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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
Sunday, August 17, 2025
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!
Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
From seeing them on your favorite trails to reading about them in fairytales–witness these nature “tails” come to life and learn about Bronx urban wildlife in our summertime stories!
Free!
Kids
Heather Garden Highlights
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–3:30 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!
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Hart Island Tour: Prisoner Justice Day
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for Prisoner Justice Day as we explore the intertwining histories of Hart Island and NYC’s criminal legal system. Lottery registration opens Aug 6.
Free!
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Archery and Nature Exploration
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older. We will also explore the flora and fauna of Willowbrook Park. Lottery registration opens Wednesday Aug 13.
Free!
Friday, August 22, 2025
Family Camping: Bronx
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
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 Wednesday Aug 13.
Free!
Family Camping: Manhattan
at Entrance - East 99th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central 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 Wednesday Aug 13
Free!
Staten Island Bio Blitz: Nocturnal Wildlife
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Be a part of this community science event with this Ranger led activity, as we explore the woods and identify what nighttime critters we find.
Free!
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Nature's Workshop: Recycled Plantable Paper Making
at Greene Ave & Tompkins Ave (in Herbert Von King Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a sustainable transformation of old paper scraps into a future garden! Learn about the history of papermaking and make your own paper.
Free!
Staten Island Bio Blitz: Pond Ecology
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Be a part of this community science event with this Ranger led activity, as we explore Willowbrook Park pond and identify what plants and animals live in this aquatic habitat.
Free!
Nature Exploration and Clean Up
at Sunset Cove Park Entrance (in Sunset Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about the importance of coastal resiliency. Help us maintain our coastlines by participating in a trash cleanup. All materials provided.
Free!
Historic New York: The Battle of Brooklyn
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn with the Urban Park Rangers at the Old Stone House.
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!
Rockaway Beach Boardwalk Bike Tour
at Beach 9th Street Entrance, Queens
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Bike with the Urban Park Rangers along the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk stopping to learn about some nature and history along the way.
Free!
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Jamaica Bay Bike Tour
at Lew Fidler Park
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for a biking tour along the Jamaica Bay Greenway, a protected bike line that stretches along a string of coastal preserves in Brooklyn and Queens.
Free!
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- 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!
Basic Canoeing
at Holten Ave. and Purdy Place (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.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!
Battle of Long Island History Hike
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Hike from the Patriot front lines at Fort Putnam (today’s Fort Greene) to the ferry landing at Brooklyn Bridge Park where General Washington joined the last of his men retreating.
Free!
Hidden Gems of Staten Island: Snug Harbor
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn about local flora and fauna during this expedition through this landscape rich with sights both big and small. Bring your bug spray.
Free!
Seining and Shore Exploration
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 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!
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!
Land of the Lenape
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the abundance of plants and trees in NYC that can be used for food and medicine.
Free!
Family Camping: Queens
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond 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 Wednesday Aug 13.
Free!
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Beachy Bike Tour
at Cedar Grove Beach (in Great Kills Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Explore the beach on two wheels with the Urban Park Rangers! Bring your own bike and helmet.
Free!
Bike the Bronx River Greenway
at Rosedale and Lacombe Avenue (in Soundview Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Bike the Bronx River with the Urban Park Rangers and cycle back in time to learn about history of the surrounding area and the revitalization of the Bronx River. Bring your own bike
Free!
National Beach Day Nature Exploration and Cleanup
at Entrance - Bayfield Avenue and B 72 Street (in Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for National Beach Day to help coastal greenspaces and learn what type of organisms live in these parks.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at Living Laboratory Community Garden
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Sensory Perception Hike
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Engage your sense of touch, smell, sight, and hearing as we explore the natural world.
Free!
Historic New York: The Highbridge Water Tower
at West 174 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure. Arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m, to gain admittance. Registration is not required.
Free!
Nocturnal Hike
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as the park calms and the critters come out as the sun sets over Prospect Park. We will explore the trails under the cover of darkness.
Free!
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- 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!
Historic New York: Privateers, Pirates, and New York’s Golden Age of Piracy
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we delve into the world of pirates in New York’s history. Uncover the true story of Captain William Kidd, a complex figure who navigated the murky waters.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Maps and Compasses
at Center
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come learn about maps, compasses, and more with the Urban Park Rangers. Learn how to use these tools, and what to do when lost in the wilderness.
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!
Nature Sketching
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
With our Urban Park Rangers as your guide, draw inspiration from life's greatest artwork—the natural world—and create your own masterpiece or capture your favorite awe-inspiring moments
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Cordage and Weaving
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn the ancient art of weaving, an activity historically done during the winter months using materials that were harvested and processed during warmer seasons.
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 Wednesday Aug 20.
Free!
Family Camping: Manhattan
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
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 Wednesday August 20
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 Wednesday Aug 20.
Free!
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
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 August 27
Free!
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Intermediate Canoeing
at Lemon Creek Park, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Participants must have prior canoeing experience. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday September 3
Free!
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Outdoor Skills: Advanced Animal Tracking
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers in learning to identify animal tracks with non-invasive tracking techniques. Learn about how scientists can learn about what animals live in an area.
Free!
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday Sept 3
Free!
Friday, September 19, 2025
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 Wednesday Sept 10.
Free!
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Birding: Fall Migration
at Upper Highland Playground (in Highland Park), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Highland Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Celebrate the Autumn Equinox
at Zucker Natural Exploration Area (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
. Connect with nature and the changing of the seasons with the Urban Park Rangers by learning about natural Autumnal Equinox celebrations New Yorkers can enjoy in the parks.
Free!
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Raptor Fest
at Foch Boulevard and 155th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Experience the thrill of viewing New York’s premier predators live and up close, including eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, and more!
Free!
Event
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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 on Wednesday September 11, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Fantasy Forest Immersive Hike
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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 mysticism and magic.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Food Waste Natural Dyes Workshop
at Lincoln Terrace Park (in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Reusing food waste to create natural dyes has been practiced for many years. Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn how to extract vibrant colors from food scraps and compost your waste.
Free!
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