Be a Junior Ranger: New York City National Park Activities for Kids
Exploring state and national parks around New York City can be an exciting adventure. If you're a history buff, you can explore historic places such as Ellis Island or Governors Island. You can also see the place where Alexander Hamilton lived and where President Ulysses S. Grant is buried. Become a Junior Ranger and learn about the importance of keeping parks clean while you explore these places. Geocaching is an exciting way to explore the national parks in this area, too.
National Parks of New York Harbor
Did you know that New York City is home to 11 different national parks and monuments?
A Guide to NYC's National Parks
The national parks and monuments in New York City are spread out over 27,000 acres of land, so no matter which part of the city you're in, there's probably one not far away.
National Park Sites Near New York City
Two of the best-known national park sites in New York City are probably Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
New York City's Most Treasured National Park Sites
Some of the national monuments in New York City are the birthplaces of historical figures, such as President Theodore Roosevelt.
Celebrating 101 Years of the National Park Service: Visit the NPS in NYC Parks
The National Park Service is in charge of national parks and monuments in New York City, keeping these places open for visitors to explore. For instance, the General Grant National Memorial is located at Riverside Park, and this is where President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife are buried.
11 National Parks in New York City to Discover With Kids
The top place to visit when touring New York City is the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can take a ferry out to see Lady Liberty and can even climb up inside the giant statue.
Statue of Liberty National Monument
Watch this video to learn about Liberty Island and the history of the Statue of Liberty.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration stands in what used to be the immigration station on Ellis Island. This was the place where immigrants were processed when they arrived at New York Harbor.
Gateway National Recreation Area
The Gateway National Recreation Area includes Sandy Hook in New Jersey and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in New York City. Visitors can camp, spend time on the beach, and explore the parks there.
Walking Tour at Stonewall National Monument Connects LGBT History
Visitors can take a walking tour around the Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village to learn about gay and lesbian people's fight for equality.
The African Burial Ground is an area in lower Manhattan where the remains of hundreds of Africans were found to be buried.
Federal Hall National Memorial
Visitors can take a tour of the Federal Hall National Memorial to see the Bible that George Washington used when he took his oath of office to become the first president of the United States.
Governors Island National Monument
Castle Williams and Fort Jay are on Governors Island. Explore the island to learn about the history of these sites and about the environment here.
In the Neighborhood: Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace
Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City, and this historic site gives visitors a chance to explore a replica of the original townhouse where Roosevelt was born.
Castle Clinton National Monument
The Castle Clinton National Monument was named in honor of DeWitt Clinton, who was mayor of New York City during the early 1800s, served in the U.S. Senate, and went on to become governor of New York. This fort was built between 1808 and 1811.
Visit Seven Iconic Alexander Hamilton Sites Open to the Public
The Hamilton Grange in New York City is an estate in upper Manhattan where Alexander Hamilton's family lived for a short time before his death and for 30 years after his death.
General Grant National Memorial
The tomb of Ulysses S. Grant overlooks the Hudson River, and this is the place where Grant's remains are buried.
Elmo and Murray Explore Gateway National Park
Watch these videos to learn about this national recreation area with your friends from Sesame Street!
Wilderness Explorer: Junior Ranger Activities
Look over this booklet to find some fun things you can do while you explore national parks and other outdoor places.
Earn Junior Ranger Badges at State, National Parks
The Junior Ranger Program lets kids earn badges while you learn about the history and features of state and national parks around the country.
Washington Square Park is one of the best known of New York City's public parks; it is a landmark and a hub for both tourists and locals.