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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!
Please note: For everyone's safety, we are asking all participants to observe the following guidelines:
- Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, or if it makes you feel more comfortable
- All individuals should maintain social distancing of six feet during programming, regardless of vaccination status
- Please wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained
- Wash your hands before attending a program
- Stay home if you are sick
Some programs may be modified, rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, health, or safety concerns.
Urban Park Rangers Events
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Basic Canoeing
at Willowbrook Park, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 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. Participants are chosen by lottery.
Free!
Historic New York: Bronx River History
at East 174th Street and Sheridan Boulevard (in Starlight Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided walk along the Bronx River to learn about the rich history behind the formation of the parks through which it flows.
Free!
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Urban Park Rangers!
Free!
Kids
Family Camping: Manhattan
at Central 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. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on July 28-31.
Free!
Event
Gather Around the Campfire
at Rockaway Beach, Queens
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Join us at Rockaway Beach for campfire activities! Learn about campfire safety, and sing along to some fun campfire songs with the Urban Park Rangers. Registration Required.
Free!
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Birding: Early Birding
at Wolfe's Pond Park House (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.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 Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Plants and Pollinators
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they explore the ways pollinators help to beautify Marine Park.
Free!
Great Trees of Astoria Park
at Parking Lot (in Astoria Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about some of the many and varied tree species that can be found in this neighborhood park and learn some ways to identify them on this walk.
Free!
Doggie Day Hike
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Take a stroll through the forest with your four-legged friend on this dog friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Harlem Rocks! Geology Hike
at 110th Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join our park rangers on a geology walk of Harlem to explore the dramatic rock outcroppings. Registration required.
Free!
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Nature Meditation Hike
at Rochester Avenue and Eastern Parkway (in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on our leisurely meditation hike and enjoy the serenity nature offers.
Free!
Staten Island BioBlitz 2021: Pond Ecology
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This community science event will survey some of the biodiversity within the boundaries of Blue Heron Park with the help of scientists, naturalists, educators and the public.
Free!
Event
Nature Exploration: Powell's Cove
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore this unique waterfront park.
Free!
Island Hopping by Canoe (Advanced)
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Spend a day exploring the islands that surround the Orchard Beach Estuary by canoe. Participants are chosen by lottery. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens Aug. 4-7.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
A prominent feature of Marcus Garvey Park and its neighborhood, the historic Mount Morris Fire Watchtower serves as an important landmark for the Harlem community.
Free!
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Orienteering
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on our Orienteering program and learn how to read a compass and map to help guide your way in the forest.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Clove Lakes Park
at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On Nature Exploration Hikes we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Few experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on Aug. 4-7.
Free!
Camping 101
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Thnking about camping soon? Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn everything you need to know to be confident spending your first night in the woods.
Free!
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Intermediate Canoeing
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Space is limited and participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 4-7.
Free!
Monday, August 16, 2021
Monday Morning Pitch-In and Urban Park Ranger Nature Exploration Hike at Inwood Hill Park
at 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Show your park some love and join a Monday Morning Pitch-In! New York City’s parks are being used more than ever before as a result of the pandemic, which often means more litter.
Free!
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Play Mobile and the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Friday, August 20, 2021
Family Camping: Manhattan
at Riverside 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. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on August 11-14.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Queens
at Fort Totten Park, Queens
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 Aug. 11-14.
Free!
Event
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Lake Ecology
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Curious to know what lives in your local lake? The Urban Park Rangers will take you around Van Cortlandt Lake while learning about local ecology.
Free!
Kids
Living with White-Tailed Deer
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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!
White Island Sunset Canoe Excursion (Advanced)
at Marine Park, Brooklyn
5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in the Advanced Level canoeing program as they paddle out to White Island in Marine Park. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens Aug. 11-14.
Free!
Event
Sunday, August 22, 2021
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Fossil Exploration Workshop
at Bush Terminal Park Entrance on 43rd Street (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
The rocks that make up the jetty at Bush Terminal Piers Park are full of tiny fossils. Learn how they formed, how they got to Brooklyn, and see them up close. Registration Required.
Free!
Insect Exploration Hike
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Don't be afraid of getting your hands dirty as we explore high and low in search of amazing insects to discover their important connection to us.
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park, Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
A pristine stretch surrounding a preserved Civil War fortress, Fort Totten Park provides a fascinating glimpse into New York's past. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens Aug. 11-14.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Primitive Survival Skills
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 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!
Kids
Great Trees of Tompkins Square Park
at Saint Marks Place and Avenue A (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Trees have a special place in our environment. Join us for a hike of Tompkins Square Park in search of different species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the summer season.
Free!
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park. Participants chosen by lottery. Registration opens on Aug. 16.
Free!
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Play Mobile and the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Friday, August 27, 2021
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
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 August 18-21.
Free!
Event
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Tree Identification Hike
at 80th Street Entrance (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
If you've ever spent time in the woods, you've probably encountered a tree or two that you can't readily identify. You don't need to be a forestry expert to figure it out.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Maps and Navigational Skills
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike around Crotona Park where you will learn how to read maps and other techniques to reach your destination.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Inwood Hill Park
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On Nature Exploration, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. To enhance your experience, please bring your own binoculars and field guides.
Free!
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Marine Park, Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Camping affords us the opportunity to unplug from the diversions of everyday life and to laugh and play with our families. Registration opens on Aug. 18-22.
Free!
Event
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on Aug. 23.
Free!
Seining
at 3rd Avenue and 147th Street (in Francis Lewis Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for this special seining event! Get up close to fish and other species we net as we explore what lives beneath the surface in the East River.
Free!
Urban Wildlife Hike
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
oin the Rangers to learn about our interesting neighbors, such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, snakes and many more.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike and Cleanup
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers to soak in and maintain the beauty of Pelham Bay Park as we explore nature and clean up along the way.
Free!
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
A prominent feature of Marcus Garvey Park and its neighborhood, the historic Mount Morris Fire Watchtower serves as an important landmark for the Harlem community.
Free!
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication and team building at Alley Pond Park. Participants are chosen by lottery. Registration opens on Monday, Aug 23.
Free!
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Play Mobile and the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Play Mobile and the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground Summer Fun
at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Playground, Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Enjoy fun games and nature and wildlife activities with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
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