Urban Park Rangers

Park rangers lead a canoeing program in a lake in the park

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!

Celebrating 40 Years

Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Urban Park Rangers with us all year long with expanded, new, and refreshed programming across NYC! Learn more about the Urban Park Rangers

Urban Park Rangers Events

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Jun25

Public Art Opening: BIRDLINK

at Corner of East Houston Street and Chrystie Street (in Sara D. Roosevelt Park), Manhattan

4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the opening of BIRDLINK, a new temporary public artwork supporting urban birds with native plants.
Free!

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Jun27

Nature Center Adventures

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Jul 4

Historic New York: Fort Totten

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

11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the significance of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, the Battle of Brooklyn, and the circumstances of the prisoners’ internment on the prison ships.
Free!

Must See
Event

Jul 4

Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse

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

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to its current site in 1921, has become widely known as the children's literary landmark "The Little Red Lighthouse".
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Jul 6

at Marine Park, Brooklyn

6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camp overnight in Brooklyn's largest park! Participants are selected by lottery. Registration opens June 26.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Jul 7

The Explorer’s Club: Eastchester Bay Cleanup

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

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a beach cleanup of Eastchester Bay while learning about coastal ecology.
Free!

Jul 7

Manhattan Gardening Club: Midsummer Growth

at 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Discover gardening made easy. Whether you are a new gardener or an experienced one, we can help you learn how to grow and maintain your garden.
Free!

Jul 7

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

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Join us for free overnight camping at Wolfe's Pond Park at Staten Island's south shore. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 3.
Free!

Must See
Event

Jul12

Family Camping: Manhattan

at Central Park, Manhattan

7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 3.
Free!

Must See
Event

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

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Jul14

Park of the Month: Basic Canoeing at Golden Pond

at Golden Pond (in Crocheron Park), Queens

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Few experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. Basic canoe programs are great for all skill levels. Children aged 8 and older are welcome.
Free!

Jul14

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

Must See
Event

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

6:00 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 Wednesday, July 10.
Free!

Must See
Event

Jul20

Historic New York: Brooklyn Heights Sunset History Hike

at Pier 1 Entrance (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Explore the history of Brooklyn Heights while observing a sunset with amazing and iconic views. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens in July 10.
Free!

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Jul21

Archery

at Willowbrook Park, Staten Island

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This program is a beginner's introduction to the sport of archery. Ages 8 and older. Participants are chosen via lottery. Registration opens on July 10.
Free!

6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camp overnight in Brooklyn's largest park! Participants selected by lottery. Registration opens on July 10.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Discover gardening made easy. Whether you are a new gardener or an experienced one, we can help you learn new things and grow your garden.
Free!

Jul27

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

8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Jul28

Living with Urban Coyotes

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

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This program will teach participants about the basics of coyote biology and the best tips for coexisting with coyotes in our urban environment.
Free!

Jul28

The New York City Naturalist Club: Midsummer Botany Walk

at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fort Tryon Park is home to one of the most diverse plant ecosystem the city has to offer. Explore this park and its flowers in summer bloom.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Sleep under the stars! Camp overnight in the park with the Urban Park Rangers. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 24.
Free!

Must See
Event

Best For
Kids

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Aug 4

Naturalist Walk

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

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
View the forest from the perspective of a naturalist as you walk with the Urban Park Rangers along the 1.4-mile nature trail named in honor of longtime Bronx resident and naturalist Cass Gallagher.
Free!

Aug 4

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

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camp overnight in Staten Island's wild side! Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 31.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Nature Center Adventure programs include scavenger hunts, nature crafts and games, and getting up close and personal with our nature center animals.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Urban Park Rangers

Email Updates

Celebrating 40 Years

Urban Park Rangers Events

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

at Corner of East Houston Street and Chrystie Street (in Sara D. Roosevelt Park), Manhattan

Thursday, June 27, 2019

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

Friday, June 28, 2019

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

Saturday, June 29, 2019

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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

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

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

Sunday, June 30, 2019

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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

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

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island

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

at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan

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

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

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

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