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Wild NYC is at the other end of your doorstep! Explore New York's urban forests, streams, and wildlife with these fun outdoor activities.
Nature Events
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Friday, November 27, 2026
Kissena Park Forest Restoration
at Kissena Park, Queens
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health.
Free!
Event
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Rangers on a lengthy hike in High Rock Park. Boots and/or sneakers required.
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: The Alley Giant
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Super Hike
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. This hike will take you through the hills of Inwood Hill and
Free!
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Gratitude Weekend
at Wave Hill, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Escape to a weekend devoted to beauty, creativity and gratitude!
Event
Hibernation Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn about the amazing adaptations and behaviors different species rely on to prepare for and survive the upcoming winter months.
Free!
Kids
Orienteering Fundamentals
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn to navigate through the Greenbelt as people did long before GPS, with a compass and a map!
Free!
Kids
Gather Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join NYC’s Urban Park Ranger and hear tales of NYC’s urban wildlife while enjoying the warmth of a campfire.
Free!
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Unplugged Nature Exploration Hike
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a peaceful morning hike that invites participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and connect with nature through mindful listening.
Free!
Birding: Winter Birds
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the park identifying various birds that stick around for the winter and some that might fly through on their journey south
Free!
Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Unleash your creativity and learn about the many animals who call our parks home while you write your very own puppet show about our furry and feathered friends!
Free!
Kids
Discovery Hike: Marine Mammals
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rockaway Beach has recently been a prominent site to view marine mammals such as whales and seals. Learn more about the different types of marine mammals that can be seen off the shores
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Entrance - Bartow Avenue and Eugene Street (in Long Pond Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Garden Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens.
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
CANCELLED: Team RIVER Volunteers
at Randall's Island Park, Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Thursday, December 3, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Friday, December 4, 2026
Restoration Fridays at Highland Park
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust for Restoration Fridays this fall!
Free!
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Winter Haven Opening Weekend
at Wave Hill, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Winter Haven returns this December to Wave Hill, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the quiet beauty of the garden.
Birding: All About Crows
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn more about crows, a highly intelligent and sociable bird species.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy the morning gathered around a fire with the Urban Park Rangers. We will participate in activities such as stories, songs and more.
Free!
Nature Open Mic
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Nature provides inspiration. Come show off your talents and how nature inspires you.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rangers will introduce beginner friendly resources that can make birding fun for anyone! Binoculars will be provided.
Free!
Kids
Gather Around the Campfire
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the afternoon gathered around a fire with the Urban Park Rangers. We will participate in activities such as stories, songs and more.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join us for a walk of McCarren Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!
Metaverse Scavenger Hunt
at Old Mill Road and Richmond Hill Road (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course), Staten Island
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a nature scavenger hunt inspired by the popular mobile game application "Pokemon Go". See how many of these can be found where the metaverse meets nature
Free!
Kids
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Winter Haven Opening Weekend
at Wave Hill, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Winter Haven returns this December to Wave Hill, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the quiet beauty of the garden.
Birding: Owls and Owl Pellet Discovery
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about all about owls and dissect their pellets to see what they eat. You will be surprised by your discovery.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Winter Wildlife
at Playground (in Brower Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the residents of NYC Parks and how they are toughing through the winter months.
Free!
Garden & Conservatory Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens.
Winter Woods in Nature Exploration Hike
at Arden Woods Parking Lot, Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how the natural world adapts to colder weather and enjoy a peaceful walk through the changing forest.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
CANCELLED: Team RIVER Volunteers
at Randall's Island Park, Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Thursday, December 10, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Friday, December 11, 2026
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Geology: Queens Rocks!
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a guided walk through Cunningham Park to explore the dramatic impact glaciers had on shaping the landscape of Queens.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Puppet Making and Puppet Show
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Use your imagination, craft your puppet’s personality, and share fun stories with new friends. All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and a sense of adventure!
Free!
Kids
Young People's Chorus of New York Holiday Performance
at Harlem Rose Garden (in ), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City will fill the garden with festive music, and we’ll host a delicious by-donation bake sale to support the Young People's Chorus of NYC.
Free!
Winter Wreath Workshop
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Guided by our staff, you’ll create your own one-of-a-kind wreath using seasonal greenery, dried flowers, and natural materials foraged from the Park’s landscape.
Free!
Event
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