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NYC Parks Events Calendar
Get up, get out, and do something! Just about any day of the year, you can find something fun, informative, and healthy to enjoy at an area park. Feel free to browse the listings below, or use the search tools to find an event that matches your interests and location.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Talks, Wildlife, STEM Classes
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Woodlawn Wednesdays: Forest Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park
at Woodlawn Playground (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx 
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers help restore the woodlands on the east side of Van Cortlandt Park. Tasks vary by season and focus on invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and planting native species to promote a healthy forest ecosystem.
Category: Nature, Volunteer
Free!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Category: Education, Nature, Volunteer, Waterfront, Wildlife, STEM Classes, Gardening
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Waterfront, Wildlife, Accessible Activities
Free!
Kids
Boogie Down Pen Pal
at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, Bronx
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Boogie Down Pen Pal program where high school students can write encouraging letters to elementary school students
Category: Education, Volunteer, Recreation Center Programming
Free!
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Talks, Wildlife, STEM Classes
Free!
Kids
Friday, December 13, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Waterfront, Wildlife, Accessible Activities
Free!
Kids
Saturday, December 14, 2024
It's My Park at Ewen Park
at Ewen Park Dog Run (in Ewen Park), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Stewards of Ewen Park to do a general cleanup, rake leaves, and plant bulbs at Ewen Park.
Category: Volunteer, It's My Park
Free!
It's My Park at Forest Park
at Wallenburg Square (in Forest Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Volunteer with Kew Kids Forest School to steward Forest Park.
Category: Volunteer, It's My Park
Free!
Team RIVER Saturday
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Category: Education, Nature, Fitness, Volunteer, Waterfront, Wildlife, Walking, STEM Classes
Free!
12/14 Forest Park Winter Vine Sweep
at Buddy Monument (in Forest Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust for a winter vine sweep in Forest Park's natural areas.
Category: Nature, Volunteer, Gardening
Free!
It's My Park at Leif Ericson Park
at Leif Ericson Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Parent-Child Relationship Association to beautify Leif Ericson Park.
Category: Volunteer, It's My Park
Free!
Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Roots and Shoots Brigade at Eastern Queens Alliance! Our program empowers young minds to take charge, explore environmental initiatives, and develop leadership skills!
Category: Education, Nature, Volunteer, Workshops
Free!
Holiday Origami Ornament Making
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in folding various paper evergreen trees and animal themed tree ornaments. Papers provided, Ranger guided folds and steps.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Winter Holidays
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. To enhance your experience, please bring your own binoculars and field guides.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking, Wildlife
Free!
Curbside Composting: A Community Info Session
at Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The requirements from DSNY and benefits of Community Composting will be discussed. There will be a virtual session on curbside composting on December 18, 2024 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Category: Education, Tours, Volunteer, Workshops, Gardening
Free!
The Bokashi Method to Prep Your Soil
at Down to Earth Garden, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Learn about the application guidelines on the bokashi method for preparing your soil whether in late fall, during the winter, or early spring from Bokashi educator, Shig Matsukawa.
Category: Education, Nature, Workshops, Gardening
Free!
Nature Exploration: Urban Wildlife
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city!
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Waterfront, Wildlife, Accessible Activities
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks.
Category: Birding, Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
Free!
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Highland Park Christmas Bird Count
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the nation’s longest running community science project and help collect data for the Christmas Bird Count in Queens.
Category: Birding, Volunteer
Free!
It's My Park at Sunset Park
at Sunset Park Recreation Center (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Parent-Child Relationship Association to beautify Sunset Park.
Category: Volunteer, It's My Park
Free!
It's My Park at McKinley Park
at McKinley Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Parent-Child Relationship Association to beautify McKinley Park.
Category: Volunteer, It's My Park
Free!
Von Briesen Park and Fort Wadsworth Winter Tree ID
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the National Park Service Rangers for this tree exploration hike at Von Briessen Park and Fort Wadsworth. Registration opens Wednesday December 4
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
Free!
Plants and Animals of Ecology Park
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Ecology Park is host to 14 different native plant communities. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk to discover how the unique animals and plants in this park survive the winter
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Waterfront
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This winter, join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature's Workshop series. Create your own nature inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Winter Holidays
Free!
Kids
Outdoor Skills: Advanced Firebuilding and Safety
at Playground (in Rufus King Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
What can you use to build a fire? Explore this site as we search for different materials to use as kindling and learn advanced techniques to build an outdoor fire.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Monday, December 16, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Boogie Down Pen Pal
at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, Bronx
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Boogie Down Pen Pal program where high school students can write encouraging letters to elementary school students
Category: Education, Volunteer, Recreation Center Programming
Free!
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Talks, Wildlife, STEM Classes
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Woodlawn Wednesdays: Forest Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park
at Woodlawn Playground (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers help restore the woodlands on the east side of Van Cortlandt Park. Tasks vary by season and focus on invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and planting native species to promote a healthy forest ecosystem.
Category: Nature, Volunteer
Free!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Category: Education, Nature, Volunteer, Waterfront, Wildlife, STEM Classes, Gardening
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Facing Climate Change As Urban Gardeners
at Virtual/Online Workshop
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Face climate despair head-on in these monthly, peer-to-peer meet ups.
Category: Education, Nature, Community Input Meetings, Workshops, Virtual/Online Events, Gardening
Free!
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Boogie Down Pen Pal
at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, Bronx
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Boogie Down Pen Pal program where high school students can write encouraging letters to elementary school students
Category: Education, Volunteer, Recreation Center Programming
Free!
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Talks, Wildlife, STEM Classes
Free!
Kids
Friday, December 20, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Category: Birding, Nature, Art, History, Waterfront, Open House New York, Hiking, Wildlife, Walking
Free!
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This winter, join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature's Workshop series. Create your own nature inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.
Category: Arts & Crafts, Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Winter Holidays
Free!
Kids
Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Roots and Shoots Brigade at Eastern Queens Alliance! Our program empowers young minds to take charge, explore environmental initiatives, and develop leadership skills!
Category: Education, Nature, Volunteer, Workshops
Free!
Winter Solstice Evergreen Tree ID Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 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!
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
Free!
Winter Wonderland Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (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.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Marine Park Alliance Presents: Festival of Lights - Winter Solstice
at Seba Playground (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Celebrate when our hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, making the shortest day of the year. Dress warm in layers and bring binoculars and a telescope if you have them.
Category: Education, Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Astronomy
Free!
Kids
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Wildlife Viewing: Winter Wildlife
at Gateway Drive and Erskine Street (in Spring Creek Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Birding: Winter Birds
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the park identifying various woodland birds and winter waterfowl.
Category: Birding, Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
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!
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers
Free!
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