Meet and snap a photo with friendly alpacas from Out of Sight Alpacas—a favorite attraction for visitors of all ages. This fun, interactive experience adds a playful, memorable element to the day while delighting families and animal lovers alike.
BARNEGAT BAY DAY
Barnegat Bay Day is an annual, family-friendly event that promotes environmental discovery and education. Held every July, this free event celebrates Barnegat Bay’s unique ecosystems while fostering community engagement and awareness about local wildlife, conservation, and sustainability.
Thank you to our 2026 Barnegat Bay Day Sponsor Atlantic City Electric
Scroll down to see which organizations are joining us this year!
For the 20th anniversary of Barnegat Bay Day, join the LBIF and The Center for Aquatic Sciences in the main gallery for a special, three-session series of their Life on the Reef program!
“Teeming with life, reefs are one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Discover how this habitat works together to become a community that thrives!” During each session, children will be able to meet a real live sea star and horseshoe crab!
Space is limited in each session, register above!
Session One: 1:00PM – 1:45PM
Session Two: 2:00PM – 2:45PM
Session Three: 3:00PM – 3:45PM
Educational Exhibits
Educational Exhibits at Barnegat Bay Day invite visitors to explore hands-on, interactive displays focused on local wildlife, marine ecosystems, and sustainable practices. Presented by environmental organizations, scientists, and educators, these exhibits offer opportunities to learn about coastal habitats, water quality, conservation efforts, and the everyday actions that help protect Barnegat Bay. Designed for learners of all ages, the exhibits encourage curiosity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the region’s unique natural environment through engaging, accessible experiences.
Guided Marsh Walks
Guided Marsh Walks offer visitors a closer look at the island’s vital marshlands on LBIF’s campus while learning about their ecological importance. Led by knowledgeable experts, these tours explore coastal plants, wildlife, and wetland systems, highlighting the role marshes play in protecting shorelines, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining the health of Barnegat Bay.
Alpaca Meet-&-Greets
Family Fun
Family Fun at Barnegat Bay Day offers interactive games, hands-on activities, and opportunities to collect goodies throughout the event. Designed for both children and adults, these engaging experiences encourage learning, play, and exploration while celebrating community, creativity, and the natural environment.
Why Barnegat Bay Day Matters
Community Impact: Barnegat Bay Day attracts 300+ attendees each year, offering a hands-on learning experience for children and adults alike. Through interactive exhibits, guided marsh walks, and educational activities, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the bay’s vital role in our ecosystem.
Fostering Awareness: Partnering with leading organizations like Clean Ocean Action, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, and Save Barnegat Bay, the event empowers attendees to take meaningful steps toward environmental conservation.
Accessible and Inclusive: As a completely free event, Barnegat Bay Day ensures that families and individuals from all backgrounds can participate in learning, discovery, and fun, removing financial barriers to environmental education.
Participating Organizations 2026
Atlantic City Electric (Sponsor)
Atlantic City Electric provides safe, reliable energy to southern New Jersey communities while supporting environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives across the region.
Barnegat Light First Aid Squad
This volunteer organization provides emergency medical services and first aid to the Barnegat Light community, ensuring public safety and health.
Clean Ocean Action
This nonprofits goal is to improve the degraded water quality of the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast using research, education, and citizen action to unite and empower people to protect the ocean.
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey
CWF works to protect and restore New Jersey’s endangered and at-risk species through conservation projects and educational programs.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Spanning over 47,000 acres, this refuge protects critical habitats for migratory birds, including wetlands, forests, and coastal environments, offering educational and recreational opportunities.
The Garden Club of LBI
A local organization dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation, and civic beautification, the Garden Club of LBI shares its expertise in gardening and environmental stewardship.
Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve
This research and educational facility promotes the understanding and stewardship of New Jersey’s estuarine ecosystems through research, monitoring, and community outreach.
New Jersey Coastal Management Program (NJCMP)
The NJCMP works to preserve, protect, and enhance New Jersey’s coastal resources by managing development and promoting sustainable coastal policies.
NJDEP Fish and Wildlife
This government agency works to maintain New Jersey’s rich variety of fish and wildlife species at stable, healthy levels and to protect and enhance the many habitats on which they depend.
Oceana | Protecting the World’s Oceans
A global organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans through science-based campaigns and policy advocacy.
RenewBluSurf
Focused on ocean conservation, RenewBluSurf Boutique combines surfing culture with environmental advocacy, inspiring coastal communities and consumers to adopt sustainable practices.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County
A New Jersey led program providing research-based program in the areas of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Family & Community Health Sciences, Marine Resources, Lawn & Garden, and 4‑H Youth Development.
Save Barnegat Bay
This grassroots organization advocates for the protection and restoration of Barnegat Bay’s ecosystem through education, conservation initiatives, and community involvement.
Terrapin Nesting Project
This initiative works to protect the diamondback terrapin population in Barnegat Bay by preserving nesting habitats and educating the public about this vital species.
Sponsor Barnegat Bay Day at LBIF
Support coastal education and environmental stewardship by sponsoring LBIF’s Barnegat Bay Day! Your sponsorship helps us provide free, family-friendly activities, hands-on exhibits, and interactive learning experiences that celebrate and protect our local ecosystem.
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