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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
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at Entrance - West 106th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park)
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!
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Christmas Bird Count
at South Gate House of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Rerservoir (in Central Park), Manhattan
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the nation's longest-running citizen-science bird project. Join the Rangers and Audubon society to record and tally bird species in Central 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
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
Free!
Ice Age Hike
at Union Turnpike and 196th Street (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn more about which prehistoric species may have been found in this area during different time periods.
Free!
Kids
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.
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.
Free!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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 December 4
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
Winter Solstice Ornaments
at Austin J. McDonald Playground, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Winter is here! Join the Rangers in celebration of the shortest day of the year and the slow approach of spring. Create celestial ornaments to commemorate the solstice.
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!
Astronomy: The Winter Solstice
at Seba Playground (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Observe the December moon and constellations with the Urban Park Rangers and learn how the winter solstice this week will turn our Northern hemisphere toward longer days.
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
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Learn the essentials of starting and maintaining a campfire and afterwards enjoy s’mores around the fire to celebrate the end of the celestial year
Free!
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Outdoor Skills: Winter Wilderness Survival
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn all about how to prepare and survive outdoors during the colder winter temperatures.
Free!
Ugly Holiday Sweater Hike
at Greenbelt Nature Center - Hike Start Point (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Get festive with the Urban Park Rangers sporting your BEST ugly holiday sweaters for a hike through the Greenbelt.
Free!
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
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
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
Thursday, December 26, 2024
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
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
Nocturnal Hike and Campfire for Kids
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers for a short hike and discover the wonders of the natural world after dark. Then gather around the campfire to learn more about some of your local nocturnal animals
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!
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!
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
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