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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
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Hart Island Tour (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
oin the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens Wednesday, April 22 2026.
Free!
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Urban Wildlife Festival
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
We welcome guests of all ages to join us at Urban Wildlife Festival hosted by the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Mother Nature Hike and Clean-Up
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx 
12:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Celebrate Mother's Day with Mother Nature. Join the Rangers on a hike through Pelham Bay South, learning about local flora and fauna and cleaning up the trails along the way.
Free!
Heather Garden Highlights
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a flower walk in the beautiful Heather Garden! Explore the blossoms and learn about the flowers and the history of this little gem.
Free!
Mother Nature Mammals Exploration
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day by learning about some of the most doting mothers of the natural world!
Free!
Mother's Day Basic Canoeing
at Holten Ave. and Purdy Place (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. Ages 8 and up
Free!
Mother's Day Basic Canoeing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. Ages 8 and up
Free!
Plant ID Hike and Removal
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for useful tips on non-native plant ID and very rewarding non-native plant removal activities. Tools will be provided.
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!
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Victories In Conservation Hike
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike and celebrate endangered species day by learning about the positive effects conservation efforts have had in keeping our city green.
Free!
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the important role the historic Fort Totten Water Battery played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
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!
Prehistoric New York
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn more about which prehistoric species may have been found in this area during different time periods.
Free!
Trees Count at Morningside Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Manhattan Avenue and West 110th Street (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday May 4.
Free!
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday May 4.
Free!
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Birds of Eastern Culture
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with NYC Parks! Join the Urban Park Rangers during spring migration in search of birds that are significant to east Asian culture
Free!
Birding: Spring Warblers
at The Well House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Prospect Park to look for spring migrants that include colorful warblers and more!
Free!
All The Leaves Are Back! Spring Tree Walk
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn to identify some of our beloved park trees and explore the visible and hidden ways in which trees come back to life in this season of renewal.
Free!
Nature Puppet Show
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers for an original musical-inspired tale of the ponds, streams, forests and creatures that make up the Bronx’s parks.
Free!
Kids
Intro to Botany Hike
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fulfilling field expedition into the world of plants. As you walk the trails, learn all about what makes our plants unique and how to tell them apart.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Conservatory Garden
at Entrance - East 106th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a lovely garden walk at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park! Learn the history of this garden as well as some botany basics with the Rangers!
Free!
Trees Count at Highbridge Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Entrance - West 171 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
Tuesday, May 19, 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 the entirety of Hart Island, New York City’s largest public cemetery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday May 6, 2026
Free!
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
World Bee Day Insect Exploration
at Juniper North Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:00 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!
Friday, May 22, 2026
International Day of Biodiversity Bilingual Walk // Caminata Bilingüe para el Día Internacional de la Biodiversidad
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a bilingual nature walk / Camine con los Urban Park Rangers en un gran exploracion de los naturaleza
Free!
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Safe Plants Series Part I
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they talk about the variety of wild plants on Staten Island. From mugwort and dandelions to actual tree bark, find out what is safe to handle and safe.
Free!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Historic Chinatown Parks and Monuments
at Entrance - East Broadway & Essex St (in Seward Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through Chinatown parks, highlighting significant events and commemorations.
Free!
Nature Themed Zine-Making
at Play Area (in Grover Cleveland Playground), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers in enjoying the spring weather with creating beautiful nature-themed ‘zines. Materials will be included but, feel free to bring your own.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Camping 101
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers and learn useful tips on setting up and prepping a campsite for yourself or family when you set out on your own adventures!
Free!
Seining and Shore Exploration
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the shore of Orchard Beach and get ready to get your hands wet; seining program participants don waders and use large nets to catch fish and other marine life.
Free!
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Birding: Spring Migration
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Crotona Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
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!
Seining
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our experienced Urban Park Rangers teach the ecology of our waterways on every seining program. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Birding: Black Birders Week
at 165th Street and Edgecombe Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about prominent Black naturalists who have helped shape the field of ornithology while identifying some local bird species in Highbridge Park.
Free!
Family Camping: Queens
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday May 11.
Free!
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday May 11.
Free!
Monday, May 25, 2026
Historic New York: Decoration Day
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in learning about Civil War history and its relationship to the holiday of Memorial Day
Free!
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Trees Count at Crocheron Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Entrance - 215th Place and 33rd Road (in Crocheron Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting
Free!
Urban Wildlife: Reptiles and Amphibians
at Alley Pond Park Environmental Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the park, looking for and learning about the turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders that call New York City home.
Free!
Friday, May 29, 2026
Family Camping: Manhattan
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday May 18.
Free!
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Beachy Bike Tour
at Cedar Grove Beach (in Great Kills Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the beach on two wheels with the Urban Park Rangers! Bring your own bike and helmet.
Free!
Horseshoe Crab Exploration
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn how horseshoe crabs have survived for 450 million years (and counting) and why they are crucial to our own survival.
Free!
World Fish Migration Day Coastal Ecology
at Stapleton Waterfront Park (in Stapleton Esplanade), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the migration of fish as we observe this Billion Oyster project site.
Free!
Black Birders Week: Birding By Canoe Excursion
at Canoe and Kayak Launch (in Hook Creek Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black Birders Week with a canoe excursion into the salt marsh ecosystem of Hook Creek Park. Participants are selected by lottery. Lottery registration begins Monday May 18.
Free!
Trails, Sails, and Rails: Ecology After Industry
at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Bring history and experience together to discuss the complexities of finding a future for the ecologically critical lands along the city’s waters that serve both human and wildlife.
Free!
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Beginner Fishing
at Meadow Lake Boat Rental Parking Lot (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
Freshwater Fishing
at Narrows Road South and Hylan Blvd (in Bradys Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Calling anglers of all skill levels and experience. Join the Rangers for a wonderful day of fishing. All equipment provided. Ages 8 and up.
Free!
The Many Uses of Mushrooms
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Let’s explore the many uses of mushrooms that help us increase our survival skills.
Free!
Planting the Native Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we replant our Native American polyculture garden and learn about the indigenous people.
Free!
Kids
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