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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
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Astronomy: Autumn Sky
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a survey of the November night sky.
Free!
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Birding: Fall Migration
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island 
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Blue Heron Park to look for birds that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Autumn Mushroom ID Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike on the Kieran Trail to explore seasonal mushrooms.
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!
Nature Sketching
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a scenic fall hike through Brookfield Park. Along the way, learn about the area’s seasonal foliage and the history of Staten Island’s lighthouses.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Hibernation and Brumation Hike
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, reptiles and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Walking Lenapehoking
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
2:30 p.m.–3:30 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!
Freedom Seekers: Stories by the Fire
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an outdoor storytelling program exploring the history of the Underground Railroad.
Free!
Friday, November 27, 2026
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Rangers on a lengthy hike in High Rock Park. Boots and/or sneakers required.
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: The Alley Giant
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Super Hike
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. This hike will take you through the hills of Inwood Hill and
Free!
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Hibernation Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn about the amazing adaptations and behaviors different species rely on to prepare for and survive the upcoming winter months.
Free!
Kids
Hidden Gems of Queens: Springfield Park
at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the people, events, and ecological features that have made Springfield Pond an important part of the local landscape.
Free!
Nature Detective Trees Mystery Adventure
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and become a tree detective! Let’s learn together about the diseases and pests that impact our trees.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers are well-versed in outdoor lore. Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), 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!
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!
Nature's Workshop: Hand Weaving and Crocheting
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore nature’s fiber arts and learn about the vast shapes and colors of the microbiome.
Free!
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Unplugged Nature Exploration Hike
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a peaceful morning hike that invites participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and connect with nature through mindful listening.
Free!
Birding: Winter Birds
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
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!
Hiking Club Series: Split Rock
at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Course, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This hike will take you through the scenic landscapes of Pelham Bay Park as we search for wildlife, observe seasonal changes, and visit historic Split Rock.
Free!
Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Unleash your creativity and learn about the many animals who call our parks home while you write your very own puppet show about our furry and feathered friends!
Free!
Kids
Discovery Hike: Marine Mammals
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rockaway Beach has recently been a prominent site to view marine mammals such as whales and seals. Learn more about the different types of marine mammals that can be seen off the shores
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Entrance - Bartow Avenue and Eugene Street (in Long Pond Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Historic New York: Gravesend
at Gravesend Cemetery, Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
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