Urban Park Rangers

Gather Around the Campfire

at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), 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!

Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watch Tower

at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure. Open access from 1pm to 2:45pm. Registration is not required.
Free!

Nature's Workshop: Hand Weaving and Crocheting

at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore nature’s fiber arts and learn about the vast shapes and colors of the microbiome.
Free!

Unplugged Nature Exploration Hike

at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a peaceful morning hike that invites participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and connect with nature through mindful listening.
Free!

Birding: Winter Birds

at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn 

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!

Hiking Club Series: Split Rock

at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Course, Bronx

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This hike will take you through the scenic landscapes of Pelham Bay Park as we search for wildlife, observe seasonal changes, and visit historic Split Rock.
Free!

Discovery Hike: Marine Mammals

at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rockaway Beach has recently been a prominent site to view marine mammals such as whales and seals. Learn more about the different types of marine mammals that can be seen off the shores
Free!

Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike

at Entrance - Bartow Avenue and Eugene Street (in Long Pond Park), Staten Island

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!

Historic New York: Gravesend

at Gravesend Cemetery, Brooklyn

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this landmarked cemetery that was established by Lady Deborah Moody in 1643 and is home to graves of early settlers and founding families.
Free!

Hart Island World AIDS Day (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 November 18, 2025.
Free!

Birding: All About Crows

at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx 

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn more about crows, a highly intelligent and sociable bird species.
Free!

Gather Around the Campfire

at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy the morning gathered around a fire with the Urban Park Rangers. We will participate in activities such as stories, songs and more.
Free!

Gather Around the Campfire

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the afternoon gathered around a fire with the Urban Park Rangers. We will participate in activities such as stories, songs and more.
Free!

Historic New York: Marcus Garvey Highlights

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided walk as we highlight the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey and uncover the rich history of the park that bears his name
Free!

Nature's Workshop: Natural Dyes

at Suydam Street & Irving Avenue (in Maria Hernandez Park), Brooklyn

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about plants found in the park, your kitchen, and our community gardens that can create a rainbow of colors at this natural dyes workshop.
Free!

Winter Tree ID

at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join us for a walk of McCarren Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!

Doggie Day Hike

at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn

10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!

Birding: Owls and Owl Pellet Discovery

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about all about owls and dissect their pellets to see what they eat. You will be surprised by your discovery.
Free!

Birding: Winter Waterfowl

at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!

Birding: Winter Waterfowl

at Entrance - 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!

Discovery Hike: Winter Wildlife

at Playground (in Brower Park), Brooklyn

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the residents of NYC Parks and how they are toughing through the winter months.
Free!

Outdoor Skills: Maps and Compass Scavenger Hunt

at Center

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Participants will learn how to use a map to uncover hidden clues and discover the nature in the park along the way!
Free!

Birding: Winter Waterfowl

at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn

10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!

Geology: Queens Rocks!

at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a guided walk through Cunningham Park to explore the dramatic impact glaciers had on shaping the landscape of Queens.
Free!

Hiking Club Series: Cass Gallagher Trail

at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This hike will take you through the scenic landscapes of Van Cortlandt on the Cass Gallagher Trail as we search for wildlife and observe seasonal changes.
Free!

Nature's Workshop: Nature Wreath Making

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island 

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we create beautiful wreaths made from upcycled natural materials. All crafting materials will be provided. Registration opens Nov 30.
Free!

Nature's Workshop: Nature Wreath Making

at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we create beautiful wreaths made from upcycled natural materials. All crafting materials will be provided.
Free!

Outdoor Skills: Firemaking

at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands-on lesson in campfire building and safety
Free!

Winter Tree ID

at 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue (in St. Nicholas Park), Manhattan

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through the trees of St. Nicholas Park and learn how to identify trees without their leaves using the three B’s: branching, buds, and bark!
Free!

Gather Around the Winter Campfire

at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers around the campfire for a peaceful moment in nature as we reflect on the season and look ahead to the new year.
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!

Birding: Owls

at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale 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!

Nature Book Club

at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island 

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore nature-themed books such as Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Take a book, leave a book.
Free!

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!

Winter Tree ID: The Pinetum

at Entrance - 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through the Arthur Ross Pinetum and learn about some evergreen trees!
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!

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!

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!

Nature's Workshop: Winter Nature Crafts

at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 

12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the winter season with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore nature‑based craft traditions from Nordic cultures.
Free!