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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
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Doggie Day Hike
at Playground (in Bloomingdale Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Spring is blooming, it's time to get all our legs moving. Bring your four legged friends and enjoy a hike with the Urban Park Rangers through one of Staten Island's most scenic parks.
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Biodiversity Hike
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 24 -April 26
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Buds, Birds, and Bugs Bonanza
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 24-26
Free!
Great Trees of Inwood Hill Park
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the benefits trees provide to our urban environment as we enjoy the shade and identify many of our native trees.
Free!
Spring Wildflower Hike
at 69th Avenue and 230th Street (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk around the trails as we learn how to identify native wildflowers. Beginner friendly.
Free!
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Birding: Raptors
at Entrance - Bartow Avenue and Eugene Street (in Long Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Long Pond Park. Learn about the different raptors that call Staten Island “home-” including bald eagles, ospreys, hawks and vultures!
Free!
Birding: Spring Migration
at Oakland Lake (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us for a journey into the world of avian migration in Alley Pond Park.
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Spring Flowering Tree ID
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 24 -April 26
Free!
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn 
12:00 p.m.–2:00 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 April 15
Free!
City Nature Challenge Bio Blitz
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 24-26
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Seining
at Valentino Pier, Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 24 -April 26.
Free!
Historic New York: The Underground Railroad
at Entrance - West 77th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a history tour discussing the underground railroad and its connection to Central Park
Free!
Insect Exploration: Insects of the Night
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Rangers will show you how to attract and identify the diverse menagerie of friendly nocturnal insects that fill the night skies of your local park
Free!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Rockaway Beach and Jamaica Bay Bike Tour
at Entrance - Beach 109th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a bike ride around Jamaica Bay. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at Van Cortlandt Golf House (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Few experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at Entrance-West Street and Greenpoint Avenue (in WNYC Transmitter Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Sensory Perception Hike
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore a lesser-known forest. We will be using all five senses to take in the beauty of this magical trail.
Free!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Magnificent Street Trees of Flushing
at 164th Street and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
From a living fossil to a species nearly extinct in the wild, explore the Asian origins and cultural uses of Flushing's magnificent street trees.
Free!
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure.
Free!
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Birding: Warbler Watch
at The Overlook (in Forest Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Forest Park to look for spring warblers and more!
Free!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Evergreen Cemetery
at Evergreen Cemetery Entrance (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Walk among the beautiful landscaped architecture and explore the connections between the cemetery and New York City's Asian-American population.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at 69th Avenue and 230th Street (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
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!
Trails, Sails, and Rails: New York Harbor
at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a maritime exploration event as we go bird and boat-watching!. Learn about the working harbor and its role in creating the New York we know today.
Free!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Ocean Haiku Hike
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Wander on the beach with the Urban Park Rangers, pausing to read seasonal-inspired haiku. After, try your hand at writing your own. Prompts provided.
Free!
Oysters and Other Bivalves
at Netherland Monument (in The Battery), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Oysters and other bivalves act as natural filters for our shores. Learn more about these phenomenal creatures their significant role in the history of New York Harbor.
Free!
Spooky Staten Island History and Nature Night Hike
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
On National Paranormal Day, join the Rangers to explore the weird, spooky and strange in Staten Island’s history and nature.
Free!
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!
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