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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
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Junior Arborist Day
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about our Urban Forest and why we need trees and why they matter
Free!
Kids Week: Freshwater Fishing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Want to go fishing but don’t know how or where to start? Join our Urban Park Rangers for free lessons! Learn how to properly use a fishing rod or cast a net. Ages 8 and up
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: All About Turtles
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they dive into the fascinating world of turtles! You’ll even get to meet our very own terrestrial and aquatic turtles that we care for in our center.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
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, foam axes and targets.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Exploration for Kids
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
The natural world is the best playground in New York City! Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike through the wonders of Central Park..
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Field House (in Archie Spigner 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.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Junior Arborist Day at Tompkinsville Park
at Tompkinsville Park at Victory Boulevard (in Tompkinsville Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Arbor Day Month! Learn about trees, identify trees and care for trees.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Magnetic Archery
at Lawn Area (in McKinley Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Kids Science Fair
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an amazing day of science. Channel your inner Scientist with three amazing hands-on experiments.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Meet the Critters
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Native Planting Party
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month discussing pollinators and plants. Don't forget to take home your planted seed to start your own native plant garden.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Playground (in Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto 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.
Free!
Kids
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Entrance - Bard Avenue and Delafield Place (in Walker Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding 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. Rangers will lead you to the best spots to view spring birds.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding for Kids
at West 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
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. Rangers will lead you to the best spots to view spring birds.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Shelter Building
at Rutland Road and Brooklyn Avenue (in Wingate Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rangers will teach you different methods of shelter building using natural materials.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: All About Bats
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for National Bat Appreciation Day as we hike Forest Park in a search for our nocturnal friends.
Free!
Event
Friday, April 18, 2025
Kids Week: Metaverse Scavenger Hunt
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a nature scavenger hunt inspired by the popular mobile game application "Pokemon Go". See how many of these can be found where the metaverse meets nature
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Spring Coastal Ecology for Kids
at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Discover the nature and beauty of Canarsie Park on a spring exploration hike with the Urban Park Rangers. Spring brings changes to local flora and fauna along the shoreline.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding Bingo
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fun game of bingo where participants will learn about different birds that call New York City their home.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Native Planting Party
at Entrance - East Broadway & Essex St (in Seward Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month discussing pollinators and plants. Don't forget to take home your planted seed to start your own native plant garden.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Spring Story Time in the Garden
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 nature story telling session. Rangers will read books and use puppets paired with visual props.
Free!
Event
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Explore Pelham Bay Park: The Central Woodlands
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Pelham Bay Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Historic New York: Gerritsen Creek
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the history of the Gerritsen Creek wetlands and a 17th century, tide-powered mill that no longer stands, but once existed in this region of Brooklyn.
Free!
Sketch-It Scavenger Hunt
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Explore your local city park and learn all about the critters that live here. Hone your drawing and observation skills using real references as you walk around the park.
Free!
Earth Day Plant ID and Stewardship
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for useful tips on non-native plant ID and very rewarding non-native plant removal activities. Tools will be provided.
Free!
Historic New York: The Highbridge Water Tower
at West 174 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Wildlife Viewing: Rabbits
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they look for signs of rabbits and experience the joy of spotting these adorable creatures in the wild!
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 11,500 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War.
Free!
Event
Birding: Spring Migration
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Powell's Cove Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Celebrate Earth Day Hike
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate upcoming Earth Day on this nature exploration hike. Learn the history and significance of Earth Day and take a vow to protect and conserve our parks and environment.
Free!
Event
Earth Day: Planting the Pollinator Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Help restore and replant our pollinator garden as we create space for bees, birds and other species. Learn more about the ways pollinator species help plants flourish in our parks.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Playground West - Play Area (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx
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!
Tuesday, April 22, 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 April 9, 2025.
Free!
Friday, April 25, 2025
Arbor Day Tree Appreciation
at Playground (in Simeone Park), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Celebrate Arbor Day with the Urban Park Rangers by expanding your knowledge on tree health and tree species and enjoying a tree craft.
Free!
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Planting the Sensory Garden
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Nurture your green thumb and your community as you learn the basic needs for plant care and discover plants that stimulate the senses.
Free!
Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt
at Sobelsohn Playground (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the world around you and get to know your neighborhood trees. Conquer our tree scavenger hunt that will inspire curiosity and answer about trees
Free!
City Nature Challenge Bird Blitz
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Naturalist Hike
at Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25 - April 28.
Free!
Earth Month Beach Clean-Up
at Wolfe's Pond Park, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be an environmental warrior as you join the Urban Park Rangers to clean up the beach and surrounding area while learning the importance of keeping the ecosystem clean.
Free!
City Nature Challenge Bio Blitz
at Entrance - West 231st Street and Riverdale Avenue (in Ewen Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Biodiversity Hike
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25 -April 28
Free!
Sunday, April 27, 2025
City Nature Challenge Bird Blitz
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
Mushroom ID Hike
at 210th St Playground on 73rd Ave (in Cunningham Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
City Nature Challenge Bio Blitz
at Playground for All Children (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
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!
City Nature Challenge Wildflower ID
at Winchester Boulevard, under Grand Central Parkway (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Great Trees of Madison Square Park
at Southern End (in Madison Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Officially recognized as a Level 2 arboretum by the Arboretum Accreditation Program, this small park is home to over 300 trees!
Free!
Wildflowers, Pollinators, & Soil Basics
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to track the wildflowers of spring partnered with a demonstration of soil textures.
Free!
Friday, May 2, 2025
Modern Parks: Wetlands of New York City
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a hike along the beautiful shore of Hunter’s Point South Park with a perfect NYC skyline view!
Free!
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