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Wild NYC is at the other end of your doorstep! Explore New York's urban forests, streams, and wildlife with these fun outdoor activities.
Nature Events
Wednesday, December 18, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Free!
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.
Free!
Kids
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Free!
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.
Free!
Kids
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