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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
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Historic New York: Vanderbilt Motor Parkway
at 73rd Avenue and Hollis Hills Terrace (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Walk along the historic Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, one of New York's earliest roadways and a corridor that now links several city parks.
Free!
Leaf Peeping in Central Park Hike
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike around the North Woods of Central Park to see some colorful foliage and celebrate fall!
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Create Your Own Nature Field Guide
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Every great explorer needs a guidebook. Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn how field guides help us identify and understand the world around us.
Free!
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Hart Island: Honoring Our Military and Veterans (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the intertwining histories of Hart Island and NYC’s military institutions. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday October 28.
Free!
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Falling for Nature Hike
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the beauty of late autumn on a guided nature walk through Conference House Park.
Free!
Behind The Smile: Animal Adaptations Revealed
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Discover how animal teeth and skulls reveal the secrets of survival in the wild.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Waterfront Ecosystems
at Lawn Area (in Bushwick Inlet Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn how native plants, shoreline habitats, and restored coastal features support wildlife and strengthen the East River waterfront against climate impacts.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
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!
Spooky Staten Island History Hike
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Halloween may be over but the spooky season stays strong! Join the Rangers to explore the weird, spooky and strange in Staten Island’s history.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the ecology of a fall forest and the science of the changing colors all while enjoying one of New York City's flagship parks!
Free!
Hiking Club Series: Sappy Trails
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike exploring the role of sap in tree health and forest ecosystems.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at West 114th Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Try your hand at making a friction fire and building shelters with tarps, knots, and natural materials.
Free!
The Secret Lives of Insects
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk to learn the important role these fascinating insects play for the environment and humans.
Free!
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Audre Lorde Legacy Walk
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers at Silver Lake Park for a community walk celebrating the life and work of Audre Lorde.
Free!
Hiking Club Series: Hidden Hunter Island
at North Picnic Area (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This beginner-friendly adventure explores the beautiful trails of Hunter Island, where forests, wetlands, and shoreline habitats come together.
Free!
Invasive Plant Removal and Native Species Planting
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn to identify invasive plant species, discover how they impact local ecosystems, and help remove them to support native plants and wildlife.
Free!
Nature Detective Mystery Adventure
at Brower Park Lawn (in Brower Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of animal tracking and lend the Urban Park Rangers a paw in solving some critter crime scenes! Can you find the culprit?
Free!
Discovery Hike: Urban Mammals
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the wide variety of mammals that live in New York City.
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 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.
Free!
Fireside Meditation
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on this contemplative program about fire, the things we take with us, and the things we leave behind.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Inks and Dyes
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 for an afternoon of making inks and dyes of different colors using natural materials harvested throughout the year.
Free!
Tuesday, November 17, 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, November 4, 2026
Free!
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Discovery Hike: Pond and Freshwater Ecology
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Lakes and ponds are thriving habitats to various species of birds, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Orchard Beach Pavilion (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
Free!
Forest Park Super Hike
at The Overlook (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on this lengthy hike of Forest Park. Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Introduction to Fly Fishing
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn how to cast a fly-fishing pole. We will setup a simulated fishing course where you can practice how to cast and reel in your catch.
Free!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Seth Low Playground (in Seth Low Playground/ Bealin Square), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
What treasure has Sammy the Squirrel hidden in the playground? Follow clues to locate new discoveries in the park and take home a piece of Sammy’s bounty!
Free!
Kids
Beginner Fishing
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Discover what lives in our local waters and what we can do to keep Baisley Pond healthy and thriving. Ages 8 and up.
Free!
Falling for Nature Hike
at West 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate the beauty of late autumn on a guided nature walk through Central Park.
Free!
Historic New York: Greenpoint Neighborhood History
at Lawn Area - Monitor Street and Driggs Avenue (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided walk through Greenpoint that highlights the neighborhood’s industrial development and the immigrant communities that shaped its growth.
Free!
Living With Urban Coyotes
at Entrance - Mt. Eden Parkway and Morris Avenue (in Claremont Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the basic biology of these super smart and energetic animals.
Free!
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!
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