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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
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Monthly Nature Exploration Hike Series
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a monthly hike exploring Inwood Hill Park. The hike will begin at the Inwood Hill Nature Center. This month’s hike will focus on late-summer plants.
Free!
Saturday, September 12, 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. Registration required. Registration opens Monday August 31.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Rutland Road and Brooklyn Avenue (in Wingate Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
Outdoor Skills: Water in the Wilderness
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn how to find, collect, and safely use water in the wild. Perfect for anyone looking to build confidence and stay prepared in real wilderness conditions.
Free!
Trees Count at Socrates Sculpture Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Entrance - Vernon Boulevard and Broadway (in Socrates Sculpture Park), Queens
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! Registration is required. Registration begins on August 22.
Free!
Nature Puppet Show
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Sunset Park Finntown
at Central Lawn (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Explore the history of the Finnish enclave that thrived around Sunset Park in the early to mid 20th century.
Free!
Family Camping: Bronx
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay 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. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday August 31
Free!
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Seining
at Bayview Avenue and Johnston Terrace (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.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!
Magnetic Archery
at Playground (Linden Playground) (in Park Of The Americas), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 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!
Heather Garden Highlights
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a stroll through the beautiful Heather Garden as we appreciate the flowers, park history, and bird activity. Celebrate the start of autumn!
Free!
The Ecology of Van Cortlandt Park: Past to Present
at Van Cortlandt House Museum (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, and Van Cortlandt House Museum for a special collaborative tour, digging into this fascinating topic.
Free!
Insect Exploration and Identification
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands-on exploration of the insect world. Learn how to safely and responsibly catch insects for study and release them into the wild.
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at Steeplechase Pier (in Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk), Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s shores
Free!
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Hart Island Tour (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 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 on Wednesday September 2
Free!
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Senior Community Day
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 to explore the Inwood Hill Nature Center and build community. This month's Senior Community Day will be a natural dye making day.
Free!
Friday, September 18, 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 September 7
Free!
Family Camping: Queens
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
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 September 7.
Free!
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Trees Count at Spring Creek Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Gateway Drive and Vandalia Avenue (in Spring Creek Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! Registration is required. Registration begins on August 29.
Free!
Birding: Fall Migration
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Highland Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Habitat Hike: Animal Architects
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers for a habitat hike and learn about the process of construction and design behind animal architecture.
Free!
Hidden Gems of Staten Island: Jones Woods Park
at Entrance – Franklin Avenue and Arnold Avenue (in Jones Woods Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. Join the Urban Park Rangers as we hike through the Jones Woods Park.
Free!
Hispanic Heritage Month: Latin Music Roots in Nature
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about some of the ways nature is used to craft instruments such as strings, woodwinds and percussion. Instruments featured will be guitar from Spain, congas, claves and more
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Raptor Fest
at Foch Boulevard and 155th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Experience the thrill of viewing New York’s premier predators live and up close, including eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, and more!
Free!
Event
Wednesday, September 23, 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, September 26, 2026
Birding: Fall Migration
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Pelham Bay Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Coastal Exploration and Clean Up
at Hylan Boulevard and Edgewater Street (in Alice Austen Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about the ecological importance of New York Harbor to humans and wildlife. give back to the planet with a shoreline trash clean-up.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Inwood Hill Park and find out what plants and animals call this Forever Wild site home.
Free!
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Hispanic Heritage Month: Monarch Migration
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with NYC Parks! The Urban Park Rangers lead the way as we interpret the journey of the monarch butterfly.
Free!
Seining and Shore Exploration
at Beach 32 and the Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Using a seine net, we will sample the shallow waters to discover fish, crabs, and other marine creatures living just offshore.
Free!
Autumn Wildflower ID Walk
at Lawn Area (in Bushwick Inlet Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Watch pollinators preparing for winter and learn about how asters and other fall flowers are beneficial and beautiful parts of our local ecosystem.
Free!
Kids
Beginner Fishing
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways. All equipment will be provided. Recommended for ages 8 and older.
Free!
Birding: Fall Migration
at West 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Riverside Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Tuesday, September 29, 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, September 16, 2026
Free!
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Urban Wildlife: Raccoons
at Playground (in Rufus King Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in honor of International Raccoon Appreciation Day to learn more about this adaptable and resourceful species.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as they hike up the hills of the Bronx-Pelham Landfill, a site closed off to the public.
Free!
City of Forest Day Hike
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Celebrate City of Forest Day with NYC Parks. Soak up the vast adventure the park has to offer as we explore its flora and fauna.
Free!
City of Forest Day: A Great Tree in a Great Forest
at Independence Ave & W 232nd Street (in Raoul Wallenberg Forest), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to celebrate City of Forest Day in this restored urban forest.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Forest Restoration Walk
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers, Forest Park Trust, and Natural Areas Conservancy on a hike to learn some forest health Registration is required. Registration begins on Monday September 21.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Park Stewardship
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for City of Forest Day and help care for the woodlands of Allison Pond Park.
Free!
46th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair
at Hattie Carthan Community Garden, Brooklyn , Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us & GreenThumb community gardeners in celebrating the start of fall! Register to participate in our Fresh Chef Contest and sign up to volunteer with us at Harvest Fair!
Free!
Kids
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 the Urban Park Rangers!
Free!
Kids
City of Forest Day: Great Trees of Inwood Hill Park
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the benefits trees provide to our urban environment as we enjoy the shade and identify many of our native trees.
Free!
Hispanic Heritage Month: Corona, The Crown of Queens
at Playground (Linden Playground) (in Park Of The Americas), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by looking at what makes Queens the World’s borough as we explore its cultural diversity and unique history.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Woodland Restoration Walk
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Join us on a hike through Marine Park’s coastal woodland restoration areas. Learn about the amazing plant and animal species that rely on this unique and threatened habitat.
Free!
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Basic Canoeing
at Oakland Lake (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.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!
Birding: Fall Migration
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Pelham Bay Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Hispanic Heritage Month: Luminous Luminarias
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by making luminarias, also known as paper lanterns, while learning urban gardening skills.
Free!
Historic New York: Downtown Brooklyn History Super Hike
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike from Fort Greene through Brooklyn Heights. Explore historic sites of early indigenous life and the modern industry of the waterfront.
Free!
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