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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, August 30, 2026
Nature Exploration Hike
at Entrance - Vernon Boulevard and 41st Avenue (in Queensbridge Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the nature hidden under our very noses in this park located on the banks of the East River.
Free!
Trees Count at Morningside Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at West 114th Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside 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!
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 August 17
Free!
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Nature Exploration: Urban Wildlife
at east lawn (in Saratoga Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city!
Free!
Discovery Hike: Ecosystem Engineers
at West 108th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike through Riverside Park as we discuss the different ecosystems and biodiversity found within NYC.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore this local ecosystem and learn about the fascinating nature in this park.
Free!
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Gardening Plant Party for Kids
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn more about native wildflower planting and its benefits to park ecosystems while maintaining the native plant garden. Tools and plants will be provided.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Urban Birds and Fall Migration
at Claremont Neighborhood Garden
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an introduction to urban birds at the beginning of the fall migration! We’ll explore the recently renovated Grant Park and the Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary.
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!
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 24.
Free!
Family Camping: Manhattan
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 August 24.
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Saturday, October 3, 2026
46th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair
at Hattie Carthan Community Garden, Brooklyn , New York City, Manhattan, Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us & GreenThumb community gardeners in celebrating the start of fall with workshops, live entertainment, healthy cooking demonstrations, and more. Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
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
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