Please note: this event has been cancelled.

It has been said that art takes nature as its model. The beauty of nature has inspired many great Americans to create artistic masterpieces. From the wildlife portraits of John James Audubon to the stunning black and white photography of Ansel Adams, nature has been a muse to artist for centuries. Our Urban Park Ranger Art and Photography programs allow you to interpret the natural would through artistic expression, while learning about nature and the environment.

Art programs may include drawing, painting, poetry and nature art projects. All supplies are provided unless otherwise indicated. All art programs are family friendly, but may be challenging for younger children.

Start time: 1:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 352-1796

Location: Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park)

Please note: this event has been cancelled.

On Nature Exploration Hikes we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.

This hike is a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths. For all hiking programs we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, and packing water and a light snack.

Start time: 1:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 967-5342

Location: Bloomingdale Park Playground (in Bloomingdale Park)

Gail Biederman is interested in mapping, topography and patterns of growth, whether natural or artificial. For her Sunroom Project, Biederman creates a net-like map made of commercial and handmade felt that reflects the topography of the Bronx and is suspended from the ceiling. Referencing the local environment, the handmade felt incorporates natural elements, such as leaves, vines and sticks from Wave Hill’s gardens. The piece transforms the typical flatness of maps, altering the urban streets of the Bronx into a vibrant and evocative form.

Start time: 1:30 pm

End time:

Contact phone: 718-549-3200

Location: Wave Hill

Please note: this event has been cancelled.

Spend time outside enjoying nature while helping to keep Prospect Park clean. Families can take a tour of the Park and its waterways and help keep it clean along the way. Gloves, garbage bags and trash grabbers will be provided.

Start time: 2:00 pm

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 287-3400

Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park)

Please note: this event has been cancelled.

On Nature Exploration Hikes we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.

This hike is a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths. For all hiking programs we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, and packing water and a light snack.

Start time: 2:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 421-2021

Location: Fresh Creek Nature Preserve

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights.
Photo credit: Wave Hill

Start time: 2:00 pm

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: 718-549-3200

Location: Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill)

Walk through a scenic area on the western edge of the Park, much of which is off the beaten track for most visitors. See rolling meadows, lake views, bridges of different styles, and a garden with flowers and plants mentioned by Shakespeare.

Groups of seven or more people should call (212) 360-2726 or email tours@centralparknyc.org to schedule a custom tour.

Accessibility level: Moderate inclines and stairs, paths clear and negotiable - only parts accessible to people with disabilities

Start time: 2:30 pm

End time: 3:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 772-0210

Location: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (in Central Park)

Imagine yourself in the past. Learn games, pastimes and tasks that were common 200 years ago. At Lefferts Historic House, you can try your hand at needlepoint, games, and more.

Start time: 2:30 pm

End time: 3:30 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Lefferts Historic House (in Prospect Park)

Please note: this event has been cancelled.

Talk a walk with one of our naturalists to watch for animals, and investigate little-known facts about the park and its animal residents.

Start time: 3:00 pm

End time: 4:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 287-3400

Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park)

The collection of portraits at King Manor Museum spans 200 years and through its subjects and artists, embraces both academic and folk art painting in likenesses of King family members, notables of the day and unidentified people. Artist Hannah Barrett will introduce the characters portrayed in these paintings, along with the histories and mysteries of each. Ms. Barrett will also demonstrate the process of creating a portrait.

Please call 718 206 0545x13 or email programs@kingmanor.org to reserve a seat for this lecture! Refreshments served following lecture. Suggested $5 donation for refreshments.

Start time: 3:00 pm

End time: 4:30 pm

Contact phone: 718 206 0545 x13

Location: King Manor Museum (in Rufus King Park)

Join Sidney Horenstein, geologist and Educator Emeritus, American Museum of Natural History, as he leads his geology, history and natural history walk through Fort Tryon Park.

Stroll through the park with Sid and discover its historical features, still visible today, as well as its outstanding rock exposures and trees.

This program is generously supported by the Greenacre Foundation and the Fort Tryon Park Trust.

Start time: 3:00 pm

End time: 5:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 795-1388

Location: Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park)