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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 24, 2026
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island 
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. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday July 13
Free!
Saturday, July 25, 2026
City of Water Day with Friends of Inwood Hill Park
at Inwood Hill Nature Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friends of Inwood Hill Park is joining the Waterfront Alliance for another year to bring waterside programming to Inwood Hill Park alongside some of our favorite partner organizations!
Free!
Event
City of Water Day: Island Hopping Canoeing Excursion
at Canoe and Kayak Launch (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Spend an afternoon exploring the islands that surround the Orchard Beach estuary by canoe. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday July 13.
Free!
Event
City of Water Day: Boardwalk Tidal Tales
at Poseidon Playground, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Let’s talk about intersections between land and shore at the most culturally active settlement at the mouth of the New York Harbor!
Free!
Event
City of Water Day: Saltwater Fishing
at Entrance-West Street and Greenpoint Avenue (in WNYC Transmitter Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
City of Water Day: Silver Lake
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Celebrate City of Water Day with the Urban Park Rangers. Learn how Silver Lake supports local wildlife and connects to New York City’s larger water system.
Free!
Event
Celebrate Shorebirds
at Boardwalk at Beach 60th Street (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Learn more about the shorebirds that nest at Rockaway Beach and how we can support a healthy living environment.
Free!
Event
City of Water Day: Salt Marsh Exploration
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers for a special City of Water Day celebration with a guided walk along the Muscota Marsh.
Free!
Event
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Event
Discovery Hike: Staten Island's Shoreline
at Chester Avenue and Huguenot Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn how to identify things found on our shoreline including rocks, fossils, seashells and sea glass.
Free!
Event
Trees Count at Soundview Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Entrance - Metcalf Avenue and Seward Avenue (in Soundview Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
Event
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Afternoon Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs-Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Afternoon program registration takes place from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Event
Birding by Canoe Excursion
at Spring Creek Dock (in Fresh Creek Nature Preserve), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us for birdwatching on the water. Experienced paddlers, ages 8+
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn a new skill and take up a new hobby as we help you identify some of the most common birds found in our parks. Beginners of all ages are welcome.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: The Highbridge Water Tower
at West 174 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this restored structure. Arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m, to gain admittance. Registration is not required.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Queens
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
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. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday July 13.
Free!
Tuesday, July 28, 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, July 15, 2026
Free!
Event
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Intermediate Canoeing
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Participants must have prior canoeing experience. First come, first served.
Free!
Event
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Basic Canoeing and Nature Exploration
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. Ages 8 and up
Free!
Event
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Basic Canoeing
at Oakland Lake (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. Ages 8 and up
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Sandcastles and Beachcombing
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On National Sandcastle Day, explore how sand and water work together to make strong sandcastles and try fun experiments on the beach.
Free!
Event
Salt Marsh Ecology Hike
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an interactive walk exploring how the landscape and ecology of Marine Park has been shaped by landfill.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure.
Free!
Event
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn the art of archery with free lessons taught by our expert Urban Park Rangers. This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows and targets. All equipment provided.
Free!
Event
Seining
at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Our experienced Urban Park Rangers teach the ecology of our waterways on every seining program. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Event
Accessible Nature Hike: Sparrows and Shorebirds
at Sunset Cove Park Entrance (in Sunset Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Enjoy a picturesque view of the New York City skyline from across Jamaica Bay from the newly built accessibility viewing platform
Free!
Event
Find a Friend In Nature Hike
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike to celebrate National Friendship Day. Invite a friend or be open to making new ones!
Free!
Event
Microorganisms Exploration
at Paerdegat Park Lawn (in Paerdegat Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
View the natural world with your own eyes and through microscopes, as we zoom in on micro-organisms that are a vital part of our pond ecosystem.
Free!
Event
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Afternoon Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs-Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Afternoon program registration takes place from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Event
Before the Aqueduct: NYC’s Toxic Wells and Lost Pond
at Lafayette Street and Franklin Street (in Collect Pond Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what stood here before the square? Join the Urban Park Rangers and dive into the hidden history of Collect Pond and NYC’s early water woes.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Ridgewood Reservoir
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC's Urban Park Rangers and for a walk at the Ridgewood Reservoir highlighting the history, ecology and engineering of this cultural treasure.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Bronx
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday July 20
Free!
Event
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Nature Book Club
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a monthly discussion of a nature-themed book. This month's book will be Inheritors of the Earth by Chris D. Thomas.
Free!
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Archery and Nature Exploration
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older. We will also explore the flora and fauna of Willowbrook Park. Lottery registration opens Monday July 27.
Free!
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Invasive Plant Removal and Native Plant ID Hike
at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Put on you hiking boots with the Urban Park Rangers as we hike along a stream and learn about the unique plants that make up this ecosystem.
Free!
Medicinal Plant ID Walk
at Westchester Avenue and Edgewater Road (in Concrete Plant Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Plants have been used for medicinal benefits for centuries. Learn about the benefits and to identify medicinal plants along the Bronx River Foodway with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Nature Story Time
at Indian Field, East 233rd Street and Jerome Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and their puppet friends for stories inspired by nature!
Free!
Kids
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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!
Plant ID Walk and Removal
at Aurora Pond (in Udalls Park Preserve), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for useful tips on non-native plant ID and very rewarding non-native plant removal activities. Tools will be provided.
Free!
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
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. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday July 27.
Free!
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Buzzin' for Bugs Insect Exploration Walk
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the mosaic of habitats present in this historic Forever Wild Preserve as we catch bugs, discuss life cycles, seasonal changes, and adaptations in the insect world.
Free!
Chalk on the Wild Side
at Play Area (in Clawson Playground), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the Urban Wildlife of Staten Island and be ready to get artistic! Patrons will be encouraged to utilize chalk to draw out an ideal ecosystem for various different animals.
Free!
Kids
Dog Days of Summer Hike
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Bring your pooch and beat the heat by hiking the trails under Van Cortlandt Park’s majestic canopy! All dogs and dog lovers welcomed.
Free!
Prehistoric New York
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn more about which prehistoric species may have been found in this area during different time periods.
Free!
Kids
Saltwater Fishing
at Entrance-West Street and Greenpoint Avenue (in WNYC Transmitter Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Afternoon Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs-Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Afternoon program registration takes place from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Trees Count at J. Hood Wright Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Entrance - West 173rd Street and Fort Washington Avenue (in J. Hood Wright Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
Trees Count at Mauro Playground (Flushing Meadows Corona Park) with the Urban Park Rangers
at Park Drive East and 73rd Street (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
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