Battery Park City Parks Conservancy offers public programs and events for almost everyone. From May through October we sponsor music, dancing and storytelling, fishing days, bird watching and garden tours, art for all ages, sports, games and play programs. Our diverse programs aim to connect people with the parks as well as with each other. Everyone is encouraged to participate, regardless of age, gender, experience, or skill. All supplies are provided. 

Some programs require a fee to participate. Please see the listings for specifics. Fees are collected to help offset the expense of materials and expert presenters. We take pride in the quality of every program and event. We appreciate your generosity and support in helping Battery Park City Parks Conservancy provide leisure time activities that are valuable, engaging and welcoming to all.

Seasonal Holidays with No Programs:
Washington’s Birthday: February 18, 2013
Memorial Day: May 27, 2013
Independence Day: July 4, 2013
Labor Day: September 2, 2013
Columbus Day: October 14, 2013

Click on the picture below to download the Calendar of Events (pdf version)

Parent & Baby Yoga-June*
Mondays, June 3-24, 2013, 1-2:30pm or 2:30-3:45, 6 River Terrace, $86 fee
Yoga for new parents and babies (newborn until crawling). 

Parent & Baby Yoga-Sept/Oct*
Mondays, Sept 9-Oct 28, 2013, 1-2:15pm or 2:30-3:45pm, 6 River Terrace, $150 fee
Yoga for new parents and babies (newborn until crawling). 

Preschool Art
Thursdays, May 2-Oct 31, 2013, 10:30-noon, Rockefeller Park
Very young artists are introduced to paper, clay, wood and paint with projects planned by an art educator/artist. 

Preschool Play
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, May 1-Oct 30, 2013, 10am-12noon, Wagner Park
Join other toddlers, parents and caregivers for interactive play on a grassy lawn. Toys, books, and play equipment provided. 

Soccer for Preschoolers, Age 3-4
Tuesdays, May 7-Oct 29, 2013, 2:30-3:15pm, Rockefeller Park
Have fun kicking, running, and learning the basics of soccer. For children age 3-4. Close-toed shoes required. 

Stories & Songs*
Mondays, Sept 9-Dec 16, 2013 (except 10/14 and 11/11), and Wednesdays, Sept 11-Dec 4, 2013, mornings, 6 RIver Terrace, $275 fee
For children 6 months-3.5 years with accompanying caregiver. Musicians lead interactive singing and music-making each week. 

Young Sprouts Gardening
Tuesdays, May 7-Oct 29, 2013, 3:15-3:45pm, Rockefeller Park
An introduction to simple organic gardening for children age 3-5 with accompanying adults. Space is limited; first come, first served.

Young Sprouts is funded in part by a generous grant from Shake Shack, Battery Park City. 

*Registration required. Call 212.267.9700 x366 or email emccarthy@bpcparks.org

Art + Games
Thursdays, May 2-Oct 31, 2013, 3:30-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park
Join other school-age children for art and lawn games. For children 5 years and older. 

Childrens Basketball: Age 5-6
Mondays, May 6-Oct 28, 3:30-4:30pm, Rockefeller Park
Basketball for 5-6 year olds with adjustable-height hoops or kids of all sizes, plus fun drills to improve skills. Close-toed shoes required. 

Childrens Basketball: Age 7 and Up
Mondays, May 6-Oct 28, 4:30-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park
Basketball for children age 7 and up, with adjustable-height hoops or kids of all sizes, plus fun drills to improve skills. Close-toed shoes required. 

Drop-In Chess
Wednesdays, May 1-Sept 25, 2013, 3:30-5pm, Rockefeller Park
Drop in to play this popular strategy game and get pointers and advice from an expert. 

Explorers Club: May-June*
Mondays, May 6-June 24, 2013, 4-5:30pm, 6 River Terrace, $140 fee
Explore the natural world of plants, weather, and animals that surround us in the park. For 1st-3rd graders. Offered spring and fall. 

Gardening Club*
Tuesdays, May 7-Oct 29, 2013, 4-5pm, Rockfeller Park, $130 per 2 month cycle
For children age 6-10. Learn about soil preparation, planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs, watering, weeding, and composting. 

Soccer for Age 5-7
Tuesdays, May 7-Oct 29, 2013, 3:30-4:15pm, Rockefeller Park
Soccer for children age 5-7. Learn how to pass and shoot, and improve skills through drills and scrimmages. Close-toed shoes required. 

Soccer for Age 8-11
Tuesdays, May 7-Oct 29, 2013, 4:30-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park
Soccer for young people age 8-11. Learn to pass and shoot, and improve skills through scrimmages. Close-toed shoes required. 

Wednesdays in Teardrop
Wednesdays, May 1-Oct 30, 2013, 3:30-5:30pm, Teardrop Park
Join other school-age children for neighborhood games and art projects, ranging from designing cities to making animal masks. Art supplies provided. For ages 5 and older. 

