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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
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Ranger Tot Time
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of kid friendly activities and exploring the Inwood Hill Nature Center.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at Playground (in Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city!
Free!
Howl-oween Doggie Day Hike
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Dress your pet in a costume and see who's the best. Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx 
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Become a “Nature Scene Investigator” and learn the animal-spotting tricks from the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Autumn Animal Crafts and Exploration
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
No costume? No problem. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands‑on mask‑making activity inspired by the wildlife of Crotona Park
Free!
Kids
Folklore Tales on the Trail Hike
at Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue Entrance (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Gather at the Washington Irving statue and join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike learning about the folklore and history surrounding Sleepy Hollow while enjoying Prospect Park.
Free!
Howl-oween Doggie Day Walk
at Beach Channel Drive and Beach 88th Street (in Bay Breeze Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Dress your pet in a costume and see who's the best. Take a stroll through the park with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Botany
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape History and Ethnobotany
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the ancient tulip tree forest of Inwood Hill Park with the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the Lenape’s deep connection to this landscape.
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Discovery Hike: Micro Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Honey, I shrunk the park! Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the hidden wonders of the microscopic world!
Free!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Queens County Parks Super Hike
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a 15-mile super hike across the borough of Queens! Registration required. Registration opens on Monday October 26
Free!
Birding: Fall Migration
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Salt Marsh Nature Trail to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Fall Foliage Bike Tour
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Discover Staten Island from a new perspective on this guided bicycle adventure with the Urban Park Rangers. Registration required.
Free!
Staten Island North Shore Parks Super Hike
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a quick-paced hike up varying terrains and trails through Snug Harbor, Allison Pond, Goodhue and Jones Woods Park. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Fall Foliage Leaf Art
at Lincoln Terrace Park (in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of fall with the Urban Park Rangers as we collect tree leaves and create colorful leaf art!
Free!
Autumn Eco Crafts and Exploration
at Juniper South Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands-on craft program where we will explore the park to find natural inspiration and create our own unique masterpiece.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Waterfront Ecosystems
at Ward's Island Footbridge (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how tidal flows, native plants, and marsh habitats support wildlife and help sustain New York City’s coastline.
Free!
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Fall Foliage Tree ID Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Discover the beauty of Forest Park on a colorful autumn hike with the Urban Park Rangers. Maple, oak and hickory are some of the most colorful species we will see.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Folktales
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they lead a walk around Snug Harbor to enjoy the beautiful landscape and learn about the Lenape’s traditional practice of oral storytelling.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Orienteering and Geocaching Hike
at Lawn Area (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers on an orienteering based hike where the Rangers will teach you how to read and follow maps which will eventually lead to a geocache with prizes inside.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Early Food Traditions
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Learn how Lenape, Dutch, and English foodways blended to form the city’s earliest culinary culture.
Free!
Historic New York: Vanderbilt Motor Parkway
at 73rd Avenue and Hollis Hills Terrace (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Walk along the historic Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, one of New York's earliest roadways and a corridor that now links several city parks.
Free!
Leaf Peeping in Central Park Hike
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike around the North Woods of Central Park to see some colorful foliage and celebrate fall!
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Create Your Own Nature Field Guide
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Every great explorer needs a guidebook. Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn how field guides help us identify and understand the world around us.
Free!
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Hart Island: Honoring Our Military and Veterans (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the intertwining histories of Hart Island and NYC’s military institutions. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday October 28.
Free!
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Falling for Nature Hike
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the beauty of late autumn on a guided nature walk through Conference House Park.
Free!
Behind The Smile: Animal Adaptations Revealed
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Discover how animal teeth and skulls reveal the secrets of survival in the wild.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Waterfront Ecosystems
at Lawn Area (in Bushwick Inlet Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn how native plants, shoreline habitats, and restored coastal features support wildlife and strengthen the East River waterfront against climate impacts.
Free!
Spooky Staten Island History Hike
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Halloween may be over but the spooky season stays strong! Join the Rangers to explore the weird, spooky and strange in Staten Island’s history.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the ecology of a fall forest and the science of the changing colors all while enjoying one of New York City's flagship parks!
Free!
Hiking Club Series: Sappy Trails
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike exploring the role of sap in tree health and forest ecosystems.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at West 114th Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Try your hand at making a friction fire and building shelters with tarps, knots, and natural materials.
Free!
The Secret Lives of Insects
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk to learn the important role these fascinating insects play for the environment and humans.
Free!
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Audre Lorde Legacy Walk
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers at Silver Lake Park for a community walk celebrating the life and work of Audre Lorde.
Free!
Nature Detective Mystery Adventure
at Brower Park Lawn (in Brower Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of animal tracking and lend the Urban Park Rangers a paw in solving some critter crime scenes! Can you find the culprit?
Free!
Discovery Hike: Urban Mammals
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the wide variety of mammals that live in New York City.
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Discover the history of this Brooklyn landmark that pays tribute to the 11,000 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Inks and Dyes
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of making inks and dyes of different colors using natural materials harvested throughout the year.
Free!
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Hart Island Tour (South Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Free!
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Discovery Hike: Pond and Freshwater Ecology
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Lakes and ponds are thriving habitats to various species of birds, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Orchard Beach Pavilion (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
Free!
Forest Park Super Hike
at The Overlook (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on this lengthy hike of Forest Park. Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Introduction to Fly Fishing
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn how to cast a fly-fishing pole. We will setup a simulated fishing course where you can practice how to cast and reel in your catch.
Free!
Beginner Fishing
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Discover what lives in our local waters and what we can do to keep Baisley Pond healthy and thriving. Ages 8 and up.
Free!
Falling for Nature Hike
at West 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate the beauty of late autumn on a guided nature walk through Central Park.
Free!
Historic New York: Greenpoint Neighborhood History
at Lawn Area - Monitor Street and Driggs Avenue (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided walk through Greenpoint that highlights the neighborhood’s industrial development and the immigrant communities that shaped its growth.
Free!
Living With Urban Coyotes
at Entrance - Mt. Eden Parkway and Morris Avenue (in Claremont Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the basic biology of these super smart and energetic animals.
Free!
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