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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
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Autumn Starfest
at Entrance - East 99th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) at their annual Autumn Starfest.
Free!
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Hernandez Park History and Clean-up
at Suydam Street & Irving Avenue (in Maria Hernandez Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about Maria Hernandez and her contributions to the Bushwick community and participate in a park service project to honor her.
Free!
Event
Insect Ecology and Conservation Awareness
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for a nature walk focused on our smallest animals and learn why it is important to restore healthy ecosystems for the insects that are disappearing.
Free!
Event
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Afternoon Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs-Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Afternoon program registration takes place from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Autumn Gardening: Prep the Pollinator Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Autumn garden maintenance is an important step to a successful growing season. Maintain our pollinator garden as we prepare it for a dormant winter.
Free!
Event
Hispanic Heritage Month: Bilingual Nature Story Time // Hora de Cuentos Bilingüe
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for storytime! Books will be read in English and Spanish // Únase a los Urban Park Rangers para la hora del cuento! Los libros se leerán en inglés y español
Free!
Event
Indigenous People's Day: Indigenous Cultures
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn of the indigenous roots of New York City and celebrate the culture that came before the city.
Free!
Event
Family Camping: Brooklyn
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday October 2
Free!
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday October 2
Free!
Monday, October 14, 2024
Indigenous People's Day: Indigenous Roots
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike to discuss the deep connection between humans and plants that transcends time with a particular focus on the practices of the Lenape.
Free!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Meet the Critters
at Play Area (in Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers for a science seminar to learn about reptiles, insects, bats, and other critters from the earth. This is an educational event for all ages.
Free!
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Autumn Wildlfower Walk
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk to discover the soon-to-be dormant wildflower population. Learn how to find wildflowers and collect and prepare seeds for planting.
Free!
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Catch Them All
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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 when the metaverse meets nature.
Free!
Kids
Nature's Workshop: Build a Natural Bee House
at Lafayette Avenue and Colgate Avenue (in Soundview Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Find out the important role bee houses play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Open House New York: The High Bridge 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. Open access from 1pm to 3pm.
Free!
Creatures of the Night: Bats
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
As the night falls, our fuzzy bat companion rises. Let the Urban Park Rangers be your guide as we learn more about these precious winged friends.
Free!
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Autumn Nature Crafts
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Get creative as we use the park as an inspiration to construct an autumn inspired nature craft. All crafts material will be provided.You must supply the creativity and positive vibes.
Free!
Kids
Open House New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover the history of this Brooklyn landmark that pays tribute to the 11,000 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War.
Free!
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Afternoon Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs-Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Afternoon program registration takes place from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Immersive Storytelling Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on this storytelling adventure! Embark on this quest of survival skills, and learn how to find your way while identifying the flora and fauna of the forest.
Free!
Kids
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Open House 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!
Tuesday, October 22, 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 opens Wednesday October 9.
Free!
Saturday, October 26, 2024
City of Forest Day Hike
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Celebrate City of Forest Day with NYC Parks. Soak up the vast adventure the park has to offer as we explore its history, flora and fauna.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Woodlands Hike
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate City of Forest Day with NYC Parks. Learn all about the biodiversity of the oldest growth forest on Manhattan Island with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Leaf Painting and Hike
at Parking Garage (in Ocean Breeze Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the wonders of fall as we explore the park and create your own painting using natural materials.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Woodland Restoration Walk
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us on a hike through Marine Park’s coastal woodland restoration areas. Learn about the amazing plant and animal species that rely on this unique and threatened habitat.
Free!
City of Forest Day: Tree Identification
at Entrance - East 233rd Street and Baychester Avenue (in Seton Falls Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate City of Forest Day with NYC Parks. Learn ways to identify the trees of techniques such as branch patterns, leaf shape, and bark characteristics.
Free!
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Birding: Birdability Week
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Join us during Birdability Week to enjoy a birding program without barriers on a mobility accessible path.
Free!
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Morning Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs- Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning program registration takes place from 9:30am-10:00am. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Birding: Birdability Week
at Sunset Cove Park Entrance (in Sunset Cove Park)
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Join us during Birdability Week to enjoy a birding program without barriers on a mobility accessible path and viewing area.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Discover the beauty of Forest Park on a colorful autumn hike with the Urban Park Rangers. Maple, oak and hickory are some of the most colorful species we will see.
Free!
Historic New York: Gravesend Cemetery
at Gravesend Cemetery, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this landmarked cemetery that was established by Lady Deborah Moody in 1643.
Free!
Adventure Course Free Public Sunday Afternoon Program
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Free Public Sunday Programs-Free programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Afternoon program registration takes place from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Please dress appropriately.
Free!
Historic New York: Seneca Village
at West 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Before Central Park was built, the area from West 82nd to West 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, the largest community of African-American property owners in New York.
Free!
Night Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Explore the park at night and learn how animals and humans adapt under the cover of darkness.
Free!
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Nature's Workshop: Nature Tokens
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the history of nature and animals on coins and other currency. Create a personalized clay coin inspired by wildlife to take home!
Free!
Howl-oween Doggie Day Hike
at Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Dress your pet in a costume and see who's the best. Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Insect Exploration Hike
at Ward's Island Footbridge (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an insect exploration hike where you will learn about how many types of insects including mosquitos, dragonflies, moths and more.
Free!
Owl Pellet Discovery & Dissection
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about all about owls and dissect their pellets to see what they eat. You will be surprised by your discovery.
Free!
Kids
Autumn Appreciation Hike
at 73rd Avenue and Hollis Hills Terrace (in Cunningham Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
We invite you to join the Urban Park Rangers for a delightful stroll as we celebrate the beauty of the changing seasons in our urban environment.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Archery
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our free archery class is a bullseye! "Fall back" with free lessons taught by our expert Urban Park Rangers at our archery range in Willowbrook Park
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Dyes
at Rainbow Playground, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in using natural materials to tie-dye in vibrant colors. Bring your own white cotton clothes or receive a free handkerchief or tote bag to dye.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape Ethnobotany
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
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