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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
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Disc-golfering Your Park
at Upper Highland Playground (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Let your competitive spirit soar, both athletically and intellectually as you adventure through Highland Park’s Disc Golf Course while answering nature trivia at each stop.
Free!
Historic New York: From Streets to Skateparks
at Coleman Playground, Manhattan 
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a one‑mile historic walk through the Lower East Side and Chinatown to explore the evolution of skateboarding in New York City.
Free!
Urban Wildlife: The Big City Trio
at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a lighthearted look at pigeons, rats, and squirrels, the everyday animals that give our neighborhoods a little extra personality
Free!
Kids
Creatures of the Night: Bats
at Cedar Grove Avenue and Cedar Grove Court (in Great Kills Park), Staten Island
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
As the night falls, our fuzzy bat companion rises. Let the Urban Park Rangers be your guide as we learn more about these precious winged friends.
Free!
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Prehistoric New York
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Take a trip back in time with the Urban Park Rangers as we hike through Pelham Bay Park discussing the lay of the land in prehistoric times.
Free!
Autumn Meditation Hike
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On World Mental Health Day, release some stress as the Rangers guide you through meditation activities amongst reclaimed grasslands.
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at 125th Street and Marginal Street (in West Harlem Piers), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a morning of fishing the Hudson River with views of the historic Manhattanville shoreline.
Free!
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Hispanic Heritage Month: Revolutions Across the Americas
at Central Lawn (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a discussion on the history of independence movements throughout the Americas in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Free!
It's A Horse of Course Hike and Greet
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Meet and greet our Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit. Learn more about the gentle giants that patrol our parks. Rangers will also teach about some of the local flora and fauna.
Free!
Historic Harlem Parks Super Hike
at Manhattan Avenue and West 110th Street (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike from Morningside Park through St. Nicholas Park and ending at the Northern tip of Jackie Robinson Park.
Free!
Historic New York: Vaudeville Stars of the Evergreens Cemetery
at Evergreen Cemetery Entrance (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in exploring one of Brooklyn’s hidden gems, the Evergreen Cemetery.
Free!
Nature In A Warming World
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!
The Myth of Joe Two Trees
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a discussion about the Bronx classic The Last Algonquin while hiking through where the book is set, Pelham Bay Park!
Free!
Creatures of the Night: Bats
at Entrance - 215th Place and 33rd Road (in Crocheron Park), Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
As the night falls, our fuzzy bat companion rises. Let the Urban Park Rangers be your guide as we learn more about these precious winged friends.
Free!
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 28
Free!
Monday, October 12, 2026
Indigenous People Day: The Siwanoy
at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Hike with the Urban Park Rangers along the Siwanoy Trail and learn about the Siwanoy’s history and way of life.
Free!
Tuesday, October 13, 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 30.
Free!
Friday, October 16, 2026
Open House New York: Gravesend Cemetery
at Gravesend Cemetery, Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this landmarked cemetery that was established by Lady Deborah Moody in 1643 and is home to graves of early settlers and founding families.
Free!
Family Camping: Bronx
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in 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. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday October 5.
Free!
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Open House New York: Grand Army Plaza
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the Prospect Park Alliance for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza. Registration only through Open House New York.
Free!
Healthy Hike
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a relaxing, easy walk along the paved paths of Silver Lake Park.
Free!
Historic New York: Italian Heritage Walk
at Front Lawn (in De Matti Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Follow along as we walk and talk about some important figures from historical explorers to pop culture phenomena, as well as engage with some activities familiar to Italian tradition.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Historic New York: Orchard Beach
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a journey through time and learn the history of Pelham Bay Park’s Orchard Beach!
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 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!
Open House 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!
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Open House New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 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. Register at ohny
Free!
Historic New York: Sylvan Grove Cemetery
at Victory Boulevard and Alberta Avenue (in Sylvan Grove Cemetery), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries of Staten Island for an in‑depth look at one of Staten Island’s historic burial grounds
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Pelham Bay Park by Bike Tour
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a 9-mile bike ride through Pelham Bay Park that is almost entirely on dedicated bike trails. Bring water and a snack!
Free!
Open House New York: Ecology Park
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at Ecology Park to learn about habitat restoration and ecological improvement. Register at Open House New York.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 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!
Open House New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure. Open access from 1pm to 2:45pm.
Free!
Nocturnal Insects Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an evening of nocturnal insect exploration and learn about the many different insect species that emerge as sun begins to set earlier!
Free!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Birding: Fall Migration
at Beach 54th and Almeda Avenue (in Rockaway Community Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exclusive tour of the closed Edgemere Landfill to find bird species migrating through this grassland ecosystem.
Free!
Nature Exploration and Restoration
at Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to walk along the newly opened trails of Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, recently restored by hundreds of volunteers and stewards.
Free!
Tiny Dwellings in the Heritage Garden
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands‑on garden workshop. Rangers will share tips on growing native plants in New York City and highlight the stories hidden within this greenspace.
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!
Corn Husk Crafts
at Multi-Use Room - 2nd Fl (in Sorrentino Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Be creative while learning to create traditional dolls out of corn husks.
Free!
Kids
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!
Fantasy Forest Immersive Hike: Alien Visitors
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Follow a theatrical story told by the Rangers as we traverse “there and back again” into the forest, leaving reality behind and chasing a land of local lore..
Free!
Autumn Starfest
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) at the annual Autumn Starfest.
Free!
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Fall Foliage Canoeing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a calm autumn paddle with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore seasonal colors and along the Prospect Park Lake. Ages 8 and up. First come, first served.
Free!
Celtic Halloween Tree Tales
at Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Halloween season with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the Celtic origins of the holiday and the traditions that shaped it. Costumes encouraged
Free!
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!
Geology: Central Park Rocks!
at Harlem Meer (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of the geology of Central Park and the way that geology shaped how the park was constructed.
Free!
Great Trees of Tompkins Square Park
at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (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 fall
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Orienteering and Navigation Skills
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Orienteering is an adventurous map sport in which a participant uses maps of a landscape to find a series of locations on a course, combining hiking and navigation skills.
Free!
Nocturnal Creatures and Wildlife Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of nighttime insects and other nocturnal forest creatures. Meet organisms that only come out at night and how to best observe them
Free!
Nocturnal Seining and Shore Exploration
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore what creatures live below the waves at night in the intertidal zone of the East River.
Free!
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