Urban Park Rangers

Our Urban Park Rangers are full of knowledge about history, astronomy, animals, plants, and more. Attend a Ranger-led event with your family and see how much fun learning can be!

Learn more about the Urban Park Rangers

Urban Park Rangers Events

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Sep 29

Birding Lunch Hour Walk

at Waverly Place and MacDougal Street (in Washington Square Park) , Manhattan

1:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m.
Come learn what's flying through Washington Square Park as fall migration starts to begin. Bring your own pair of binoculars, or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair.
Free!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Oct 1

Kids Shapes and Colors Hike

at Silver Lake Park , Staten Island

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Compare leaves of all shapes and colors on a guided fall foliage hike through Silver Lake Park.
Free!

Oct 1

Fall Foliage Walk: Great Trees of Kissena Park

at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park) , Queens

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
With nearly 30,000 acres of public parkland, New York City is the perfect place for fall leaf-peeping. Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors.
Free!

Must See
Event

Oct 1

Urban Starfest

at Sheep Meadow (in Central Park) , Manhattan

7:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers and the Amateur Astronomers Association invite you to enjoy the wonders of the universe at this annual event.
Free!

Must See
Event

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Oct 2

Birding: Fall Migration

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!

Oct 2

Nature Exploration Hike: Bugs and Butterflies (Light)

at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Oct 2

Astoria Park Highlights

at Parking Lot (in Astoria Park) , Queens

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Discover this popular neighborhood park and learn about its history and diverse flora and fauna. This park has history dating back to early 1900s and scenic views along its promenade.
Free!

Oct 2

Animal Tracking

at Belvedere Castle (in Central Park) , Manhattan

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Oct 2

Tide Pool Exploration and Seining

at Cleveland Avenue and Mansion Avenue (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park) , Staten Island

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City in this tide pool exploration and seining program.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Oct 8

Raptor Fest

at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park) , Queens

12:00 p.m. –3:00 p.m.
Experience the thrill of viewing New York's premier predators live and up close. Join NYC Parks at the annual Raptor Fest hosted by the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

Must See
Event

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Oct 9

Birding: Fall Migration

at Anne Loftus Playground (in Fort Tryon Park) , Manhattan

Oct 9

Deer Exploration Hike

at Parking Area (in High Rock Park) , Staten Island

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Oct 9

Fall Foliage Photography

at Highland Park Entrance , Queens

Oct 9

Ranger's Choice: Primitive Survival Skills

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
If you were dropped into the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on your back, could you make a fire, build a shelter, or gather clean drinking water?
Free!

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Oct 15

Birding: Fall Migration

at Union Turnpike Parking Lot (in Cunningham Park) , Queens

Oct 15

Open House NY: Prison Ship Martyrs Monument

at Prison Ship Martyrs Monument (in Fort Greene Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.
Step inside this historic monument and learn about the Fort Greene Park history and the Revolutionary War. Tours are about 20 to 30 minutes long, and are offered throughout the day.
Free!

Oct 15

Ranger's Choice: Archery

at Willowbrook Park , Staten Island

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
This program is a beginner's guide to archery. All equipment will be provided.
Free!

Oct 15

Nocturnal Wildlife

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Oct 15

Astronomy: Constellations

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan

7:00 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
Get set to hike up to the dark sections of the park away from neighborhood lights. The overlook meadow provides a great viewing location of the night sky.
Free!

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Oct 16

Open House NY: Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse

at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park) , Manhattan

11:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.
Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Tours are approximately 20 to 30 minutes long, and are offered throughout the day.
Free!

Oct 16

Ranger's Choice: Gather Around the Campfire

at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park) , Brooklyn

6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
Join us around the campfire for an evening of games, songs, and fun activities.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Oct 16

Astronomy: The Super Moon

at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens

7:00 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!

Oct 16

The Night Sky

at Visitor Center (in Conference House Park) , Staten Island

7:00 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system using the naked eye to locate stars and planets.
Free!

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Oct 22

Fall Foliage Walk: Trees of Prospect Park

at Prospect Park Picnic House (in Prospect Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
With nearly 30,000 acres of public parkland, New York City is the perfect place for fall leaf-peeping. Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors.
Free!

Oct 22

Nature and Art of Central Park

at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park) , Manhattan

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Join our Urban Park Rangers on a walk through the park to learn more about the art and nature of one of our most popular parks.
Free!

Oct 22

Ranger's Choice: Greenbelt Hike (Moderate)

at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course) , Staten Island

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Experience an autumn hike with the Urban Park Rangers through the woods of LaTourette Park. The elevated multipurpose trails reveal the beauty of Richmond Creek.
Free!

Oct 22

Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying

at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park) , Queens

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Whether you are preparing for an extended journey through the woods or just want to be more prepared for any situation, an outdoor skills program is the perfect fit for you.
Free!

Oct 22

The Night Sky

at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx

6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system using the naked eye to locate stars and planets.
Free!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Oct 23

Fall Photography Scavenger Hunt

at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park) , Manhattan

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Bring your own digital camera or smart phone to capture evidence of your scavenger clues. Work on your own or as a team, in this fun family friendly program. Registration begins on October 16.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Oct 23

Historic New York: High Bridge

at 170th Street and University Avenue (in Highbridge Park) , Manhattan

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Join our park rangers on a tour of the historic High Bridge, the oldest standing bridge in New York City.
Free!

Oct 23

Fall Foliage Hike

at Bloomingdale Park Playground (in Bloomingdale Park) , Staten Island

Oct 23

Astronomy: Orionids Meteor Shower

at Owl's Head Park House (in Owl's Head Park) , Brooklyn

7:00 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
The Orionids is an average shower, producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!

