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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, December 13, 2026
Outdoor Skills: Winter Wilderness Survival
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn all about how to prepare and survive outdoors during the colder winter temperatures.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a wintery tour of our cherished old growth forests and learn how to identify different trees after their leaves have dropped for the season.
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Hart Island Tour (North 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 on Wednesday, December 2nd.
Free!
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free!
Hiking Club Series: John Muir Trail
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This hike will take you through the scenic landscapes of Van Cortlandt on the John Muir Trail as we search for wildlife and observe seasonal changes.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Animal Adaptations
at Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Holiday Tea Time
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season with the Urban Park Rangers as we brew natural teas and explore the cultural traditions behind them. Registration required. Registration opens Monday December 7.
Free!
Birding: Winter Birds
at Bocce Courts (in Bowne Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we walk around Bowne Park and see some of our local or not so local winter flyers. Learn about how birds survive harsh temperatures.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire: Nature Story Time
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for storytime around the campfire. Rangers will be reading children’s books related to the natural world.
Free!
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Birding: Winter Birds
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.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!
Outdoor Skills: Advanced Firemaking
at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
What can you use to build a fire? Explore this site as we search for different materials to use as kindling and learn advanced techniques to build an outdoor fire.
Free!
Winter Solstice Evergreen Tree ID Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Leave the tinsel at home and lace up your boots and stockings for this fun tour of the trees that never quit photosynthesizing, even when the days are at their shortest!
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Handmade Holiday Ornaments
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover how nature can inspire your holiday traditions. Craft your own unique ornaments using natural materials.
Free!
The Wonders of Winter
at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a calm, family-friendly outing and learn how nature continues to thrive all around us, even in winter’s quiet.
Free!
Kids
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Learn the essentials of starting and maintaining a campfire and afterwards enjoy s’mores around the fire to celebrate the end of the celestial year
Free!
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Birding: Winter Birds
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
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!
Gather Around the Holiday Campfire
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers around the campfire for some storytelling and a wonderful fire to warm up from the cold.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Winter Landscape Watercolor Painting
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Get inspired by the changing seasons and let the colors of winters flow in your artwork. The Urban Park Rangers will provide the supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Play Area (in Poppenhusen Playground), 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!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Become a “Nature Scene Investigator” and learn the animal-spotting tricks from the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights.
Free!
Sunday, December 27, 2026
Discovery Hike: Winter Wildlife
at Kissena Velodrome Parking Lot (in Kissena Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the residents of NYC Parks and how they are toughing through the winter months.
Free!
Winter Wonderland Hike
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
oin the Urban Park Rangers on a brisk nature walk in winter and discover the science of winter weather and what it means for local flora and fauna.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
Free!
Central Park Benches Highlights Hike
at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we discuss park design through an often overlooked but always appreciated feature - the park bench.
Free!
Seasonal Plants of the Holiday Season
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the iconic plants that shape winter holiday traditions.
Free!
Monday, December 28, 2026
Kids Week: Meet the Nature Center Critters
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Even when school's out, our parks are still the city's natural classroom! From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Rock Salt and Watercolor Painting
at Entrance - Continental Place and Grandview Avenue (in The Big Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a creative winter art workshop inspired by the natural world.
Free!
Kids Week: Fire Making
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers atop Fort Greene and learn the basics of fire safety and fire making.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Kids Week: Build a Nature Birdfeeder
at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about winter birds in your neighborhood and what they like to eat. Build your very own bird feeder from natural and recycled materials.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Campfire Story Time
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a cozy campfire and story telling session. Rangers will share engaging and educational stories about wildlife and nature. Dress warm
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Animal Tracking
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fun winter adventure as we search for animal clues in Inwood Hill Park!
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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
Kids Week: Survival Skills for Kids
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn what it takes to survive the winter elements. Team up with your family and bond over these team building activities.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Kids Week: Seal Exploration for Kids
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk along the beach in search for seals! We will use binoculars and spotting scopes along the beach, and learn about this magnificent marine animal.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Birding for Kids
at West 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Bird watching can be fun, especially during the winter season. Learn all about different ways to identify birds in our parks.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Detective Mystery Adventure
at Betsy Head Memorial Playground (in Betsy Head Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 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!
Kids Week: Kids Science Fair
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an amazing day of science. Channel your inner scientist with amazing hands-on experiments.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Kids Week: Nature Games and Trivia
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and test your knowledge of the natural world by playing games and answering trivia.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Campfire Story Time
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a cozy campfire and story telling session. Rangers will share engaging and educational stories about wildlife and nature. Dress warm
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Celebration
at West 114th Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a celebration of all the things that make winter special! Play winter-themed games, sit by a campfire, and learn about the winter wildlife in our parks.
Free!
Kids
Friday, January 1, 2027
New Year's Day Super Hike
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike to start the year off right.
Free!
New Year's Day Super Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Pelham Bay Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
New Year's Day Hike
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
If your New Year's resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike. Start the new year off right on this healthy and scenic hike of Clove Lakes Park.
Free!
New Year's Day Hike
at Entrance - East 60th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us on a super hike of Central Park. We will start our hike at the south end and make our way north, highlighting some iconic features of the park.
Free!
New Year's Day Hike
at Meadow Lake Boat Rental Parking Lot (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike. Lets hike through one of Queens’ most iconic landscapes.
Free!
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