Ranger adventures

Wondering what to do with the kids on Saturdays? Come and join us at Sterling Forest State Park for Ranger Adventures for different events for children, along with a bunch of hikes for the adults:

Indian Hill Hike (limit 30 participants)

Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m.

Take a break from the ordinary and accompany the Rangers on the Indian Hill loop hike. This moderate four-mile hike is perfect for both beginner and intermediate hikers looking for a more challenging hike. Indian Hill is not as well-known as our more popular trails, and the area provides fantastic views of the park in a more serene setting. It also boasts some of the largest and oldest oak trees which can be found in the park. We will meet at the Sterling Forest Visitor Center and carpool to the site as a group. Wear comfortable shoes and be sure to bring water and snacks.

Geology & Geodes

Saturday, Aug. 17, 1 p.m.

Ever wonder how mountains are formed? Or why the landscape in our area is so rocky? Well, join us at Sterling Forest for our geology program and wonder no more. In this program, we will explore the basics of geology like mountain formation, and what makes Sterling Forest and the Hudson Highlands so unique. End the day by breaking open geodes and discovering how beautiful geology can be. Everyone is welcome, but this program is geared toward children ages 5-13.

Skulls, Bones And Beaks

Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m.

Skulls and bones are much more than just Halloween decorations or props used on the set of a horror movie. Join us at Sterling Forest and learn more about the not so spooky world of bones. Learn how to read the stories that bones tell, like what an animal eats, how well it can see, and why chicken bones are hollow. Then finish up the day by making a skull of your very own. The activity is open to all but is geared toward children ages 6-13. No need to bring anything; all will be provided and be prepared to have fun.

Night Hike (limit 30 participants)

Saturday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m.

Experience and see Sterling Forest in a whole new light and join the Rangers for a night hike to the Fire Tower. Hike in the light of a full moon, stargaze, and view the illuminated skyline of Manhattan. The hike will depart at 5:30 p.m. sharp and will arrive at the Fire Tower in time to view the sunset. We will be walking back in the dark, so headlamps or flashlights are a must and will not be provided. All are welcome, and be sure to bring water, snacks and wear sturdy shoes.

Digging Up The Past

Saturday, Sept. 28., 1 p.m.

Look back millions of years into the past and learn more about the world of fossils. Discover what animals used to call this area home, how fossils are made, and what we can learn from them. Then finish the day by digging for fossils and bring home a dinosaur skeleton of your very own. All are welcome, but the program is geared toward children ages 5-13. The program will be held at the Visitor Center and starts at 1 p.m.

Animals Of The Night

Saturday, Oct. 12. 1 p.m.

Join the Rangers for a talk about nocturnal animals. Learn about the different types of nighttime creatures found within the Park and the advantages of being active at night. Then dissect owl pellets and learn more about these nighttime creatures! Geared toward ages 6-13.

Halloween Happenings

Saturday, Oct. 26. 1-4 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with us at Sterling Forest. Learn about the not so spooky world of bats, and build a bat box of your very own. Also, get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. It will be a spooktacular time. All are welcome – come join us for some family fun.

Parental supervision is required for all activities.