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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, October 18, 2025
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Plant ID Hike and Removal
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn some of the native and non-native flora of Allison Pond Park! Lend a hand and help out some of New York City's most beautiful trees by removing undesirable plants and vines.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Family Camping: Bronx
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt 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 Oct 6.
Free!
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
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!
Event
Open House New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn 
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Discover the history of this Brooklyn landmark that pays tribute to the 11,000 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War. Register at ohny
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's Workshop: Build Your Own Terrarium
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Terrariums can be considered "mini greenhouses" due to their ability to grow and sustain plant life. Bring your own glass jar to create your own using succulent plants.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Event
Open House New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
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.
Free!
Open House New York: Gravesend Cemetery
at Gravesend Cemetery, Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–3:30 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!
Creatures of the Creek
at Lacombe Avenue & Pugsley Avenue (in Pugsley Creek Park), Bronx
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
oin the Urban Park Rangers in an investigation of the water quality and water critters of Pugsley Creek Park! Patrons will learn the importance of marshland habitats
Free!
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Hart Island Tour (South Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–1:00 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 October 8, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bilingual Medicinal Plant Hike // Caminata bilingüe de Plantas Medicinales
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a bilingual plant identification walk / Camine con los Urban Park Rangers en un gran exploracion de los plantas medicinales
Free!
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as they hike up the hills of the Bronx-Pelham Landfill, a site closed off to the public.
Free!
Howl-oween Doggie Day Hike
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Dress your pet in a costume and see who's the best. Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Upcycling Haloween Crafts for Kids
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Upcycling can be fun and resourceful for nature and ecology. Bring your own reusable tote bag to decorate for Halloween!
Free!
Kids
Great Trees of Tompkins Square Park
at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Trees have a special place in our environment. Join us for a hike of Tompkins Square Park in search of different species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the fall
Free!
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Birding: Birdability Week
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Join us during Birdability Week to enjoy a birding program without barriers on a mobility accessible path.
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!
Great Trees of Prospect Park
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Trees have a special place in our environment. Join us for a hike of Prospect Park in search of different species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the autumn season.
Free!
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!
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!
Autumn Gardening: Prep the Pollinator Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Autumn garden maintenance is an important step to a successful growing season. Maintain our pollinator garden as we prepare it for a dormant winter.
Free!
Kids
Nature Exploration: Captain Tilly Park
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rangers will introduce you to the many species of birds, plants and other living species within Captain Tilly Park.
Free!
Nocturnal Creatures and Wildlife Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of nighttime insects and other nocturnal forest creatures. Meet organisms that only come out at night and how to best observe them
Free!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Pelham Bay Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free!
Queens County Parks Super Hike
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a 15-mile super hike across the borough of Queens! Registration required. Registration opens on Monday October 20
Free!
Historic New York: King Manor
at King Manor Museum (in Rufus King Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the second largest historic house in New York City and the incredible story of abolitionist founding father, Rufus King.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Stone Tools
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers and Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by honing your own tools from flint.
Free!
Spooky Staten Island History Hike
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Halloween may be over but the spooky season stays strong! Join the Rangers to explore the weird, spooky and strange in Staten Island’s history.
Free!
Urban Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a series of games and activities to complete a scavenger hunt for the city’s most amazing wildlife.
Free!
Kids
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Fall Foliage Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Discover the beauty of Forest Park on a colorful autumn hike with the Urban Park Rangers. Maple, oak and hickory are some of the most colorful species we will see.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers on an autumn tradition as we walk beside a plethora of fall colors.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Folktales
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they lead a walk around Snug Harbor to enjoy the beautiful landscape and learn about the Lenape’s traditional practice of oral storytelling.
Free!
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
Historic New York: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk discussing Brooklyn's significant history to the abolitionist movement in the United States.
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!
Saturday, November 8, 2025
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!
Autumn Mushroom ID Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike on the Kieran Trail to explore seasonal mushrooms.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers on a fall tradition as we hike to through the Forever Wild preserve of Inwood Hill Park beneath a canopy of fall colors.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Prospect Park, Brooklyn
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. Take inspiration from our observations and get hands-on with a fungi fun-guy craft.
Free!
Long Pond Park 25th Anniversary Hike
at Long Pond Park, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Long Pond Park celebrates 25 years as a NYC Park. 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!
Discovery Hike: Nature's Lightbulbs
at Lewis H Latimer House, Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn about the many ways the natural world produces light of its own using bioluminescence and the person who gave us the carbon filament light bulb, Lewis Latimer.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and others survive in our urban environment while searching for some of these species.
Free!
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Leaf Peeping in Central Park Hike
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike around the North Woods of Central Park to see some colorful foliage and celebrate fall!
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Botany
at Park Drive East and 73rd Street (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Camouflaged Critters
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the urban wildlife which can hide easily in our parks to stay safe. Rangers will bring you on a hike to explore and identify wildlife.
Free!
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