Kids and Family Programs within NYC’s Parks

To learn more about these or other related events visit the official NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Pages. Be sure to check with them for last minute changes, cancellations or anything else.

They connect children with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world. children who spend time outdoors develop strong imaginations and learn to socialize better with others. Urban Park Rangers are role models who encourage children to let their imaginations run wild in a safe, supportive atmosphere.

While most of their programs are family  friendly, the programs highlighted here are specifically for young children and families. Whether enjoying a family friendly movie under the stars, freeing your imagination playing in nature, or learning about conservation through nature crafts, a free Ranger program is the perfect addition to your family’s weekend. All supplies provided.

Bronx

Sunday, January 26
Scavenger Hunt / Crotona Park 1 P.M. /
Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street And Crotona Park East

Sunday, February 9
Family Nature Crafts / Crotona Park 1 P.M.
Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street And Crotona Park East

Brooklyn

Sunday, February 2
Meet The Nature Center Animals / Marine Park 1 P.M. / Salt Marsh Nature Center,
East 33rd Street And Avenue U

Saturday, March 15
Family Nature Crafts / Fort Greene Park
1 P.M. / Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue And Washington Park

Manhattan

Sunday, February 2
Family Nature Crafts / Central Park 11 A.M.
Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street And Lenox Avenue

Saturday, February 15
Family Winter Nature Hike / Central Park
1 P.M. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th
Street And Lenox Avenue

Queens

Saturday, February 8
Storytelling / Fort Totten Park 11 A.M. /
Fort Totten Visitor Center, 212th Street And Cross Island Parkway

Sunday, March 23
Scavenger Hunt / Kissena Park 10 A.M. /
Rose And Oak Aves Entrance

Staten Island

Sunday, February 9
Storytelling / Blue Heron Park 1 P.M. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue,
Between Amboy Road And Hylan Boulevard

Saturday, February 15
Scavenger Hunt / Blue Heron Park 11 A.M. /
Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, Between A

Urban Park Ranger Nature And Visitor Centers

Bronx

Crotona Nature Center:
Crotona Park. Enter The Park At Charlotte St.
And Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061

Orchard Beach Nature Center:
Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 Of Orchard
Beach. 718.885.3466

Pelham Bay Ranger Station:
Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. And
Wilkinson Ave. 718.319.7258

Van Cortlandt Nature Center:
Van Cortlandt Park. Enter The Park At
West 246th St. And Broadway. 718.548.0912

Brooklyn

Salt Marsh Nature Center:
Marine Park. East 33rd St. And Avenue U.
718.421.2021

Fort Greene Visitor Center:
Fort Greene Park. Enter The Park At Myrtle
Avenue And Washington Park. 718.722.3218

Manhattan

Belvedere Castle:
Central Park. 79th St., Mid-Park.
212.628.2345

Inwood Hill Nature Center:
Inwood Hill Park. Enter Park At West 218th
St. And Indian Road. This Center Is Under Renovation Due To The Effects Of Hurricane Sandy

Queens

Alley Pond Park Adventure Center:
Alley Pond Park. Enter At Winchester Blvd.,
Under The Grand Central Parkway.
718.217.6034 Or 718.217.4685

Forest Park Visitor Center:
Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. And Forest
Park Drive. 718.846.2731

Fort Totten Visitors Center:
Fort Totten Park. Enter Park At Fort Entrance,
North Of Intersection Of 212 St. And Cross
Island Pkwy. And Follow Signs. 718.352.1769

Staten Island

Blue Heron Nature Center:
Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue,
Between Amboy Road And Hylan Boulevard.
718.967.3542

High Rock Ranger Station:
High Rock Park. Park In The Lot At The End Of
Nevada Avenue, Off Rockland Ave., And Follow Signs.