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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, July 5, 2025
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park), Manhattan 
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure.
Free!
Event
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Birding by Canoe Excursion
at Canoe and Kayak Launch (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday June 25.
Free!
Event
Birding: Shorebirds
at Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Learn more about cormorants, gulls, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds. Bring binoculars and sunscreen!
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
Event
Historic New York: The Revolutionary War’s Hidden Environmental Story
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we uncover how the American Revolution reshaped the natural world. This program offers a unique perspective on the war and how it was tied to the land.
Free!
Event
Birding: Beginner Birding
at 165th Street and Edgecombe Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn a new skill and take up a new hobby as we help you identify some of the most common birds found in our parks.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Natural Inks and Dyes
at Entrance (in Margaret I. Carman Green - Weeping Beech), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of making inks and dyes of different colors using natural materials harvested throughout the year.
Free!
Event
Outdoor Skills: Colonial Cooking
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a demonstration of the practices of cooking back in colonial times.
Free!
Event
Tuesday, July 8, 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 June 25
Free!
Friday, July 11, 2025
Family Camping: Queens
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
7:00 p.m.–8:00 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 July 2
Free!
Saturday, July 12, 2025
City of Water Day: Wading Birds and Waterfowl
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate City of Water Day with the Urban Park Rangers and walk this reclaimed outdoor space along Richmond Creek, identifying wading birds and waterfowl in this vital waterway.
Free!
City of Water Day: Saltwater Fishing
at Entrance-West Street and Greenpoint Avenue (in WNYC Transmitter Park), Brooklyn
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Historic New York: Van Cortlandt and the American Revolution
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Van Cortlandt Park was a significant location during the American Revolution. Visit historic sites and learn more about battles and events which impacted the American Revolution.
Free!
City of Water Day: Coastal Ecology
at Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue (in Barretto Point Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to celebrate City of Water Day by exploring the coastal ecology where the East River meets the Long Island Sound.
Free!
City of Water Day: Waterfalls of Prospect Park
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Take a (figurative) deep dive into Prospect Park’s wet wonders. Follow the Urban Park Rangers on a walking tour of the park's famous waterfalls and their accompanying infrastructure!
Free!
Wild About Wildlife
at Play Area (in Murray Playground), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we celebrate Wild About Wildlife Month, highlighting the need for protection of wild animals and their habitats.
Free!
Family Camping: Manhattan
at West 90th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:00 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 July 2
Free!
Sunday, July 13, 2025
All About Foxes
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn all about the very resourceful and elusive Red Fox. We might even see one if we're lucky.
Free!
Climate 101: Urban Heat Island Effect
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Summer heat getting to you? Cool off with the Urban Park Rangers and learn some of the effects of climate change and how trees other elements of nature provide shade and more.
Free!
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday July 2
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
City of Water Day: Seining and Shore Exploration
at Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the shore and get ready to get your hands wet; seining program participants don waders and use large nets to catch fish and other marine life.
Free!
Event
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn the basic skills of outdoor survival including fire making, shelter building and water collection among other skills.
Free!
Salt Marsh Ecology
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the last standing natural forest and salt marsh in Manhattan to understand the impacts, human dimensions and effects of climate change.
Free!
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Coastal Ecology: Oysters Monitoring and Stewardship
at Stapleton Waterfront Park
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Oysters and other bivalves act as natural filters for our shores. Learn more about these phenomenal creatures and other marine life at this Billion Oyster Project site along The Narrows
Free!
Friday, July 18, 2025
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 July 9.
Free!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Birding: Summer Birds
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Learn a new skill and take up a new hobby as we help you identify some of the most common colorful birds found in our parks during the summer.
Free!
Historic New York: John Golden and Crocheron Park
at Entrance - 215th Place and 33rd Road (in Crocheron Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn more about the natural landscape and cultural significance of this popular location within the neighborhood of Bayside.
Free!
Disability Pride Month: Accessible Nature Hike
at Lafayette Avenue and Colgate Avenue (in Soundview Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a relaxing stroll along an ADA accessible trail and discover some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Free!
Microorganisms Exploration
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
View the natural world with your own eyes and through microscopes, as we zoom in on micro-organisms that are a vital part of our pond ecosystem.
Free!
Prehistoric New York
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn more about which prehistoric species may have been found in this area during different time periods.
Free!
Kids
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 July 9.
Free!
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Summer Seasonal Insect Exploration
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Celebrate summer with the Rangers and hunt for some seasonal bugs. Learn why you can find mayflies and june beetles in other months, and what makes them all so special!
Free!
Archery
at Archery Field Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older. Registration is required. Registration opens Wednesday July 9.
Free!
Intermediate Canoeing
at Ballfield 13 - Meadow Lake Drive (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Participants must have prior canoeing experience. Registration opens on Wednesday July 9
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona 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!
Nature Exploration: The North Woods
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. Join the Rangers on a nature walk into the North Woods of Central Park.
Free!
Monday, July 21, 2025
Insect Exploration: Insects of the Night
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
8:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of nighttime insects under the cover of darkness.
Free!
Tuesday, July 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 July 9, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Hidden Gems of Staten Island: Chapin Woods
at Chapin Avenue and Salzburg Court (in Reed's Basket Willow Swamp Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about local flora and fauna during this expedition through this landscape rich with sights both big and small. Bring your bug spray.
Free!
Intermediate Canoeing
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
All canoe programs are for ages 8 years and older. Participants must have prior canoeing experience. Registration opens on Wednesday July 16
Free!
Great Trees of Inwood Hill Park
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us for a hike of Inwood Hill Park in search of different species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the summer season.
Free!
Ranger Games
at Playground West - Play Area (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx
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 themed games.
Free!
Kids
Family Camping: Queens
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
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 July 16.
Free!
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Birding: All About Pigeons
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Pigeons are among some of the most abundant species of birds in our city. Learn more about what makes these birds so unique and interesting.
Free!
Seining
at Bayview Avenue and Johnston Terrace (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Our experienced Urban Park Rangers teach the ecology of our waterways on every seining program. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Seining
at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Our experienced Urban Park Rangers teach the ecology of our waterways on every seining program. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Historic New York: Sunset Park Finntown
at Central Lawn (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore the history of the Finnish enclave that thrived around Sunset Park in the early to mid 20th century.
Free!
Family Camping: Bronx
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
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 July 16.
Free!
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Birding: Shorebirds
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that migrate to Rockaway Beach every year.
Free!
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