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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, 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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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 programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 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!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Botany
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape History and Ethnobotany
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the ancient tulip tree forest of Inwood Hill Park with the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the Lenape’s deep connection to this landscape.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Fall Foliage Leaf Art
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of fall with the Urban Park Rangers as we collect tree leaves and create colorful leaf art!
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Discovery Hike: Micro Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Honey, I shrunk the park! Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the hidden wonders of the microscopic world!
Free!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Queens County Parks Super Hike
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a 15-mile super hike across the borough of Queens! Registration required. Registration opens on Monday October 26
Free!
Birding: Fall Migration
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Salt Marsh Nature Trail to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Fall Foliage Bike Tour
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Discover Staten Island from a new perspective on this guided bicycle adventure with the Urban Park Rangers. Registration required.
Free!
Staten Island North Shore Parks Super Hike
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a quick-paced hike up varying terrains and trails through Snug Harbor, Allison Pond, Goodhue and Jones Woods Park. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Fall Foliage Leaf Art
at Lincoln Terrace Park (in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of fall with the Urban Park Rangers as we collect tree leaves and create colorful leaf art!
Free!
Autumn Eco Crafts and Exploration
at Juniper South Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands-on craft program where we will explore the park to find natural inspiration and create our own unique masterpiece.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Waterfront Ecosystems
at Ward's Island Footbridge (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how tidal flows, native plants, and marsh habitats support wildlife and help sustain New York City’s coastline.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Indigenous Plant Practices
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore how Indigenous communities have traditionally used local plants for food, medicine, and daily life.
Free!
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Fall Foliage Hike
at Lafayette Avenue and Colgate Avenue (in Soundview Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a beautiful stroll around Soundview Park as we celebrate the changing of the seasons!
Free!
Fall Foliage Tree ID Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Discover the beauty of Forest Park on a colorful autumn hike with the Urban Park Rangers. Maple, oak and hickory are some of the most colorful species we will see.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Folktales
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they lead a walk around Snug Harbor to enjoy the beautiful landscape and learn about the Lenape’s traditional practice of oral storytelling.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Orienteering and Geocaching Hike
at Lawn Area (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers on an orienteering based hike where the Rangers will teach you how to read and follow maps which will eventually lead to a geocache with prizes inside.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Early Food Traditions
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Learn how Lenape, Dutch, and English foodways blended to form the city’s earliest culinary culture.
Free!
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