Home | Programs | Join us | Directions | Calendar | Contact us

A world of adventure!
Experiences to last a lifetime

  The Greenbelt provides unique and distinct opportunities to explore and learn about the wonders of nature. We offer  Inspired lessons and activities that engage all ages.

No matter what your interests, background, age or mobility level, we have something for you.

Cultural and outdoor recreation for all...

Greenbelt Nature Center: A stunning stone and brick building that stands in harmony with its natural surroundings. Interactive exhibits, hiking trails and a wide array of programs await visitors. Visit our Nature Center pages or see our Calendar of upcoming events.

Greenbelt Photo Contest: All New York City students, middle school through university, are invited to enter this prestigious contest. It is open to all skill levels and offers more than $2,600 in prizes.

Guided Hikes & Field Trips: Field trips, for organized groups, day camps and out-of-town visitors, may include topics similar to school programs tailored to the individual groups’ interests. Guided hikes focus on local ecology and history, and can also be customized to include excursions to points of interest.

High Rock Park: A National Environmental Education Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior since 1971. This 90-acre preserve within the Greenbelt consists of woodlands, hiking trails, ponds and creeks, and unique geological formations.

Into the Outdoors: An ongoing calendar of year-round programs that focus on park stewardship, outdoor education, arts and culture, and health and fitness. Programs are designed for children and adults and are available at the Greenbelt Nature Center. Many items on our Calendar of upcoming events are Into the Outdoors programs.

Mini-Camp: For toddlers with an adult chaperone, a fun summertime learning experience like no other.

Parties and Private Rentals: Available at the Greenbelt Nature Center in Latourette Park (year-round) and at the Carousel For All Children at Willowbrook Park (May through October). Contact us.

School Programs: Learner-centered, these programs provide Pre-K to 12^th grade students direct experiences in a natural environment. Topics range from Polar Animals to Aquatic Life and are approximately 75 minutes in duration. School Programs are offered during the school year at High Rock Park and the Greenbelt Nature Center and consist of in-class and field components.

Scout Programs: Offered during after school hours to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and their troop leaders. These specialized programs include participatory learning and hands-on activities designed to assist Scouts in fulfilling requirements for earning various merit badges. Scout Programs are available at High Rock Park and the Greenbelt Nature Center.

Summer Day Camp: A great way for youngsters ages 5-12 to have a fun-filled nature learning experience in the summer.

Teacher Orientation & Professional Development: A unique opportunity for teachers to explore the Greenbelt and learn how its urban ecology and natural history can enhance lessons in the classroom. Professional Development provides teachers with instruction, resources and interactive activities that help interpret complex scientific processes that occur in nature. Programs also demonstrate the application of environmental education to various academic disciplines.

Did you know?

Air Conditioning
The leafy tree canopies cool the forest by several degrees.
Woodland Wonders

Any bugs left?
Bats may not look cuddly, but they eat a lot of mosquitoes and other flying insects.
Check our Bat program

Can't stay long
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly lives only about two weeks!
Insect or animal?

What's the rush?
Eastern box turtles are known to live 60 years. Are turtles reptiles?

Going our way?
The Greenbelt has more than 30 miles of clearly marked and well maintained hiking trails.
See our Trail Map

Greenbelt programs can be adapted to meet the needs of various audiences.