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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: 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!
Nature Center Adventures
This summer, join our Adventure Guides for some wild fun at our nature centers! Kids and families can join us for up close and personal explorations of the natural world.
Urban Park Rangers Events
Saturday, August 17, 2019
The Explorer's Club: Navigating The Woods
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers while we map and navigate parts of New York City’s largest park and earn a navigation stamp.
Free!
BioBlitz Nature Walk
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island 
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we walk through Blue Heron Park while researchers conduct a BioBlitz, surveying the park’s flora and fauna.
Free!
Event
Canoeing (Intermediate)
at Canoe Launch Point on Norton Avenue and B36th Street (in Bayswater Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The rhythm of the waves, the sun on your face, and the exhilaration of slicing through the water all add up to an experience you’ll never forget.
Free!
White Island Sunset Canoe Trip (Advanced)
at Marine Park, Brooklyn
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Explore the waters of Gerritsen Creek and paddle by this special island where only wildflowers and wild birds reside. Prior canoe experience required. Registration ends on August 10.
Free!
Event
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Fort Totten Fair Adventure Quest
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This challenge leads teams through the park on a part scavenger hunt, part walking tour that combines easy physical challenges, photo clues, and searches while testing your park knowledge.
Free!
Event
'Over The Hill' Hilltop Hike: Tallapoosa Point
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Please note: Registration has ended.
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at Eton Place and Richmond Avenue (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
First-come, first-serve. For ages 8 years old and up. Line may close prior to scheduled program end time due to demand.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Dyes and Plant Oil Workshop
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
You will learn how to identify the fruits, seeds, and leaves of local plants to use in dyes. Learn how to extract dyes from a variety of plants to create natural colors.
Free!
The New York City Naturalist Club: The Ramble
at East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they guide you to just a few of the many birds, reptiles, and mammals that call New York City home.
Free!
Event
Friday, August 23, 2019
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Willowbrook Park, Staten Island
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, August 14.
Free!
Event
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Historic New York: Orchard Beach
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Orchard Beach has a rich and significant history dating back to The Great Depression. Take a journey through time and learn about Orchard Beach past and present.
Free!
Queens Park of the Month: Fishing at Brookville Park
at Brookville Boulevard and 147th Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The Queens Park of the Month series features some historical and natural highlights of some local favorite parks.
Free!
Family Camping & Astronomy: Brooklyn
at Marine Park, Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an overnight adventure that includes star gazing. Registration is required.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Manhattan
at Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Sleep under the stars at our free overnight family camping program in the beautiful and majestic Fort Tryon Park! Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration is required.
Free!
Event
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Family Camping: Queens
at Fort Totten Park, Queens
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, August 28.
Free!
Event
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Nature Discovery: Pond Life
at 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Get hands-on in our pond, using dip nets to comb the pond and learn all about these species.
Free!
Kids
Nature Bike Tour
at Sand Lane and Father Capadanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Bike through Brookfield Park while enjoying the vistas and nature. Registration is required. Participants are chosen by lottery.
Free!
The Explorer's Club: Survival Crash Course
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On this fun, family-friendly program you will learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Kids
Basic Canoeing
at Harlem Meer (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Few experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Line to participate may be closed prior to 2:30 p.m. due to demand.
Free!
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Raptor Fest
at East Meadow (in Central Park), Manhattan
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!
Event
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Nature Exploration Hike: Bugs and Butterflies
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City.
Free!
Queens Park of the Month: Idlewild Park
at Idlewild Park at 225th Street (in Idlewild Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This park in southeast Queens is a popular landing location for migrating birds.
Free!
Birding: Fall Migrants
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our park rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
Inwood Rocks! Geology Hike
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
The island of Manhattan is built on three strata know as Manhattan Schist, Inwood Marble, and Fordham Gneiss. Join our Urban Park Rangers on this hike and find out why Manhattan rocks!
Free!
Friday, September 20, 2019
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Prospect Park, Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camping with the Urban Park Rangers and your family is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories. Participants are selected by lottery. Registration opens on Sept 11.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Manhattan
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camp overnight in Inwood Hill Park, home to Manhattan's last remaining natural forest and owls! Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration begins on Wednesday, September 11.
Free!
Event
Saturday, September 21, 2019
East Village Gardens Walk
at Saint Marks Place and Avenue A (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Tour the neighborhood with our Urban Park Rangers, and discover some of these "hidden" gardens that unite local residents.
Free!
Coastal Exploration
at Beach 59th Street Playground (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on Rockaway Beach to explore the ecological diversity of our coastal shorelines.
Free!
Kids
Family Camping: Bronx
at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
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. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on September 11.
Free!
Event
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Prospect Park Super Hike
at Prospect Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. Our moderate hikes are longer, faster-paced hikes on rugged terrain. Registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11
Free!
Event
The New York City Naturalist Club: Fall Migration
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Queens Park of the Month: Idlewild Birding by Canoe Adventure
at Idlewild Park, Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a peaceful paddle in the wetlands of Jamaica Bay and view the incredible birds in this habitat. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on September 11.
Free!
Ecosystem Explorers: Micro-Ecosystems
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Be an explorer with the Urban Park Rangers as we venture into habitats that exist in New York City Parks!
Free!
Kids
Birding Along the Bronx River Foodway
at Inside the park at Bruckner Boulevard (in Concrete Plant Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a walk through Concrete Plant Park and learn about the Foodway while discovering the birds in your community.
Free!
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Nature Exploration Hike: Seton Falls Park
at East 233 Street and Baychester Avenue (in Seton Falls Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join our Urban Park Rangers on a hike through the Grand Canyon of the Bronx! Our Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City parks.
Free!
Event
Saltwater Fishing
at East 10th Street and FDR Drive (in John V. Lindsay East River Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Catch-and-release fishing is a great way to get outdoors and discover nature. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Kids
Family Camping: Queens
at Alley Pond Park, Queens
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 begins on Wednesday, September 18.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Blue Heron Park Preserve (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camp overnight in Staten Island's wild side! Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration ends on August 3.
Free!
Event
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Jamaica Bay Greenway Bike Tour
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Bike along Jamaica Bay while enjoying the sights and sounds of fall. ?Tour will end back at meeting location.
Free!
Sunset and S'mores
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers lead you on this sunset hike through Van Cortlandt Park. Afterward, participants will be treated to s'mores over an open fire. Registration is required.
Free!
Kids
Nocturnal Wildlife Hike
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they search for some of the lesser-seen creatures of the night. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday, September 18
Free!
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