Upcoming Events

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Princess Adventure Experience at the Castle


  • Session One
     February 8, 2026
     11:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • Session Two
     February 8, 2026
     11:45 am - 12:45 pm
  • Session Three
     February 8, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
  • Session Four
     February 8, 2026
     12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
  • Session Five
     February 8, 2026
     12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
  • Session Six
     February 8, 2026
     1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Session Seven
     February 8, 2026
     1:45 pm
  • Session Eight
     February 8, 2026
     2:00 pm

Step into a real-life storybook as you journey through the Castle on a magical adventure! Your little royal will be welcomed by two of their favorite Princesses and begin their quest by creating a sparkling friendship bracelet. Next, venture into the Castle Library, where Princess Beauty and her Prince will challenge your storybook knowledge with (more…)

Introduction to Ballroom Dancing


  •  February 9, 2026
     7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  •  February 19, 2026
     7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Take the first step and learn how to dance today! Discover the joy of ballroom dance in a fun, relaxed setting at the Sands Point Preserve! Join us for an introductory class led by Donatas Nacajus of Ballroom Boutique, and take your first steps on the dance floor with confidence and style. The aim of (more…)

Monthly Meditation


  • Rescheduled from 2/5
     February 12, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  March 5, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  April 2, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  May 7, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  June 4, 2026
     7:00 pm
  •  July 2, 2026
     7:00 pm
  •  August 13, 2026
     7:00 pm
  •  September 3, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  October 1, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  November 5, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  •  December 3, 2026
     6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join Hildur Palsdottir for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation on the first Thursday of every month. Classes will be held in the beautiful rooms of the Preserve’s mansions, or in the Hempstead House Garden when weather permits. With these sessions we will explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction. With kind curiosity Hildur (more…)

Guided Nature Walks 2026


  • Winter's Heartbeat
     February 14, 2026
     10:00 am - 11:30 am

Join us for this series of all-ages walks as we explore different aspects of the preserve’s environment, encompassing its unique physical features and wildlife, as well as critical conservation issues and helpful practices to create a healthy, sustainable environment. Our expert guide, environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir,  brings a range of perspectives for each outdoor adventure. (more…)

Hempstead House Tours


  • Tours at 12pm & 1:30pm
     February 15, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Tours at 12pm & 1:30pm
     March 1, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Tours at 12pm & 1:30pm
     March 15, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Tours at 12pm & 1:30pm
     March 29, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Tours at 12pm & 1:30pm
     April 26, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Tours at 12pm & 1:30pm
     May 24, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Interior access to Hempstead House is available by scheduled guided tours only. Tours are limited in group size and tend to sell out. Tickets are only available to purchase day-of in Castle Gould’s Welcome Center, open Wednesday – Sunday at 11am. Please arrive early to purchase tickets. PLEASE NOTE: Hempstead House tours are designed for adults, (more…)

Nature Detectives & Story Makers


  •  February 16, 2026
     10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Join us for a winter writing adventure where young authors explore the Preserve like detectives – uncovering nature clues left in the ice, snow, and winter woods – and transform their discoveries into curious, magical tales. Instructors from the Story Round and the Preserve’s Outdoor Nature Exploration program will help students connect with the natural world (more…)

Ink & Impressions


  •  February 22, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm

This program has been rescheduled from January 25 due to inclement weather. Instructor Mike Evans invites participants to step into the role of ancient scribes by crafting their own reed pens and natural ink using plant-based materials, all while exploring how ancient writing evolved from the land itself. This workshop blends history, artistry, and reflection—perfect for (more…)

Booked: An Afternoon of Reading by the Hempstead House Hearths


  •  March 1, 2026
     3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

“Booked” is a new winter program that invites adults to enjoy the warmth of Hempstead House for an afternoon of quiet, independent reading.  Bring your book, find a cozy spot by the fire, and enjoy!  Complimentary tea and coffee will be provided. No advanced registration is required.  To maintain a quiet atmosphere, this program is (more…)

Princess Day at the Castle


  • Session One
     March 8, 2026
     12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
  • Session Two
     March 8, 2026
     12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Session Three
     March 8, 2026
     1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

A Grand Event at the Sands Point Preserve! Guests are welcomed into the majestic Hempstead House, where they meet their first Princess who sends them on a magical quest to become a true Princesses (or Prince!). As they stroll through each room of the Castle, guests will encounter each Princess and learn that being a (more…)

Wilderness Survival Series 2026


  • Making Cordage
     March 14, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Shelter Building
     April 18, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wayfinding & Navigation
     May 16, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Applied Edgecraft/Tool Making
     June 13, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Applied Edgecraft/Tool Making
     June 13, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Foraging
     July 11, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Primitive Firecraft
     August 8, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Modern Firecraft
     September 19, 2026
     10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for the third year of our Wilderness Survival series! Ideal for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, this series is led by survival enthusiast Mike Evans. Dive into essential survival skills, from emergency preparedness to advanced bushcraft techniques, exploring key concepts like the Rule of 3s and the 5 Cs. Perfect for those starting (more…)