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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 2, 2025
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying and Weaving
at Parking Lot (in Manhattan Beach Park), Brooklyn 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Explore Manhattan Beach’s seashell bounty while learning the basics of hand-held weaving and knot-tying.
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Sunday, August 3, 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!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Cordage Workshop
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn how to identify plants traditionally used for cordage making.
Free!
Nature Photography
at Bronx River Community Garden (in ), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Whether you have a SLR camera or just a simple cell phone camera, learn basics of photography and see our parks through a new lens.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Fantastical Nature Home Creation
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to fashion whimsical tiny houses from elements sourced in nature that conjure a sense of magic.
Free!
Kids
Seashells of the North Atlantic
at Sunset Cove Park Entrance (in Sunset Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will introduce you to the natural wonders that wash up on the shores of the city’s beaches and what that means about the ecosystem just beneath the waves.
Free!
Urban Wildlife: Reptiles and Amphibians
at Mauro Playground (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the park, looking for and learning about the turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders that call New York City home.
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!
Discovery Hike: Tide Pools
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the shore with the Urban Park Rangers as we take a closer look at these temporary habitats and find out the many creatures that call tide pools home.
Free!
Historic New York: New York Harbor
at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Explore the significance of New York Harbor in both the past and present and learn about the working harbor and its role in global supply chains.
Free!
Tuesday, August 5, 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 July 23
Free!
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Seining
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our experienced Urban Park Rangers teach the ecology of our waterways on every seining program. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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 July 30
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Dyes Workshop
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in making and using natural dyes from berries, fruits, and roots.
Free!
Magnetic Archery
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers 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.
Free!
Tree Identification Hike
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Want to know more about NYC’s favorite tree? Walk with the Urban Park Rangers! Together we’ll find out the unique history and biology of the London Plane, and what makes it so special
Free!
Insect Exploration: Insects of the Night
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
8:00 p.m.–9:30 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!
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Seining and Beach Cleanup
at Beach 54th and Almeda Avenue (in Rockaway Community Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Learn all about the creatures that make their homes in the space between tides and help maintain the shore for a healthier ecosystem by participating in a trash cleanup.
Free!
Freshwater Fishing
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways. All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older.
Free!
Historic New York: Downtown Brooklyn History Super Hike
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a history tour of Downtown Brooklyn. Learn about Brooklyn’s role in the Revolutionary War and the aftermath that led to its first parks.
Free!
Urban Wildlife: Amphibian Exploration
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of the amphibian species that call the park home! Good shoes are recommended.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Resident Rodents
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Rangers will give a guided hike of the preserve and describe the resident rodents of New York City.
Free!
Kids
Saltwater Fishing
at Valentino Pier, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Seton Falls Park Clean-Up
at Entrance - Baychester Avenue and Crawford Avenue (in Seton Falls Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and fellow community members to clean and beautify Seton Falls! Bring a water bottle, wear comfortable clothing and get ready to do your part.
Free!
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Coastal Ecology: Oysters Monitoring and Stewardship
at Stapleton Waterfront Park
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Oysters and other bivalves act as natural filters for our shores. Learn more about these phenomenal creatures and other marine life at this Billion Oyster Project site along The Narrows
Free!
Friday, August 15, 2025
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.–8:00 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 6.
Free!
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Doggie Day Hike
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join us on an early hike through Prospect’s most dog-friendly hangs while playing some dog and human trivia!
Free!
Canoeing: Island Hopping
at Canoe and Kayak Launch (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Spend a afternoon exploring the islands that surround the Orchard Beach estuary by canoe. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday August 6
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at Oakland Lake (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
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!
Discovery Hike: Soil Testing
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore and contents of the ground beneath us.
Free!
Planting the Native Garden
at Narrows Botanical Gardens (in Shore Park and Parkway), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exploration of the seasonal flowers at Narrows Botanical Garden. Learn all about the Native plants that call our neck of the woods home
Free!
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.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!
Stewardship and Seed Bomb Creation Hike
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers removing Japanese stilt grass and other introduced species on the forest floor then throw seed bombs filled with native seeds.
Free!
Kids
Historical Games
at Entrance (in Margaret I. Carman Green - Weeping Beech), Queens
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Go back in time with the Urban Park Rangers and learn the games played by children of the past in early New York City by both the Lenape and immigrants from Europe, among others.
Free!
Intermediate Canoeing
at Spring Creek Dock (in Fresh Creek Nature Preserve), Brooklyn
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 August 6
Free!
Plant ID Hike and Sketch
at Lefrak Center at Lakeside (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse plant life of Prospect Park with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
From seeing them on your favorite trails to reading about them in fairytales–witness these nature “tails” come to life and learn about Bronx urban wildlife in our summertime stories!
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, August 19, 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 August 6, 2025.
Free!
Friday, August 22, 2025
Family Camping: Bronx
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:00 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!
Staten Island Bio Blitz: Nocturnal Wildlife
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Be a part of this community science event with this Ranger led activity, as we explore the woods and identify what nighttime critters we find.
Free!
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Nature's Workshop: Recycled Plantable Paper Making
at Greene Ave & Tompkins Ave (in Herbert Von King Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a sustainable transformation of old paper scraps into a future garden! Learn about the history of papermaking and make your own paper.
Free!
Staten Island Bio Blitz: Pond Ecology
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Be a part of this community science event with this Ranger led activity, as we explore Willowbrook Park pond and identify what plants and animals live in this aquatic habitat.
Free!
Nature Exploration and Clean Up
at Sunset Cove Park Entrance (in Sunset Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a clean-up and nature exploration in the borough’s largest park.
Free!
Historic New York: The Battle of Brooklyn
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn with the Urban Park Rangers at the Old Stone House.
Free!
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
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