Global Marsh Explorers: Meadowlands Mission

As the world gathers in the Meadowlands, families are invited to discover the incredible ecosystem that makes this region unique. In Global Marsh Explorers: Meadowlands Mission, participants step into the role of field biologists to investigate one of New Jersey’s most important habitats — the salt marsh.

Young explorers will head into the marsh to dip net for aquatic creatures, examine specimens using microscopes and hand lenses, and uncover how marsh plants and animals are connected through a salt marsh food web. Kids can also get into character by becoming a field biologist, learning how scientists study this vital habitat.

Perfect for curious kids and families ready to explore the wild side of the Meadowlands!

Program Dates & Times

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Global Waters: Fish of the World & the Meadowlands

As teams travel across oceans to compete, families are invited to dive into the fascinating world of fish found across the globe—and right here in the Meadowlands. Global Waters: Fish of the World & the Meadowlands explores the incredible adaptations that help fish survive in rivers, estuaries, and oceans.

Participants will discover how fins help fish swim, learn about some of the most interesting (and even tasty!) fish species, and observe how local killifish use camouflage and behavior to avoid hungry egrets. Kids will also get creative by building their own fish model, folding and decorating an origami fish, and making a Gyotaku-style fish print on a T-shirt using fish models—a traditional art form inspired by Japanese fishermen.

Perfect for curious kids and families who want to explore the amazing fish of the Meadowlands and the wider world!

Program Dates & Times
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Global Flyway: Wings Across the World

Just like teams travel across continents to compete, birds migrate across the globe—and many of them stop right here in the Meadowlands. Global Flyway: Wings Across the World invites families to discover the incredible journeys and adaptations of birds that travel thousands of miles each year.

Participants will take a guided hike to observe local birds, meet fascinating species through taxidermy specimens, and learn how migration connects habitats around the world. Young explorers will examine real feathers and bird wings, and take part in hands-on experiments using different beak and foot adaptations to discover how birds find and eat their food.

Perfect for curious kids and families eager to explore the amazing birds that connect the Meadowlands to the rest of the world!

Program Dates & Times
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Shell Shocked! The Global Egg Adventure

From tiny hummingbird eggs to enormous ostrich eggs, animals around the world rely on eggs to protect the next generation. In Shell Shocked! The Global Egg Adventure, families will explore the fascinating science behind these incredible natural packages.

Participants will discover which animals lay eggs, how large eggs can be, and how long it takes for different species to hatch. Through hands-on activities, kids will design and build their own “egg-a-mals” creatures, and families will put their engineering skills to the test in the exciting Great Egg Drop Challenge, where they’ll build structures to protect an egg from a dramatic fall.

Perfect for curious kids and families who want to crack open the amazing world of eggs and the animals that lay them!

Program Dates & Times
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From Kitchen to Cure: Edible & Medicinal Plants Worldwide

From traditional remedies in Europe to rainforest plants in South America, cultures around the world have long relied on plants for food, healing, and everyday life. In From Kitchen to Cure: Edible & Medicinal Plants Worldwide, families will explore the fascinating ways plants support both our kitchens and our health.

Participants will take a guided walk to discover edible and medicinal plants in the Meadowlands, learn about the history of plant-based remedies used by different cultures, and explore how people around the world have used plants to treat illnesses and stay healthy. Kids and their families will also create their own herbal tea bag to take home and make a “Garden in a Bottle” herb planter they can grow and enjoy.

Perfect for curious kids and families interested in discovering how plants from around the world can nourish, heal, and grow right here in the Meadowlands!

Program Dates & Times
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One Sky, One World

No matter which country you’re cheering for, we all share the same sky. One Sky, One World invites families to explore the wonders of the night sky above the Meadowlands and discover how people across cultures have looked to the stars for stories, navigation, and inspiration.

Participants will visit the William D. McDowell Observatory to observe the night sky and learn about the constellations visible above the Meadowlands. Along the way, they’ll hear stories about the stars from cultures around the world and discover how different societies have interpreted the same patterns in the sky. Kids will also create star charts, comets, and glowing luminaria to take home.

If clouds roll in, the adventure continues indoors as participants enter the StarLab planetarium to experience an engaging program about the night sky.

Perfect for families who want to look up, explore the universe, and discover how the night sky connects people all around the world.

Program Dates & Times

Sorry, there are no tickets available.

PLEASE NOTE: The William D. McDowell Observatory is free and open to the public on Wednesday nights, weather permitting, throughout the year. This is for viewing through the telescope with no additional activities.

World Cup Family Science Programs

The only educational fan experience center in the Meadowlands.