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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, August 23, 2025
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 (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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!
Event
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
Nature Meditation Hike
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Take a stroll through Van Cortlandt Park and immerse yourself in tranquility.
Free!
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!
Buzzin' for Bugs Insect Exploration Walk
at Seba Playground (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the mosaic of habitats present in this historic Forever Wild Preserve as we catch bugs, discuss life cycles, seasonal changes, and adaptations in the insect world.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
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!
Prospect Park Her-story Bike Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a bike tour around Prospect Park to locate and learn about the significance the many statues and monuments throughout the park. Bring your own bike
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 Sept 3.
Free!
Family Camping: Queens
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), 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!
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Birding: Fall Migration
at 39th Ave Alley Creek Trail, Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Come explore Alley Creek as hundreds of migratory birds use the wetland as a resting place on their way back down south for the winter.
Free!
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!
The Van Cortlandt Super Hike (Vigorous)
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
. Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Van Cortlandt Park on an 8 mile journey through the park’s diverse forest ecosystems. Wear comfortable shoes
Free!
Autumn Gardening and Wildflower ID
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 keep our garden blooming. It’s time for goldenrod and aster.
Free!
Kids
Discovery Hike: Pond Ecology
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lakes and ponds are thriving habitats to various species of birds, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
Free!
Kids
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!
Historic New York: 20th Century Flushing
at Kissena Velodrome Parking Lot (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we walk through Kissena Park and reflect on the rich history of the local region since the 1900s.
Free!
Friday, September 19, 2025
Family Camping: Bronx
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
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!
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
Canoeing and Clean-Up
at Canoe and Kayak Launch (in Hook Creek Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Clean up the shore and then join a canoe excursion into the salt marsh ecosystem of Hook Creek Park.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
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
Monday, September 22, 2025
Climate Week NYC: Shoreline Ecosystem Resilience
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Climate Week with NYC Parks! Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss the immediate and long-term effects of climate change on our sea levels and coastal ecology.
Free!
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!
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