Prospect Park Alliance stacks three free programs into a single morning at the Audubon Center: discovery stations where you test the Lullwater's water quality and pick through pond samples, an animal encounter with the center's resident collection, and a family bird walk with binoculars handed out at the start. Hundreds of bird species pass through this park every year. If you have kids and want them looking at something alive, take the morning.
What to expect
Start at the Audubon Center's discovery stations, where Alliance naturalists set out seasonal activities and pond samples you can examine up close. The animal encounter starts promptly and the family bird walk leaves promptly too — staff do not wait, so time your arrival rather than drifting in. Binoculars and bird guides are provided for the walk, and the route stays on park paths.
Good to know
- The Audubon Center sits on the Lullwater in Prospect Park; the B/Q to Prospect Park and the 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza are the usual approaches.
- Everything here is free and no registration is listed.
- The animal encounter and the bird walk both start promptly, and the Alliance is explicit that the walk leaves on time.
- Binoculars and bird guides are provided for the walk, so there is no gear to buy or borrow.
- Best for families with young kids, though the bird walk works perfectly well for adults on their own.
- It is largely outdoors near water — bring sun cover and bug spray.
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Common questions
Is it free?
Yes. Prospect Park Alliance runs the whole morning free, including the loan of binoculars and field guides for the family bird walk.
Do I need to bring binoculars?
No. Binoculars and bird guides are provided for the family bird walk, so you can turn up with nothing.
Is it suitable for very young children?
The discovery stations and animal encounter are ideal for small kids. The bird walk involves about an hour of walking, so judge that portion against your child's stamina.
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