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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
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at South Jamaica Infinity Garden, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about how greenspaces support urban wildlife and help maintain ecological balance in our city. Park Ranger Harry from NYC Parks will lead this interactive hike.
Free!
Event
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Astronomy: Night Sky Crafting
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the spring equinox by joining the Urban Park Rangers to map the NYC night sky.
Free!
Event
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Guided Tour of Conference House Park, the Biddle & Rutan Houses
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island , H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island , Rutan-Becket House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island, Almer G. Pavilion (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Take a walk back in history as you tour two historic houses! The The H.H. Biddle House was built in the 1840s and today features ongoing history and art exhibits. The Rutan-Beckett House was also built in the 1840s and features original 1950s furnishings from its most recent renovation, as well as ongoing history and art exhibits.
Free!
Event
Birding: Early Spring Migrants
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk along the Salt Marsh Nature Trail to discover and learn about different migratory birds that are in the NYC area during early Spring.
Free!
Event
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Junior Arborist Day
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about our Urban Forest and why we need trees and why they matter
Free!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Junior Arborist Day at Tompkinsville Park
at Tompkinsville Park at Victory Boulevard (in Tompkinsville Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Arbor Day Month! Learn about trees, identify trees and care for trees.
Free!
Event
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Urban Wildlife Festival
at East 149th Street and St. Ann's Avenue (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx
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. Discover abundant wildlife at this free family event featuring live animals!
Free!
Event
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Community Care & Concert
at Morris-Jumel Mansion (in Roger Morris Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Volunteer, meet park Partners and enjoy a concert at Roger Morris park.
Free!
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Queens Day!
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
A day-long celebration of all things Queens happening in Flushing Meadows Corona Park! From morning to night, there will be family-friendly activities, giveaways, concerts and more.
Free!
Event
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
Saturday, September 27, 2025
45th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair
at Hattie Carthan Community Garden, Brooklyn , Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us & GreenThumb community gardeners in celebrating the start of fall with workshops, live entertainment, healthy cooking demonstrations, and more! Stay tuned for more information.
Free!
Event
Sunday, September 28, 2025
DDC Community Day Event at East River Park
at Corlears Hook Park Flagpole Area (in Corlears Hook Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Come join your neighbors for a fun day of events to mark the opening of East River Park Phase I.
Free!
Event
Saturday, October 4, 2025
City of Forest Day Trees Count at Von Briesen Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we survey trees for Trees Count 2025!
Free!
Event
Summer on the Hudson: Little Red Lighthouse Festival
at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse with the Urban Park Rangers!
Free!
Event
Fall Festival
at Fort Totten Park Lawn (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for a free Fall Festival. Enjoy family fun games,and more!
Free!
Kids
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Trees Count at Morningside Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Morningside Park near Basketball Courts (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we survey trees for Trees Count 2025!
Free!
Event
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Trees Count at Cunningham Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Union Turnpike & Francis Lewis Blvd
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we survey trees for Trees Count 2025!
Free!
Trees Count at Seth Low Playground with the Urban Park Rangers
at Seth Low Playground (in Seth Low Playground/ Bealin Square), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we survey trees for Trees Count 2025!
Free!
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Trees Count at Van Cortlandt Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we survey trees for Trees Count 2025!
Free!
Event
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Long Pond Park 25th Anniversary Hike
at Long Pond Park, Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Take a guided hike with park naturalists, arborists and historians to hear about the many wonderful aspects of this ‘hiding in plain site’ gem.
Free!
Event
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sinterklaas: Saint Nicholas Day!
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for our 23rd annual St. Nicholas Day for a day of activities and a special visit from St. Nick.
Free!
Event
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Nature Walk and Quill Writing for Kids & Families at Conference House Park
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks, the Urban Park Rangers, and the Friends of the Biddle House for a nature walk along our trails and beach, followed by a quill writing art activity!
Free!
Kids
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Farmhouse Family Day: Historic Harvests
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join us as we learn about indigenous foodways in New York through hands-on cooking activities!
Free!
Kids
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Farmhouse Family Day: Historic Harvests
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join us as we learn about indigenous foodways in New York through hands-on cooking activities!
Free!
Kids
Saturday, March 28, 2026
25 Years of the Salt Marsh Nature Center
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Join the party and honor the Nature Center! Learn about its 25 years of changes.
Free!
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Nature Book Club
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a monthly discussion of a nature-themed book. This month's book will be The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger.
Free!
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Birding: Spring Migration
at Lafayette Avenue and Colgate Avenue (in Soundview Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Soundview Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Event
Nature Exploration Hike
at Alley Pond Park Environmental Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Alley Pond Park’s yellow trail, as we venture into the trail and discover all that the park has to offer.
Free!
Event
Greenbelt Hike (Vigorous)
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of the Greenbelt on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Event
Signs of Spring Hike
at Upper Highland Playground (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spring season is upon us and nature adapts to the changes. Let's find some of these adaptations and signs of spring on a hike through the trails in the park.
Free!
Event
Beginner Fishing
at Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
Event
Earth Month: Conservation and Climate
at West 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we hike through Central Park discussing the philosophy and ethics behind decisions being made to combat climate change and its efficacy in NYC.
Free!
Event
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Chapin Avenue and Salzburg Court (in Reed's Basket Willow Swamp Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Spring Nature Sketching
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about Marine Park’s unique plant and wildlife species through the experience of observation and field sketching.
Free!
Event
Heather Garden Highlights
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
Event
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn the basic skills of outdoor survival including fire making, shelter building and water collection among other skills.
Free!
Event
Spring has Sprung Wildlife Walk
at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the fascinating world of young animals and their very early days!
Free!
Event
Tick Talk
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the ticks found in NYC parks and how to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Free!
Event
Nature Trivia: Disc-golfering Your Park
at Upper Highland Playground (in Highland Park), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Let your competitive spirit soar, both athletically and intellectually as you adventure through Highland Park’s Disc Golf Course while answering nature trivia at each stop.
Free!
Event
Monday, April 6, 2026
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Lawn (in Naples Playground), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Event
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!
Event
Kids Week: Beach Mural Making
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Let your natural creativity flow! Join the Urban Park Rangers at Orchard Beach to build a communal mural using natural materials.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Earth Month Native Plant Party
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month with the Urban Park Rangers in a service-oriented event focused on native wildflower planting and its benefits to park ecosystems.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Geology Rocks!
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Learn all about the geological landscape of Manhattan.
Free!
Event
Tuesday, April 7, 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 March 18.
Free!
Kids Week: All About Trees
at Lawn Area - Bay Street and School Road (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn all about trees! The Rangers will take a walk around the park sharing how trees grow, how to identify common NYC trees, and some park history.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Animal Habitats
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers for a habitat hike and learn about the process of construction and design behind animal architecture.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Rochester Avenue and President Street (in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Nature Exploration for Kids
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn all the nature that surrounds us on this walk through Central Park.
Free!
Event
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!
Event
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