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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
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Nature's Workshop: Nature Puppet Making and Puppet Show
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Use your imagination, craft your puppet’s personality, and share fun stories with new friends. All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and a sense of adventure!
Free!
Kids
Nature's Workshop: Nature Wreath Making
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we create beautiful wreaths made from upcycled natural materials. All crafting materials will be provided. Registration opens Nov 30.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Wreath Making
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we create beautiful wreaths made from upcycled natural materials. All crafting materials will be provided.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Firemaking
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands-on lesson in campfire building and safety
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue (in St. Nicholas Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through the trees of St. Nicholas Park and learn how to identify trees without their leaves using the three B’s: branching, buds, and bark!
Free!
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Gather Around the Winter Campfire
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers around the campfire for a peaceful moment in nature as we reflect on the season and look ahead to the new year.
Free!
Magnetic Archery
at Lawn Area (in Owl's Head Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 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. Ages 8+
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
Free!
Nature Book Club
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore nature-themed books such as Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Take a book, leave a book.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Winter Wilderness Survival
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn all about how to prepare and survive outdoors during the colder winter temperatures.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a wintery tour of our cherished old growth forests and learn how to identify different trees after their leaves have dropped for the season.
Free!
Winter Tree ID: The Pinetum
at Entrance - 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through the Arthur Ross Pinetum and learn about some evergreen trees!
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Hart Island Tour (North 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 on Wednesday, December 2nd.
Free!
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free!
Hiking Club Series: John Muir Trail
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This hike will take you through the scenic landscapes of Van Cortlandt on the John Muir Trail as we search for wildlife and observe seasonal changes.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Animal Adaptations
at Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Holiday Tea Time
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season with the Urban Park Rangers as we brew natural teas and explore the cultural traditions behind them. Registration required. Registration opens Monday December 7.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Winter Nature Crafts
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the winter season with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore nature‑based craft traditions from Nordic cultures.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to witness the harbor seals in their natural habitat off the shore of Orchard Beach and learn about these incredible marine mammals and their fascinating be
Free!
Birding: Winter Birds
at Bocce Courts (in Bowne Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we walk around Bowne Park and see some of our local or not so local winter flyers. Learn about how birds survive harsh temperatures.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire: Nature Story Time
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for storytime around the campfire. Rangers will be reading children’s books related to the natural world.
Free!
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Birding: Winter Birds
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the park identifying various birds that stick around for the winter and some that might fly through on their journey south
Free!
Animal Adaptations: Tails and Teeth
at High Street Entrance (in John E. White Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of how animals use their tails and teeth to survive in the wild.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Advanced Firemaking
at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
What can you use to build a fire? Explore this site as we search for different materials to use as kindling and learn advanced techniques to build an outdoor fire.
Free!
Winter Solstice Evergreen Tree ID Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Leave the tinsel at home and lace up your boots and stockings for this fun tour of the trees that never quit photosynthesizing, even when the days are at their shortest!
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Handmade Holiday Ornaments
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover how nature can inspire your holiday traditions. Craft your own unique ornaments using natural materials.
Free!
Prehistoric New York
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Travel back thousands of years as we uncover the giants that once roamed New York and trace the powerful glacial forces that shaped this rugged landscape.
Free!
Kids
The Wonders of Winter
at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a calm, family-friendly outing and learn how nature continues to thrive all around us, even in winter’s quiet.
Free!
Kids
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Learn the essentials of starting and maintaining a campfire and afterwards enjoy s’mores around the fire to celebrate the end of the celestial year
Free!
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Birding: Winter Birds
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the park identifying various birds that stick around for the winter and some that might fly through on their journey south
Free!
Gather Around the Holiday Campfire
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers around the campfire for some storytelling and a wonderful fire to warm up from the cold.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Winter Landscape Watercolor Painting
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Get inspired by the changing seasons and let the colors of winters flow in your artwork. The Urban Park Rangers will provide the supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Take a stroll and spot some of our colorful fowl feathered friends. Beginner friendly.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Play Area (in Poppenhusen Playground), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join NYC’s Urban Park Ranger and hear tales of NYC’s urban wildlife while enjoying the warmth of a campfire.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Become a “Nature Scene Investigator” and learn the animal-spotting tricks from the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights.
Free!
Sunday, December 27, 2026
Discovery Hike: Winter Wildlife
at Kissena Velodrome Parking Lot (in Kissena Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the residents of NYC Parks and how they are toughing through the winter months.
Free!
The Wonders of Winter
at De Matti Playground (in De Matti Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a calm, family-friendly outing and learn how nature continues to thrive all around us, even in winter’s quiet.
Free!
Kids
Winter Wonderland Hike
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
oin the Urban Park Rangers on a brisk nature walk in winter and discover the science of winter weather and what it means for local flora and fauna.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
Free!
Central Park Benches Highlights Hike
at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we discuss park design through an often overlooked but always appreciated feature - the park bench.
Free!
Seasonal Plants of the Holiday Season
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the iconic plants that shape winter holiday traditions.
Free!
Monday, December 28, 2026
Kids Week: Meet the Nature Center Critters
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Even when school's out, our parks are still the city's natural classroom! From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Rock Salt and Watercolor Painting
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 for a creative winter art workshop inspired by the natural world.
Free!
Kids Week: Fire Making
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers atop Fort Greene and learn the basics of fire safety and fire making.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Fire Making
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers atop Fort Greene and learn the basics of fire safety and fire making.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Stretch and Play
at Queensbridge Park House (in Queensbridge Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Reach like trees, flutter like butterflies, and hop like frogs in this interactive movement session inspired by the plants and animals around us.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Kids Week: Build a Nature Birdfeeder
at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about winter birds in your neighborhood and what they like to eat. Build your very own bird feeder from natural and recycled materials.
Free!
Kids
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