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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, December 27, 2025
Birding: All About Crows
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn more about crows, a highly intelligent and sociable bird species.
Free!
Historic Tea Party: Holiday Edition
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rangers will demonstrate the brewing of natural teas and discuss their historical and cultural relevance on holiday traditions celebrated today! Registration opens December 15
Free!
Nature Meditation Walk
at Shore Parkway and Rabbi Block Street (in Calvert Vaux Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a meditative walk through Calvert Vaux Park. Unwind from the hustle and bustle of New York City and reflect on the quiet and restful mode of winter.
Free!
Geology: Glacial Landscapes
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Explore the intricate rock formations, hilly terrain and kettle ponds formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age
Free!
Historic New York: Andrew Haswell Green
at Entrance - East 106th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through Central Park as we discuss the legacy of Andrew Haswell Green. Learn about “the Father of Greater New York” and how he influenced our parks
Free!
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Birding: Winter Birds
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the trails identifying various woodland birds and winter waterfowl.
Free!
Geology: New York's Last Ice Age
at Upper Highland Playground (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk along part of Long Island’s terminal moraine, bulldozed up during our most recent ice age.
Free!
Historic New York: Hunter Island
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers on a walk on Hunter Island and learn about its unique history.
Free!
Winter Tree 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 for a winter walk around Inwood Hill Park to learn how to identify trees even after their leaves have fallen.
Free!
Golden Hour Photography
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Whether you have a fancy camera or a just cell phone camera to learn how to frame the natural beauty of winter through the lens. Bring your own camera or smartphone.
Free!
Monday, December 29, 2025
Kids Week: Kids Science Fair
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an amazing day of science. Channel your inner scientist with amazing hands-on experiments.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Natural Dyes
at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in using naturally sourced materials to tie-dye! Bring your own white cotton clothing and create your own work of art.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Seal Exploration for Kids
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk along the beach in search for seals! We will use binoculars and spotting scopes along the beach, and learn about this magnificent marine animal.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Meet the Nature Center Critters
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Even when school's out, our parks are still the city's natural classroom! From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Move With Nature Stretching Party
at 164th Street and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Warm up with the Urban Park Rangers with a fun movement session inspired by urban wildlife and the natural world!
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Kids Week: All About Owls Hike and Craft
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about all about many species of owls that you can find on Staten Island. End the afternoon with an owl nature craft. Registration is required. Registration opens Monday Dec 22.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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!
Kids
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Elmhurst Park Grand Avenue Entrance (in Elmhurst Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Sensory Perception Hike for Kids
at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Canarsie Park using your senses of touch, smell, sight and hearing to explore the natural world.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Birding for Kids
at West 90th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Bird watching can be fun, especially during the winter season. Learn all about different ways to identify birds in our parks.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Kids Week: Campfire Story Time
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a cozy campfire and story telling session. Rangers will share engaging and educational stories about wildlife and nature. Dress warm
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Scavenger Hunt
at Wilson Avenue and Weirfield Street (in Irving Square Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a scavenger hunt! Search high and low for the natural wonders hiding just under your nose.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Campfire Story Time
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a cozy campfire and story telling session. Rangers will read books and use puppets paired with visual props.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Survival Skills for Kids
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn what it takes to survive the winter elements. Team up with your family and bond over these team building activities.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Wigwam Gathering and Campfire
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Explore and enter our recently restored Lenape wigwam and enjoy an afternoon by a warm campfire. Learn how to use a bow drill and other methods to start a fire.
Free!
Kids
Thursday, January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Hike
at 210th St Playground on 73rd Ave (in Cunningham Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike. Lets hike the beautiful mountain biking trails of Cunningham Park.
Free!
New Year's Day Super Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Start the New Year off on the right foot (and the left foot too) as you explore Pelham Bay Park on a 10-mile super hike.
Free!
New Year's Day Hike
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
If your New Year's resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike. Start the new year off right on this healthy and scenic hike of Clove Lakes Park.
Free!
New Year's Day Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Rangers will take you on a Northern Manhattan walk along the Inwood salt marsh, old growth forest and then onto the scenic paths of Fort Tryon Park to enjoy stunning views.
Free!
New Year's Day Super Hike
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike to start the year off right.
Free!
Friday, January 2, 2026
Kids Week: Animal Charades
at De Matti Playground (in De Matti Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about our local wildlife, by acting out some of our favorite animals and their adaptations to living in New York City!
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Oh Deer! Deer Exploration Hike
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Oh deer! Learn more about this majestic species and explore the park in search of signs and traces of its presence.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Survival Skills for Kids
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn basic outdoor skills such as shelter building, fire making and survival skills.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Nature Crafts
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Let the winter season inspire you as we create crafts from things found in nature.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Alley Giant Hike (Vigorous)
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
This hike will take you to the oldest living organism in New York, the Alley Giant. Comfortable walking footwear highly recommended.
Free!
Fireside Meditation
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at Clove Lakes Park for an afternoon of guided mediative exercises beside the warmth of a crackling fire.
Free!
New Year's Renewal
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Gather around the fire at Fort Greene Park to check in with your body, heart and mind. Sip some tea, take a moment to reflect and share with others.
Free!
Astronomy: The Super Full Moon
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. Observe the Full Moon as it reaches its closest extent to Earth.
Free!
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free!
Greenbelt Hike
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.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!
Pelham Bay Park South Hike
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us for a walk of McCarren Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
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!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season.
Free!
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Birding: Owls and Owl Pellet Discovery
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about all about owls and dissect their pellets to see what they eat. You will be surprised by your discovery.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Winter Wilderness Survival
at Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn all about how to prepare and survive outdoors during the colder winter temperatures.
Free!
Winter Nature Exploration and Cleanup
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk in the Arverne East Nature Preserve while looking for signs of birds and other winter flora and fauna that call the preserve home.
Free!
Winter Tree 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 for a winter walk around Inwood Hill Park to learn how to identify trees even after their leaves have fallen.
Free!
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Birding: Winter Birds
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the park identifying various marshland birds and winter waterfowl.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire: Nature Story Time
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 storytime around the campfire. Rangers will be reading children’s books related to the natural world.
Free!
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