Community Corner

Caleb Smith Park Spring Event Schedule

Springtime events for tots, teens and adults at nearby Caleb Smith State Park.

According to the calendar spring has arrived and though Mother Nature is often fickle this time of year, dust off your winter cobwebs and get some fresh air.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown will offer the following nature programs during spring 2013.


Tiny Tots: “Let’s Discover Nature” Hour – Ages 3 – 5
Thursdays    10:00 – 11:00 am
The “Let’s Discover Nature” Hour is a special time for both parent and child to discover the wonders of their natural world together. Each program’s theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning.

April 4: Buzz Says the Bee 

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

April 18: Earth Day Every Day

May 2:  A Planting We Will Go!

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

May 16: We Are Family!

May 30:  Turtle Crossing

June 13: Flower Power

June 27: Upon Butterfly Wings

Fun For Kids - Ages 5 & up

World in a Bottle
Sunday, April 7    1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Watch your plants grow into a tiny ecosystem in the terrarium you make from the two liter, clear, empty, clean, plastic bottle with screw top you bring in to class.

Jr. Anglers Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, April 13  9:00 – 11:00 am and 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Trout Unlimited will teach you fly casting, safety, stream ethics and equipment usage. Equipment will be provided for you. Children 7 – 15 only. Limited space.

Jr. Anglers Fresh Water Fishing Clinic
Saturday, May 18  9:00 – 11:00 am & 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Discover all about fish and how to catch them. Equipment will be provided.    Children  ages 7 – 15

Jr. Angler Catch & Release Tournament
Saturday    June 15    9:00 – 11:00 am,  1:00 – 3:00 pm (ages 9 – 12) Sponsored by The Friends of Caleb Smith; this event is lots of fun for children!

Let’s Hear it for the Ears!
Saturday, April 20  10:00 – 11:30 am
We’ll discover some fascinating facts, do some ‘ears’-on experiments, play some sound games and make an amusing craft.

Heckscher Spring Festival
Saturday, April 27    11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday    April 28    11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join Rangers Kat and Linda at Heckscher Festival in Great River. There will be a table with information about the park as well as some great crafts for the children. There are all sorts of things going on this weekend at the festival! For info call: 631-581-2100.


X Marks the Spot!
Sunday, May 5   1:30 – 3:00 pm
Join us as we hunt for long-lost treasure by deciphering word puzzles, encrypted clues, and following compass coordinates. (Recommended for ages 7 and up).

Slip Sliding Away
Sunday, June 2    1:30 – 3:00 pm
Discover the world of creatures that make and live in the shells you find along Long Island beaches. Each child will make a shell craft.


Butterfly Safari
Saturday, June 29    1:30 – 3:00 pm
Explore the butterfly’s life, make a craft and take an expedition into the butterfly garden to catch, observe and release these exquisite creatures.


Tadpole Adventures
Sunday    June 30    1:30 – 2:30 pm
Learn about frogs and tadpoles inside, then down to the pond we go to catch, observe and release the tadpoles and frogs we find there.


Adult Adventures: 18 & Up
Custom Walking Sticks
Saturday, May 4    9:00 – 12:00 noon
Design your very own walking stick using carving tools, wood burners and decorative materials that we supply. There sticks to choose from. Feel free to bring your own tools. If you attended this class before, you may add designs to your present walking stick.


Book Walk and Talk
Sunday, May 19    1:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us for a discussion of the book, “What The Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal The Secrets Of The Natural World” by Jon Young. We will then go for a walk to observe local bird behavior. Reading the book is not necessary to enjoy the program.


Exploring Wildflowers on the South Side.
Saturday, June 1    9:30 – 11:30 am
Take a delightful walk searching for native wildflowers along the Nissequogue River. We will meet on the south side of the park. Bring your camera if you like.


Reservations Required for all Programs: (631) 265 – 1055

Fees for programs are $4.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and children under 3 are free. Reservations will be accepted two weeks prior to each program and may be made by calling the park office at (631) 265 – 1054.

An $8.00 parking fee per car will be charged during the fee collection season (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend). If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call and cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please be prompt. If others are waiting, your place may be given to them if you have not arrived when the program starts. All programs conducted on the North Side of the park unless otherwise noted.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here