*Registration required. Call 212.267.9700 x366 or email emccarthy@bpcparks.org

Art Portfolio Development-High School*
Mondays and Wednesdays, July 8-24, 2013, 2:30-5:30pm, 6 River Terrace, $225 fee includes supplies.
Prepare a portfolio of work for art school admission, or make art for pure enjoyment. 

Art Portfolio Development-Middle School*
Mondays-Thursdays, July 8-25, 2013, 10am-1pm, 6 River Terrace, $450 fee includes supplies.
Have fun while creating a portfolio for applying to art high schools. Improve skills while using a variety of art materials. Learn to give and receive supportive critiques from peers in a small class setting. 

Drop-In Chess
Wednesdays, May 1-Sept 25, 2013, 3:30-5pm, Rockefeller Park
Drop in to play this popular strategy game and get pointers and advice from an expert. 

Teen Drumming Circle
Tuesdays, June 18-Aug 27, 2013, 4-5:30pm, Rockefeller Park
Drop in on a weekly drumming circle ld by master drummer Maguette Camara from Senegal. Drums provided. 

*Registration required. Call 212.267.9700 x366 or email emccarthy@bpcparks.org

Drawing in the Park
Saturdays, May 4-Oct 26, 2013, 10am-noon, South Cove
Sketch and paint the Hudson River and parks with an artist/educator. Materials provided. 

Elements of Nature Drawing
Wednesdays, May 1-Oct 30, 11am-1pm, Wagner Park
Enjoy drawing the Wagner Park gardens with an artist/educator. Materials provided. 

Figure al Fresco
Wednesdays, May 1-Oct 30, 2013, 2:30-4:30pm, South Cove
Learn figure drawing outdoors with a clothed model and an artist/educator. Materials provided. 

Garden Tour-Wagner Park
Wednesdays, May 15, June 12, Sept 18 and Oct 16, 2013, 1pm, Wagner Park
Tour the gardens of Wagner Park with BPCPCs horticulturists and learn about the Conservancys innovations in organic gardening on a public scale. 

Great Hudson River Swim
Saturday, May 25, 2013, 11:35am, North Cove
Opportunities to swim in the Hudson River. Co-sponsored with the Manhattan Island Foundation. For information, visit www.nycswim.org 

Manhattan Island Marathon Swim
Saturday, June 8, 2013, 7:40am, South Cove
Opportunities to swim in the Hudson River. Co-sponsored with the Manhattan Island Foundation. For information, visit www.nycswim.org 

Manhattan Island Relays
Saturday, Aug 10, 2013, 9:55am, South Cove
Opportunities to swim in the Hudson River. Co-sponsored with the Manhattan Island Foundation. For information, visit www.nycswim.org 

Tai Chi
Fridays, May 3-Oct 25, 2013, 8:30am, Esplanade Plaza
Learn the ancient Chinese martial art. No experience necessary. 

Volleyball After Work
Wednesdays, June 5-Sept 25, 2013, 6-7:30pm, Esplanade Plaza
Join other adults for good-natured games. Scorekeeper and balls provided. No experience necessary. 

*Registration required. Call 212.267.9700 x366 or email emccarthy@bpcparks.org

Almost Summer Celebration
Sunday, June 9, 2013, 11am-2pm, Wagner Park
Enjoy a multicultural celebration featuring a family concert at 12noon by Grammy Winner Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell, Native American stories, and art and nature activities for all ages.
Co-presented by Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian, Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, and the Battery Park City Authority and BPC Parks Conservancy. 

Bird Watching
Saturdays, Sept 21, Oct 5 and Oct 19, 2013, 11am, Wagner Park
Join a birder/naturalist to learn about the variety of birds that rest and nest in the parks. Novice birders welcome. Binoculars and field guides available. 

Brazilian Family Dance
Saturday, July 13, 2013, 6:30-8pm, Esplanade Plaza
Liliana Araujo and her band perform forro music from rural Brazil. Dance caller Marizete Brown and her dancers lead the dancing. 

East Indian Bhangra Family Dance
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 6:30-8pm, Esplanade Plaza
DJ Rekha leads the musical party accompanied by drummers and dancers. Learn the basics of bhangra, a fusion of traditional Punjabi-style folk dance and music with Western hip hop and rock. 

Go Fish! Festival (with Arm-of-the-Sea Theater)
Saturday, Sept 21, 2013, 10am-2pm, Wagner Park
Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Rods and bait provided. Art projects, displays, and a theatrical performance. Arm-of-the-Sea Theater presents "The Rejuvenary River Circus" with giant puppets and live music at 12:30pm. 

Go Fish! Festival (with Moona Luna)
Saturday, Oct 5, 2013, 10am-2pm, Wagner Park
Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Rods and bait provided. Art projects, displays, and a musical performance at 12:30pm. Moona Luna plays fun, lively music with a Latin beat. Dance along! 

Go Fish! Festival (with The Suzi Shelton Band)
Saturday, Oct 19, 2013, 10am-2pm, