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.
Monday, December 23, 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!
Build a Nature Birdfeeder
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn about winter birds in your neighborhood and what they like to eat. Build your very own bird feeder from recycled materials.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
All About Owls Hike and Nature Craft for Kids
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about all about owls that can be found in our parks and create an owl related craft made from nature.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Kiddie Story Time by the Wigwam
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 for a story telling session inside the wigwam. Rangers will read books and use puppets paired with visual props.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Seal Exploration for Kids
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Campfire Story Time for Kids
at Entrance - Beach 35th Street and Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park), Queens
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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, December 24, 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!
Birding for Kids
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Let’s learn how to get an up close look at birds without the need for wings! We will teach you ways to identify birds by sight and sounds.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Winter Coastal Ecology for Kids
at Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover the nature and beauty of Ocean Breeze Park on a winter exploration hike with the Urban Park Rangers. Winter brings changes to local flora and fauna along the shoreline.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Winter Birding for Kids
at West 90th Street and Central Park West
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Bird watching can be fun, especially during the winter season. Learn all about different ways to identify birds in our parks.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Campfire Story Time for Kids
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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Nature Puppet Show for Kids
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 25, 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!
Thursday, December 26, 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!
Survival Skills for Kids
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn basic outdoor skills such as shelter building, fire making and survival skills.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Winter Bingo for Kids
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore your curiosity while trying to score five items in a row as you learn about all things winter at Freshkills Park.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Tree Cookie Creations for Kids
at Track (in Al Oerter Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join this eco-friendly art movement and let the rings of a tree tell tales on your canvas, connecting past, present, and future in a beautiful symphony of creation.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife, Recreation Center Programming
Free!
Kids
Animal Tracking Scat-venger Hunt for Kids
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Join the Urban Park Rangers on an animal tracking scavenger hunt.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Winter Wildlife Hike for Kids
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 as they walk the trails in search of animals that call this park home for the winter.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Friday, December 27, 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!
Game Show Trivia for Kids
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Compete in this mulit-round competition, geared towards aspiring park rangers, testing all things history, science, nature, and local pop culture.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Deer Exploration For Kids
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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Sensory Perception Hike for Kids
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Experience the different ways to connect to the park using our senses. Learn about the importance of greenspaces and adventure therapy.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
Free!
Kids
Winter Nature Crafts for Kids
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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Nature Exploration Hike
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Head to Prospect Park and join the Urban Park Rangers to search for animal prints, scat, and shelters.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
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!
Historic New York: Ridgewood Reservoir
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join NYC's Urban Park Rangers and for a walk at the Ridgewood Reservoir highlighting the history, ecology and engineering of this cultural treasure.
Category: Nature, History, Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Urban Wildlife Hike
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
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, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess
Free!
Kids
Gather Around the Campfire
at West 114th Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Gather by the campfire to enjoy an afternoon of story telling and fireside activities.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Wildlife Viewing: Flying Squirrels and Other Nocturnal Creatures
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we shine the (figurative) light on these mysterious mammals and other creatures and learn how they navigate nature nocturnally.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Birding: Winter Birds
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the trails identifying various woodland birds and winter waterfowl.
Category: Birding, Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
Free!
Fossil Exploration
at Lew Fidler Park
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a trek to observe the fossiliferous stones at the edge of the ocean. Learn about fossil identification and put your skills to the test!
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Winter Wonderland Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 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 Forest Park home.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (in Pelham Bay 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!
Monday, December 30, 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!
Scavenger Hunt for Kids
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come get salty with us on a nautical scavenger hunt. Find all the clues and win a prize!
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Campfire Story Time for Kids
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes 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 read books and use puppets paired with visual props.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, School Break: Spring Recess, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Nature Puppet Show for Kids
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Winter Wonderland Hike for Kids
at West 108th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover the nature and beauty of Riverside Park on a scenic winter hike with the Urban Park Rangers.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers
Free!
Kids
Ranger Games for Kids
at Juniper North Playground (in Juniper Valley 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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, December 31, 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!
Kiddie Craft and Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Get creative as we use the park as an inspiration to construct a craft
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Nature Puppet Show for Kids
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
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.
From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Category: Nature, Best for Kids, Urban Park Rangers, Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers, Wildlife
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
New Year's Day Hike
at Entrance - Staten Island Boulevard and Ocean Terrace (in Deere Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Start the new year off right on this healthy and scenic hike of Deere Park.
Category: Nature, Urban Park Rangers, Hiking
Free!
Saturday, January 11, 2025
1/11 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!
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
How to Crop Plan with a Square Foot Garden
at St. John's Recreation Center, Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Discover how advanced garden planning during the winter season can maximize your harvest during the growing season!
Category: Education, Nature, Workshops, Gardening
Free!
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Community Ecology Reading Group
at Virtual/Online Workshop
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
The Community Ecology Reading Group has been meeting for over a year. In the past year, we've explored trees, wildlife, and waterways and compiled a reading list on community ecology.
Category: Education, Nature, Workshops, Virtual/Online Events
Free!
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Maintaining Marine Park's Forever Wild Natural Areas
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how we care for Marine Park.
Category: Education, Nature, Volunteer
Free!