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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
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Kids Week: Nature Bingo
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we search to fill our Bingo Cards with sights and sounds of the season! We will use our senses to explore the local flora and fauna.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Tree Tunes
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a day of musical fun in Prospect Park. Learn about all the different ways our forest can sing and join our natural band!
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Chalk It Up
at Elmhurst Park Grand Avenue Entrance (in Elmhurst Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Fill the sidewalk with colorful art inspired by all the things we love about nature. Create a mural with your friends using chalk and imagination alongside the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Manhattan Rocks! Geology Hike
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon 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. Learn all about the geological landscape of Manhattan.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Shelter Building
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Rangers will teach you different methods of shelter building using natural materials.
Free!
Kids
Friday, February 21, 2025
Kids Week: Hibernation Staycation
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at the Fort Greene Visitor Center for an afternoon by a nice warm fire. Check out some of the furs that keep our native animals warm in winter.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Bald Eagle Watch
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill 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 bald eagles.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding for Kids
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
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
Kids Week: Meet the Critters
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Poetry Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Beach 35th Street and Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us in the afternoon for poetry writing by the fire. Let's come together to share our unique poems and create new ones that capture the essence of the season.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Watercolors by the Seaside
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Let us talk about the importance of a healthy ocean and why Rockaway Beach is so important while practicing painting techniques.
Free!
Historic New York: George Washington
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers at the Old Stone House in Washington Park to celebrate the 293rd Birthday of General George Washington.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Staten Island and the American Revolution
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Staten Island has some significant ties to the American Revolution. Visit historic sites and learn more about battles and events which impacted the American Revolution.
Free!
Event
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the Long Island Sound.
Free!
Historic New York: Fort Tryon
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk-through Fort Tryon Park as they discuss the rich history of the location.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Elmhurst Park Grand Avenue Entrance (in Elmhurst Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join us for a walk of Elmhurst Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the winter season.
Free!
Sunday, February 23, 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!
Black History Month: Audre Lorde
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us on the Audre Lorde Walk at Silver Lake Park as we honor the famous poet and draw inspiration from our surroundings as we practice creating our own poetry.
Free!
Event
Black History Month: Black Pioneers in STEM
at Lewis H Latimer House, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about prominent African Americans who helped shaped the course of history and the sciences at the house of the person who gave us the carbon filament light bulb– Lewis Latimer.
Free!
Indoor Gardening 101
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Calling all green (or not so green) thumbs! We’ll go over the basics of plant care and propagation, and how to start and maintain an indoor garden.
Free!
Event
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers are well-versed in outdoor lore. Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Event
Trivia Under The Trees
at Oak Ridge (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will test you on all things history, science, nature, and geography. The team with the most points at the end will win a prize.
Free!
Event
Birding: Owls
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks.
Free!
Event
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Fireside Meditation
at Entrance - Midland Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at Midland Beach for an afternoon of guided mediative exercises beside the warmth of a crackling fire.
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!
Living With Urban Coyotes
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the basic biology of these super smart and energetic animals.
Free!
Women's History Month: Historic Female Monuments in Parks
at White Levy Esplanade (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Women's History Month with the Urban Park Rangers. Join the Rangers as we highlight generations of female influence in parks. Design your own empowering monument.
Free!
World Wildlife Day Celebration
at Playground (Linden Playground) (in Park Of The Americas), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and meet some of our local wildlife as we discuss the importance of wildlife and the benefits of conservation in honor of World Wildlife Day.
Free!
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Learn about the important role the historic Fort Totten Water Battery played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Entrance - 68th Street and Colonial Road (in Owl's Head 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. All equipment provided.
Free!
Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
at Juniper North Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spring season is upon us and animals and plants adapt to the changes. Let's find some of these adaptations and signs of spring on a scavenger hunt through the trails in the park.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Spring Migration
at Entrance - West 77th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Birding: All About Owls
at Martling Avenue and Slosson Avenue (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls and their diets.
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 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!
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Hart Island Tour (North 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 February 19, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Walk Like A Wizard
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we help you create one-of-a-kind fantastical walking sticks using various components of nature. This will be a two-part adventure if you choose!
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn all of the birding basics! Come explore Van Cortlandt Park and learn how to ID common birds found throughout the city.
Free!
Deere Park Hike (Vigorous)
at Entrance - Staten Island Boulevard and Ocean Terrace (in Deere Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Deere Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Springfield Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Plants and Trees of Ecology Park
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Ecology Park is host to 14 different native plant communities. Learn how to identify these plants and trees as you walk through this unique park with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Central Park Highlights Hike
at Entrance - West 77th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Central Park, as they point out the various attributes that make the park special.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at Broadway and Wayne Street (in CPL. Thompson Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss how to pack and prepare for any potential survival situation.
Free!
Women's History Month: Anne Hutchinson
at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Course, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike and learn about the life and complex legacy of the 17th century religious reformer, movement leader, and colonialist, Anne Hutchinson.
Free!
Women's History Month: Know Your Female Birds
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers as they honor notable women in ornithology and take a deeper look into the ecological roles of the long overlooked and understudied female bird population
Free!
Friday, March 14, 2025
Astronomy: The Full Moon
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Get a close up view of our nearest celestial body in its full phase.
Free!
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Spring Meditation Hike
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and a fun way to reduce stress. Take a stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park and immerse yourself in tranquility.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at South Jamaica Infinity Garden, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and others survive in our urban environment while searching for some of these species.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Willow Lake
at Mauro Playground (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through the Pat Dolan trail and find out what plants and animals call his Forever Wild site home.
Free!
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