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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 30, 2025
Astronomy: Autumn Sky
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a survey of the November night sky.
Free!
Event
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Nature Book Club
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a monthly discussion of a nature-themed book. This month we will be reading Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake.
Free!
Event
Thursday, December 4, 2025
World Wildlife Conservation Day Bingo
at Oak Ridge (in Forest Park), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Learn about Earth’s endangered species by enjoying a game of bingo. Understand the impacts on ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. Prizes will be given.
Free!
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see winter waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome
Free!
Forest Park Super Hike
at The Overlook (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on this lengthy hike of Forest Park. Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Historic New York: 25 Years of the Salt Marsh Nature Center
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk on the Salt Marsh Nature Trail while highlighting 25 years of stories, photos, memories, milestones and more.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Wreath Making
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we create beautiful wreaths made from upcycled natural materials. All crafting materials will be provided. Registration opens Nov 24.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Tea Party
at Main Garden Area (in Amersfort Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Bring a thermos of your favorite tea and join the Urban Park Rangers for a tea party in the Amersfort Park gazebo. Learn about local plants that have historic and modern medicinal uses.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
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!
Sinterklaas: Saint Nicholas Day!
at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (in Fidler-Wyckoff House Park), Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for our 23rd annual St. Nicholas Day for a day of activities and a special visit from St. Nick.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Bundle up and join the Rangers ‘round the campfire! Start the evening with a twilight walk around the marsh before settling in for stories of all kinds, new and old.
Free!
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Parking Lot (in Manhattan Beach Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Vernon Boulevard and 41st Avenue (in Queensbridge Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join NYC’s Urban Park Ranger and hear tales of NYC’s urban wildlife while enjoying the warmth of a campfire.
Free!
Waterfall Hike
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we walk to a few scenic waterfall viewing points and learn about the creation and history of Clove Lakes Park.
Free!
Historic New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 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.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Animal Adaptations
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Historic New York: Orchard Beach
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a journey through time and learn the history of Pelham Bay Park’s Orchard Beach!
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rangers will introduce you to the many species of living nature found within Fort Tryon Park.
Free!
Tuesday, December 9, 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 19.
Free!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Birding: Christmas Bird Count
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for this annual community science project counting and identifying birds while we hike in the park.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season.
Free!
Hidden Gems of Queens: Udall's Cove
at Aurora Pond (in Udall's Park Preserve), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore Udall's Park Preserve, one of the boroughs lesser-known greenspaces. Learn more about the history and natural landscape of this hidden gem.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Winter Survival 101
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn the basic skills of outdoor survival including fire making, shelter building and water collection among other skills.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to witness the harbor seals in their natural habitat off the shore of Orchard Beach and learn about these incredible marine mammals and their fascinating be
Free!
Winter Wonderland Hike
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a brisk nature walk in winter where we will look for and learn about the local flora and fauna that call Inwood Hill Park home.
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Nature Exploration Hike
at Park Drive N and Signs Road (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a relaxing stroll at the William T Davis Wildlife Refuge trail and discover some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Introduction to Woodworking
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn techniques of traditional wood crafting with the Urban Park Rangers. Participants must be 12yr+ to engage in this advanced tool activity.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Entrance - 215th Place and 33rd Road (in Crocheron Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us for awintery tour of a certified arboretum and learn how to identify different trees after their leaves have dropped for the season.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Rochester Avenue and President Street (in Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a winter walk around Lincoln Terrace/Arthur S. Somers Park to learn how to identify trees even after their leaves have fallen.
Free!
Winter Tree ID: The Pinetum
at Entrance - 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through the Arthur Ross Pinetum and learn about some evergreen trees!
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak.
Free!
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Oakland Lake (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Hand Weaving and Crocheting
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn the fundamentals of weaving patterns. Bring your own spool of yarn to create a warm and cozy design that can be adorned as a great winter charm!
Free!
Bay Exploration and Clean Up
at Entrance - Beach 35th Street and Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about the ecological importance of Jamaica Bay both to humans and wildlife. give back to the planet with a shoreline trash clean-up.
Free!
Hibernation Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, reptiles and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Kids
It's A Horse of Course Hike and Greet
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers along with the Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit to learn about the Mounted Unit’s role in the agency and keeping our parks safe.
Free!
Sunset Hike
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as the air chills and the critters come out while the sun sets over High Rock Park.
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights.
Free!
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl - Solstice Edition
at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on winter solstice to peep those rare winter birds! Fluff up your feathers and learn all about how to identify winter waterfowl.
Free!
Winter Wildlife Hike
at Kissena Velodrome Parking Lot (in Kissena Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to discover the wildlife of NYC Parks and how they are toughing through the winter months.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Seasonal Nature Candle Making
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Participants will craft their own candle using the many scents of natural plants. "Yule" be surprised at which scents you will recognize. Registration opens on December 8.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - East 90th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Winter Solstice Evergreen Tree ID Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Leave the tinsel at home and lace up your boots and stockings for this fun tour of the trees that never quit photosynthesizing, even when the days are at their shortest!
Free!
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Learn the essentials of starting and maintaining a campfire and afterwards enjoy s’mores around the fire to celebrate the end of the celestial year
Free!
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year, before the light returns. Join the Urban Park Rangers for an evening of storytelling to help pass the cold winter night.
Free!
Tuesday, December 23, 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 December 10, 2025.
Free!
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!
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