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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
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Hart Island Tour: Prisoner Justice Day
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for Prisoner Justice Day as we explore the intertwining histories of Hart Island and NYC’s criminal legal system. Lottery registration opens on Wed, July 29
Free!
Wednesday, August 12, 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 trees.
Free!
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Ranger Games
at Indian Field, East 233rd Street and Jerome Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature themed games.
Free!
Kids
Friday, August 14, 2026
Family Camping: Manhattan
at Entrance - West 106th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
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 August 3..
Free!
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Intermediate Canoeing
at Bayview Avenue and Johnston Terrace (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Lottery registration begins Monday August 3.
Free!
Farmhouse Family Day: Summer Fun on the Farm!
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Farm buzzes, chirps and hums to life during the summer! Explore what nature and your neighbors have to offer with nature based crafts and farm fun!
Free!
Kids
Intermediate Canoeing
at Burnett Street and Avenue U (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 
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!
Van Cortlandt Park Eastside Exploration
at Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Come take a walk on the Woodlawn side! The Rangers will lead a hike around the east side of Van Cortlandt Park. The walk will include a little ecology, a little history, and alot of fun
Free!
The Living Forest of Inwood Hill Park
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exploration of the forest from fungal networks that live out of sight in the soil to towering canopies that are hundreds of years old
Free!
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 27.
Free!
Sunday, August 16, 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!
America 250: The Battle of Brooklyn Part 1
at Lawn Area (in John Paul Jones Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Celebrate America 250 with the Urban Park Rangers as we retrace the steps of the British and American troops during the Revolutionary War
Free!
Farmhouse Family Day: Summer Fun on the Farm!
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Farm buzzes, chirps and hums to life during the summer! Explore what nature and your neighbors have to offer with nature based crafts and farm fun!
Free!
Kids
Trees Count at St. Mary's Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Playground West - Play Area (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–2:00 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!
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!
Aquatic Insects Exploration
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore our pond for fun aquatic insects and invertebrates that help keep our NYC ponds and lakes healthy.
Free!
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watch Tower
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. Registration is not required.
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 August 3
Free!
Wednesday, August 19, 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 August 10..
Free!
National Photography Day: Nature Photography
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Whether you have a fancy camera or a just cell phone camera to learn how to frame the natural beauty of summer through the lens. Bring your own camera or smartphone.
Free!
Friday, August 21, 2026
Coastal Ecology: Oysters Monitoring and Stewardship
at Stapleton Waterfront Park (in Stapleton Esplanade), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Oysters and other bivalves act as natural filters for our shores. Learn more about these phenomenal creatures and other marine life at this Billion Oyster Project site along The Narrows
Free!
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Birding: Shorebird Migration
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that migrate to Rockaway Beach every year.
Free!
Orchard Beach Lagoon Birding By Canoe Excursion
at Canoe and Kayak Launch (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Explore the Orchard Beach Lagoon by canoe, including Bartow Creek, as we look for birds that live in this estuarine habitat. Lottery registration opens on Monday August 10.
Free!
Introduction to Fly Fishing
at Entrance - Continental Place and Grandview Avenue (in The Big 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!
Outdoor Skills: Colonial Cooking
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a demonstration of the practices of cooking back in colonial times.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
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!
The Secret Lives of Insects
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 on a walk to learn the important role these fascinating insects play for the environment and humans.
Free!
Sunday, August 23, 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!
America 250: The Battle of Brooklyn Part 2
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Hike from the Patriot front lines at Fort Putnam (today’s Fort Greene) to the ferry landing at Brooklyn Bridge Park where General Washington joined the last of his men retreating.
Free!
Connecting with Nature Through Meditation Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Exploring the elements within and around us those in attendance will gain a greater appreciation for their connection with the natural world.
Free!
Urban Wildlife: Turtles
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk along the John Kieran Trail to learn all about your favorite aquatic reptiles!
Free!
Back to School Species ID Hike
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an end of summer vacation hike.
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!
Seining and Shore Exploration
at Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the shore and get ready to get your hands wet; seining program participants don waders and use large nets to catch fish and other marine life.
Free!
Trees Count at Thomas Jefferson Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Track (in Thomas Jefferson 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!
Tuesday, August 25, 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, August 12, 2026
Free!
Wednesday, August 26, 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
Doggie Day Hike
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
5:00 p.m.–6:30 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!
Friday, August 28, 2026
Family Camping: Manhattan
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill 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. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday August 17..
Free!
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Archery
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older. Lottery registration opens Monday August 17.
Free!
Trees Count at Ferry Point Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Ferry Point Parking Lot- Off of Hutchinson River Parkway (in Ferry Point Park), Bronx
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! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
Insect Exploration: Monarchs and More
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Celebrate summer with the Rangers and hunt for some seasonal insects.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Seashells by the Seashore
at Beach 94th St. Amphitheater (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will introduce you to the natural wonders that wash up on the shores of the city’s beaches and what that means about the ecosystem just beneath the waves.
Free!
Into The Woods Hike
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Hone your naturalist skills by exploring Brooklyn’s oldest forest. Learn all about our beloved native plant, animal, and insect species that call these woods home.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Ballfields (in Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park), Queens
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!
Sunday, August 30, 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!
Urban Wildlife: Diamondback Terrapins
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about the natural history and ecology of diamondback terrapins.
Free!
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. Lottery registration begins on Monday August 17.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Resident Rodents
at Aurora Pond (in Udalls Park Preserve), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers on a hike through Udall’s Cove to search for the elusive muskrat. Learn more about this semi-aquatic species and the other rodents that inhabit New York City.
Free!
Kids
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!
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