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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
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Jamaica Bay Bike Tour
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.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!
Native American Heritage Month: The Myth of Joe Two Trees
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a discussion about the Bronx classic The Last Algonquin while hiking through where the book is set, Pelham Bay Park!
Free!
Ranger Gardening Club: Restoring the Garden
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rangers will point out several non-native plant species that are commonly found in Fort Totten Park and explain how undesirable plants negatively impact our ecosystems.
Free!
Trouble in Treetown Adventure Quest
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn basic orienteering and test your knowledge of the trees you see every day! Ask yourself the question: “What’s a tree, anyways?”
Free!
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Native American Heritage Month: Corn Husk Crafts
at Juniper South Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month! Be creative while learning to create traditional dolls out of corn husks.
Free!
Kids
Nature's Workshop: Dream Weavers
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers to learn all about Dreamcatchers.By learning the origin and context of the Dreamcatcher those in attendance will learn how to properly build and use one.
Free!
Autumn Gardening: Bulb Planting
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 plant bulbs for our spring garden. Daffodils and tulips go in the ground in the fall so we’ll have flowers in the spring!
Free!
Kids
Living With Urban Coyotes
at Entrance - Mt. Eden Parkway and Morris Avenue (in Claremont Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the basic biology of these super smart and energetic animals.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Turtle Island
at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss the history and ongoing legacy of the first peoples who called this region home
Free!
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Birding: Fall Migration
at Hanover Avenue and Palma Drive (in Eibs Pond Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Eib's Pond Park to look for fall birds that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Nature Meditation Hike
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and a fun way to reduce stress. Take a stroll through Powell's Cove Park and immerse yourself in tranquility.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Backpacking Essentials
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn how to prepare for and enjoy a successful camping or backpacking trip. Practice wilderness survival skills, review essential gear, and take a stroll around Prospect Park.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers are well-versed in outdoor lore. Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Colonial Cooking
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join Rangers and explore seasonal food traditions, historic cooking techniques, and the Indigenous origins of American foodways.
Free!
Birding: Waterfowl
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: The Lenape
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Hart Island Tour (North 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 November 5.
Free!
Friday, November 21, 2025
Astronomy: Autumn Sky
at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course), Staten Island
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a survey of the November night sky.
Free!
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Rangers will introduce beginner friendly resources that can make birding fun for anyone! Binoculars will be provided.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Owls
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Native American Flute Music Presentation
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy the soothing sounds of Native American flute music inside the Inwood Hill Nature Center.
Free!
Solar Astronomy: Light, Seasons, and Tides
at Entrance - Jules Drive and Elson Court (in Jennifer's Playground), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers for answers to these questions and more with a daytime outing astronomy, as well as make use of a solar telescope to view our sun in a whole new light.
Free!
The Pelham Bay Super Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Pelham Bay Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems. Registration opens Nov 10
Free!
Autumn Meditation Hike
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 on a meditative autumnal walk throughout Manhattan’s only old growth forest.
Free!
Trails, Sails, and Rails: New York Harbor
at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–3:30 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 global supply chains.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Enjoy the sunset and cool nights of November gathered around a fire with the Urban Park Rangers. We will participate in activities such as stories, songs and more.
Free!
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Birding: Wild Turkeys
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come learn about one of the natives of the Bronx, the turkey! Come learn fun facts about this magnificent bird all while hiking Pelham Bay Park to spot one.
Free!
Brooklyn Parkways Nature and History by Bike
at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come for a bike ride with Brooklyn’s Urban Park Rangers along the Shore and Ocean Parkways. This will be a casual ride where we will make multiple stops to observe nature and history.
Free!
Trails, Sails, and Rails: The Malbone Street Wreck
at Lincoln Road Entrance (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about some of the history of New York’s defunct rail lines, including trolley lines and elevated trains.
Free!
Geology: Staten Island Rocks!
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through geologic time along the beach.
Free!
It's A Horse of Course Hike and Greet
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Meet and greet our Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit. Learn more about the gentle giants that patrol our parks. Rangers will also teach about some of the local flora and fauna.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Rules of Three
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
What is the rule of three when it comes to wilderness survival? Learn the importance of shelter, water, air and food while surviving outdoors.
Free!
The World's Fair Adventure Quest
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers for this exciting orienteering and history scavenger hunt adventure inside Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair.
Free!
Tuesday, November 25, 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 November 12, 2025.
Free!
Friday, November 28, 2025
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
at Staten Island Boulevard and Shields Place (in Deere Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Rangers on a lengthy hike in Deere Park. Boots and/or sneakers required.
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: The Alley Giant
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Salt Marsh Nature Trail
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. This hike will take you through the hills of Fort Tryon and Inwood Hill Parks.
Free!
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Autumn Meditation Hike
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Release some stress as the Rangers guide you through meditation activities amongst reclaimed grasslands.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Rope Skills
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows and targets. Participants will also try their hand at crafting bowstrings with natural fibers.
Free!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Sutphin Playground (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Embark on an adventure-filled scavenger hunt! Join us for a day of exploration and discovery to uncover hidden treasures amidst the scenic beauty of Baisley Pond Park.
Free!
Kids
Wildlife Viewing: City Squirrels
at Almira Kennedy Coursey Amphitheatre (in Herbert Von King Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Learn all about squirrels in New York City and how they play an important role in our parks.
Free!
Magnetic Archery
at Guy R. Brewer Blvd. and 134th Avenue (Entrance) (in Rochdale Park), Queens
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. All equipment provided. Ages 8+
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Orienteering
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how to navigate Inwood’s winding wilderness trails using compasses and maps and then team up to test all of your outdoors survival skills in a race to the finish!
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Explore the northwest woods with the Urban Park Rangers and hunt for clues for our mysterious neighbors, the Great Horned Owl. This program is sure to be a hoot!
Free!
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Gather Around the Campfire
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of learning fire building skills and activities such as stories, songs and more.
Free!
Introduction to Fly Fishing Lures and Lines
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we craft homemade fishing flies. Rangers will also have some fun knot tying and fishing based info and activities. Registration begins on Monday Nov 17.
Free!
Central Park Highlights Hike
at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk to enjoy the most iconic attractions of Central Park, including Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Field, Bow Bridge, The Ramble and Belvedere Castle
Free!
Hidden Gems of The Bronx: Riverdale Park
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike through the hidden gem of the west Bronx, Riverdale Park!
Free!
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