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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
Friday, July 28, 2017
Family Camping and Early Morning Birding
at Inwood Hill Park , Manhattan
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family.
Free!
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Birding: Osprey Watch
at Avenue U and East 33rd Street (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.
–11:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: 10 Year Anniversary Extravaganza
at
Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens 
10:00 a.m.
–2:00 p.m.
Join us as we open our doors and host a free day with our most popular feature: the zip line!
Free!
Event
Nature Center Adventures
at
Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park) , Staten Island
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Ranger's Choice: Idlewild Birding by Canoe Excursion (Advanced)
at
Idlewild Park
, Queens
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
On this program, enjoy a paddle in the wetlands of Jamaica Bay and view the incredible birds of this habitat.
Free!
Event
Nature Center Adventures
at
Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
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!
Kids
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!
Kids
Family Camping: Staten Island
at
Blue Heron Park Preserve (in Blue Heron Park) , Staten Island
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Family Camping programs take place in all five boroughs, but space is limited and families are chosen by lottery.
Free!
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at
Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
10:00 a.m.
–11:30 a.m.
Come learn about Fort Totten, a historic former army base in Northeast Queens that is now a public park with spectacular views and majestic buildings.
Free!
Event
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 July 24.
Free!
Kids
Highbridge Park History
at 165th Street and Edgecombe Avenue
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Named after New York City's oldest bridge, Highbridge Park is home to an unusual geologic makeup and an early engineering marvel that greet visitors who stroll in the pathways north and south.
Free!
Event
Living with Urban Coyotes
at
Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Intermediate Canoeing
at Paerdegat Avenue North and 11th Street
11:00 a.m.
–1:00 p.m.
Experienced canoe paddlers can enjoy this Urban Park Ranger-led program. All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Some experience is preferred; first-come, first-served.
Free!
Event
Nature Center Adventures
at
Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park) , Staten Island
12:00 p.m.
–1:00 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!
Kids
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. Register on July 24.
Free!
Nature Center Adventures
at
Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park) , Bronx
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
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!
Kids
Nature Center Adventures
at
Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
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!
Kids
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!
Kids
Friday, August 4, 2017
Family Camping: Fort Totten, Queens
at Fort Totten Park , Queens
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 26.
Free!
Event
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Family Camping: Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
at Pelham Bay Park , Bronx
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on Juy 26.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Wolfe's Pond Park, Staten Island
at Wolfe's Pond Park , Staten Island
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 26
Free!
Event
Ranger's Choice: Little Red Lighthouse Lantern Tour
at
Fort Washington Park
, Manhattan
8:00 p.m.
–9:30 p.m.
Join us as we explore this unique landmark at night. Space is limited and participants are chosen via lottery. Register on July 26.
Free!
Event
Astronomy
at Owl's Head Park House (in Owl's Head Park) , Brooklyn
8:00 p.m.
–9:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!
Sunday, August 6, 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 July 31.
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at
Harlem Meer (in Central Park) , Manhattan
12:00 p.m.
–3:00 p.m.
Basic Canoeing programs are great for all skills levels. Canoe programs are limited to ages 8 years and older. Program is first-come, first-served. Due to demand, line may close prior to end time.
Free!
Intermediate Canoeing
at
Burnett Street and Avenue U (in Marine Park) , Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.
–3:00 p.m.
Some experience is required. Canoe programs are limited to ages 8 years and older. Program is first-come, first-served. Due to demand, line may close prior to end time.
Free!
Living with Urban Coyotes
at
Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park) , Queens
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 in the urban jungle.
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. Register opens on July 31.
Free!
Friday, August 11, 2017
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Conference House Park , Staten Island
7:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 2.
Free!
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Basic Canoeing
at
Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park) , Bronx
11:00 a.m.
–2:00 p.m.
Few experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. Program is for ages 8 years and older. First-come, First-served. The line may close prior to 2:00 p.m. due to demand.
Free!
Historic New York: Astoria Park Highlights
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers specialize in interpreting historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city's long history.
Free!
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at
Prospect Park
, Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 2.
Free!
Inwood Golden Hour Photography Hike (Light)
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park) , Manhattan
6:30 p.m.
–8:00 p.m.
Explore the beauty of Inwood Hill Park as it basks in the summer sun. Bring your own camera or smartphone.
Free!
Sunday, August 13, 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 7.
Free!
Birding in Central Park
at
Belvedere Castle (in Central Park) , Manhattan
10:00 a.m.
–11:30 a.m.
Go birding with the Urban Park Rangers in Central Park. To enhance your experience we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides, or ask a park ranger to borrow a pair.
Free!
Freshwater Fishing
at
Van Cortlandt Golf House (in Van Cortlandt Park) , Bronx
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
You can try to hook a pumpkinseed sunfish, carp or chain pickerel. This program is recommended for ages 8 years and older. Participation is first-come, first-served.
Free!
Kids
Canoeing (Intermediate)
at Beach 35th Street and Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park) , Queens
11:00 a.m.
–12:30 p.m.
Some canoe experience is preferred for intermediate programs. First-come, first-served. The line to participate may be closed prior to 12:30 p.m., due to demand.
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 7.
Free!
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Seining
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park) , Queens
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
Get ready to get your hands wet as seining programs use nets to catch fish. Participation is first-come, first-served. Program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Kids
Family Camping: Bronx
at Van Cortlandt Park , Bronx
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 August 9.
Free!
Family Camping: Manhattan
at
Central Park
, Manhattan
6:00 p.m.
–7:00 a.m.
Space is limited and families are chosen by lottery. To enter your family in the lottery, please register August 9.
Free!
Ranger's Choice: Gather Around the Campfire
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park) , Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.
–8:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers around a campfire for an evening of games, songs, and fun activities. Space is limited. Registration opens on August 9.
Free!
Kids
Nocturnal Wildlife
at
Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park) , Staten Island
8:00 p.m.
–9:30 p.m.
What lurks around at night? Find out as the Urban Park Rangers lead a hike through Blue Heron under the cover of darkness.
Free!
Sunday, August 20, 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 14.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike (Light)
at Oakland Lake (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens
1:00 p.m.
–2:30 p.m.
On our hikes, you can gain orienteering skills, explore our city’s rich history, or just take an hour to unplug from the world.
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 14.
Free!
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, 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!
Kids
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