scheduled program.

For your trip:

• Hudson River Park requires one chaperone for every ten students (1:10).  This can be increased for pre-K or special needs classes.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, including rain and sun protection. Keep in mind that it may be up to 10° F cooler on the riverfront. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. 
• In case of inclement weather, such as severe thunderstorms or heat advisories, Hudson River Park staff may cancel programs. When this occurs every effort will be made to reschedule, or full refunds will be issued. 

Transportation: Please check www.hudsonriverpark.org for transportation directions to your program location.

Fee Waiver: Partial or full waivers of the fee may be available, please call the Environment & Education Department for details.

Just participated in one of our programs? Tell us what you think by completing our survey. It takes just a few minutes and will help our staff improve the quality of our programs.