Friday, October 28, 2016

Oct 28

Haunted Lantern Tours

at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens

6:30 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
Leave your fears at home as the Urban Park Rangers lead your family through the haunted Fort Totten Water Battery.
Free!

Must See
Event

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Oct 29

Haunted Lantern Tours

at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens

6:30 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
Leave your fears at home as the Urban Park Rangers lead your family through the haunted Fort Totten Water Battery.
Free!

Must See
Event

Oct 29

Ghosts of Conference House

at Visitor Center (in Conference House Park) , Staten Island

7:00 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
Is Conference House Park Staten Island's most haunted park? Find out on a nighttime hike through an ancient burial ground and into the Conference House.
Free!

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Oct 30

Fall Foliage Hike: Cornucopia of Trees

at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park) , Bronx

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Let our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests.
Free!

Oct 30

Birding: Raptor Migration

at Gateway Drive and Erskine Street (in Spring Creek Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!

Monday, October 31, 2016

Oct 31

A Haunting We Will Go

at Cedar Grove Avenue and Seafoam Street (in Great Kills Park) , Staten Island

3:00 p.m. –6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a frightful time with bugs, snakes, ghosts, goblins, and the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Nov 5

Ranger's Choice: The Van Cortlandt Super Hike (Vigorous)

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

10:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
This challenging eight-mile hike winds its way through most of the park's many diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Nov 6

Historic New York: Native Americans

at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Learn some of the customs and culture of the Lenape and how they have made their impact in our everyday lives as New Yorkers.
Free!

Nov 6

Astronomy

at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx

6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Nov 12

Fall Foliage Hike: Putnam Trail

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Let our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests.
Free!

Nov 12

Ranger's Choice: Lenape Thanksgiving

at Inwood Hill Park , Manhattan

12:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Participants will learn about their daily customs and their knowledge of the forest, and sample forest-sourced food items, which were the staples of a Lenape diet.
Free!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Nov 13

Fall Foliage Walk: Fort Greene Tree Trail

at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park) , Brooklyn

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Let our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests.
Free!

Nov 13

Historic New York: Fort Totten Tunnel Tour

at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Tour the "hidden" areas of the Fort Totten battery with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Nov 19

Historic New York: Native Americans

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Come learn how native tribes used the local waterways and native plants and wildlife to survive.
Free!

Nov 19

Historic New York: Native Americans

at Visitor Center (in Conference House Park) , Staten Island

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers specialize in the interpretation of historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city’s long history.
Free!

Nov 19

Ranger's Choice: Green-Wood Cemetery Bird Walk and History Tour

at Green-Wood Cemetery

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Learn about the famous New Yorkers buried here as well as the diverse bird population that thrives in the rolling acres that surround the graves, tombs, and mausoleums.
Free!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Nov 20

Salt Marsh Exploration Hike (Moderate)

at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.
Free!

Friday, November 25, 2016

Nov 25

Black Friday Hike: Hunter Island Hike (Moderate)

at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.
Free!

Must See
Event

Nov 25

Black Friday Hike: The Midwood Trail

at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park) , Brooklyn

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Step back in time with a walk through Brooklyn’s oldest remaining forest.
Free!

Must See
Event

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Nov 26

Historic New York: Native Americans

at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park) , Brooklyn

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers specialize in the interpretation of historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city’s long history.
Free!

Nov 26

Fall Foliage Photography Hike

at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Isham Park) , Manhattan

3:00 p.m. –4:30 p.m.
Bring your own digital camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of Inwood Hill Park during the golden hour before sunset.
Free!

Must See
Event

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Nov 27

Ranger's Choice: The World's Fair Adventure Quest

at Flushing Meadows Corona Park , Queens

10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
Learn about the World's Fair and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park as you've never experienced before.
Free!

Nov 27

Historic New York: Brooklyn Bridge

at Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Explore the history of the Brooklyn Bridge, from the time when it was first built to the present day, and also discover Brooklyn Bridge Park, the modern park which shares its namesake.
Free!

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Dec 4

Nature Exploration Hike: John Muir Trail (Vigorous)

at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx

11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.
Free!

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Dec 10

Historic New York: Square Parks

at Madison Square Park , Manhattan

11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Be our guest as we begin our stroll through Madison Square Park and other square parks in Manhattan.
Free!

Dec 10

Historic New York: Monuments of Prospect Park

at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza) , Brooklyn

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Historic New York programs highlight the history and architecture of selected neighborhoods or parks.
Free!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Dec 17

Photography Scavenger Hunt

at Clifton Place and Marcy Avenue (in Herbert Von King Park) , Brooklyn

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head. Bring your own digital camera or smartphone.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Dec 18

Ranger's Choice: Forest Park Super Hike (Vigorous)

at Forest Park , Queens

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
This extensive one-way hike highlights Forest Park's history and its surrounding neighborhoods of Kew Gardens, Glendale, Richmond Hill, and Woodhaven.
Free!

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Dec 31

Ranger's Choice: Birding Van Tour - Owls

at Pelham Bay Park , Bronx

11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Winter is the best time of year to spot owls as the leaves are gone, making it harder for them to hide. The days are also shorter, which is perfect for our nocturnal residents
Free!

Dec 31

Ranger's Choice: Central Park in the Movies

at Pulitzer Fountain (in Central Park) , Manhattan

1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m.
Hundreds of TV shows and movies have been filmed in Central Park. Hike along some of the pathways of lower Central Park to see where some of these iconic films were made.
Free!