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AccessibilityUrban 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!
Urban Park Rangers Events
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Basic Canoeing
at 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan
12:00 p.m.
–3:00 p.m.
Basic canoeing is great for all levels. Program is first-come, first-served. Recommended for children 8 years and older. Due to demand, line may close prior to end time.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Colonial Life
at
Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park) , Brooklyn 
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the traditions, dress, and games of the colonial people and Natiave Americans who lived in this area of Brooklyn centuries ago.
Free!
Family Camping: Queens
at
Alley Pond Park
, Queens
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 16.
Free!
Astronomy: The Night Sky
at Wolfe's Pond Park Comfort Station (in Wolfe's Pond Park) , Staten Island
8:00 p.m.
–9:30 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, August 27, 2017
Alley Pond Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at
Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens
10:00 a.m.
–12:00 p.m.
Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 21.
Free!
Alley Pond Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at
Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens
1:30 p.m.
–3:30 p.m.
Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 21.
Free!
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at
Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park) , Staten Island
2:00 p.m.
–3:30 p.m.
Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Urban Starfest in Central Park
at Sheep Meadow (in Central Park) , Manhattan
7:00 p.m.
–8:30 p.m.
New York City parks are the perfect places within the city to stargaze and learn more about the night sky.
Free!
Event
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Historic New York: Old Croton Aqueduct
at
170th Street and University Avenue (in Highbridge Park) , Manhattan
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Water is life! Hike across the High Bridge with the Urban Park Rangers and learn how New York City's oldest standing bridge(completed in 1848) brought water from the Bronx to Manhattan.
Free!
Event
Seining
at Bayview Avenue and Johnston Terrace (in Lemon Creek Park) , Staten Island
11:00 a.m.
–1:00 p.m.
This program is recommended for ages 8 years and older. Get ready to get your hands wet; seining programs use nets to catch fish. First-come, first-served.
Free!
Thomas Jefferson Park to Randall's Island Hike (Moderate)
at 112th Street and First Avenue (in Thomas Jefferson Park) , Manhattan
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy the urban wildlife and landscaping of Thomas Jefferson Park. Then journey along the greenway to Randall's Island to explore the salt marshes and waterside views of the city.
Free!
Seaside Wildlife Exploration
at Canarsie Park House (in Canarsie Park) , Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots for seaside creatures.
Free!
Kids
Nature Scavenger Hunt
at
Highland Avenue Entrance (in Captain Tilly Park) , Queens
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
In 1908, the landowners deeded the property to New York City for one dollar, insisting only that it always be used as a park. Join the Rangers as they introduce you to this hidden gem.
Free!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Raptor Fest
at Stadium Ball Fields (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
12:00 p.m.
–3:00 p.m.
This event is a great way for kids to learn about hawks, owls, falcons, and other birds of prey, get up close and personal with them, and watch them perform amazing aerial feats.
Free!
Event
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Prospect Park Picnic House (in Prospect Park) , Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Fire is mankind's greatest discovery. Learn how to safely and responsibly make a fire by using primitive and modern methods. Recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Fort Tryon Park Highlights
at
Heather Garden (in Fort Tryon Park) , Manhattan
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
Take in the scenic views of the Hudson River on this hike through Fort Tryon Park, highlighting its natural features, historic landmarks, and wildlife.
Free!
Event
Rangers Choice: Gather Around The Campfire
at Rockaway Beach , Queens
7:00 p.m.
–8:30 p.m.
Join us around our roaring campfire for an evening of s'mores, games and storytelling. Participants chosen by lottery. Register on September 6.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Ranger's Choice: Birding Road Trip
at
Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.
–1:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will offer this expedition to a variety of Brooklyn parks in search of early fall migrants. Registration is required. Registration opens on September 13.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike (Moderate)
at Staten Island Boulevard and Shields Place (in Deere Park) , Staten Island
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike of Deere Park while learning about the forest. Moderate Hikes are long, faster-paced hikes on rugged terrain.
Free!
Birding
at 138th Place and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park) , Queens
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots. To enhance your experience, we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides.
Free!
Night Hike (Light)
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
7:00 p.m.
–8:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City parks. On our hikes, you can gain orienteering skills, explore our city’s rich history.
Free!
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Birding: Fall Migrants
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
9:00 a.m.
–10:30 a.m.
The early bird catches the worm! Join the Urban Park Rangers on this morning birding tour as we look for fall migrants.
Free!
Living with White-Tailed Deer
at
Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park) , Staten Island
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Through an Urban Park Ranger-led hike, you will learn about the impacts and signs of deer on Staten Island, and maybe even see these majestic animals!
Free!
Historic New York: Gerritsen Grist Mill and Farmhouse
at Avenue U and East 33rd Street (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
Explore the area surround the Gerritsen Mill, one of the first water-powered mills in North America and discover its value both past and present.
Free!
Event
Ranger's Choice: Forest Park Super Hike (Vigorous)
at
Forest Park
, Queens
1:00 p.m.
–4:00 p.m.
This extensive one-way hike highlights Forest Park's history, flora, and fauna. Registration is required. Registration opens on September 13.
Free!
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
They Only Come Out at Night: Inviting Bats to your Garden
at Green Oasis Community Garden/Gilbert's Garden (in ) , Manhattan
5:30 p.m.
–7:00 p.m.
Bats love eating mosquitoes, so we love bats! Join NYC Urban Park Rangers for a workshop on how to create bat habitat in your garden.
Free!
Friday, September 29, 2017
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Marine Park , Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on September 20.
Free!
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Ranger's Choice: Paddle and Hike Orchard Beach
at Pelham Bay Park , Bronx
10:00 a.m.
–12:00 p.m.
Join a paddle across the lagoon as we explore the salt marsh and the rich biodiversity found within. We well then land on the shores of the Hunter Island Nature Preserve for a hike.
Free!
Kids Shapes and Colors Hike
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in 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!
Kids
Fall Foliage Walk
at Rose and Oak Avenues (in Kissena Park) , Queens
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors.
Free!
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Summer on the Hudson: Little Red Lighthouse Festival
at
Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park) , Manhattan
12:00 p.m.
–4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse with visits to the lighthouse interior, readings of eponymous children’s book, fishing clinics, live music, food vendors, and more!
Free!
Event
Friday, October 27, 2017
Haunted Lantern Tours
at Water Battery Gate (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
6:30 p.m.
–8:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an outdoor, haunted tour of the historic Water Battery at Fort Totten Park.
Free!
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Haunted Lantern Tours
at Water Battery Gate (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
6:30 p.m.
–8:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an outdoor, haunted tour of the historic Water Battery at Fort Totten Park.
Free!
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