Translate
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, 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!
Event
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!
OHNY: Brougham Cottage Grounds at Blue Heron Park
at Brougham Cottage
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join the Open House New York 2026 Festival and explore the grounds of the Historic Brougham Cottage in Blue Heron Park!
Located at 4746 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY, and located within a wooded backdrop, the circa 1726 Brougham Cottage is a surviving Dutch H-frame home.
Brougham Cottage survives as a rare example of the small vernacular farm houses that were once common in the 18th and early 19th century rural landscape and have all but disappeared. It is a significant example of Dutch-American design and a rare reminder of Staten Island’s rural history and its vernacular architectural traditions.
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!
Event
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!
Event
Sunday, October 18, 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!
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
Monday, October 19, 2026
Park Clean Up at Rev. Wendell Foster Park
at Dolphin Fountain (in Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park and Recreation Center ), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Clean up and Show Rev. Wendell T. Foster Park Your Love!
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, October 21, 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 watercolor day.
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
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!
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!
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!
Autumn Pollinator Garden Exploration
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fall exploration of the Blue Heron native pollinator garden as the last blooms of the season fade.
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!
Monday, October 26, 2026
Park Clean Up at Joyce Kilmer Park
at Lorelai Fountain (in Joyce Kilmer Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Clean up and Show Joyce Kilmer Park Your Love!
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, October 27, 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, October 14, 2026
Free!
Wednesday, October 28, 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, October 31, 2026
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at Playground (in Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park), Queens
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!
Howl-oween Doggie Day Hike
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Dress your pet in a costume and see who's the best. Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Become a “Nature Scene Investigator” and learn the animal-spotting tricks from the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Autumn Animal Crafts and Exploration
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
No costume? No problem. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands‑on mask‑making activity inspired by the wildlife of Crotona Park
Free!
Kids
Folklore Tales on the Trail Hike
at Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue Entrance (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Gather at the Washington Irving statue and join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike learning about the folklore and history surrounding Sleepy Hollow while enjoying Prospect Park.
Free!
Howl-oween Doggie Day Walk
at Beach Channel Drive and Beach 88th Street (in Bay Breeze Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Dress your pet in a costume and see who's the best. Take a stroll through the park with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Inwood Hill Park After Dark Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through Inwood Hill Park at night, where bats, bones, owls, and lore make for a perfect night hike.
Free!
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Fall Canoeing
at Holten Ave. and Purdy Place (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a calm autumn paddle with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore seasonal colors and wildlife along Wolfe’s Pond Park. Ages 8 and up.
Free!
%7Cutmcsr%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B%2B__utmv%3D38449053.-%3B)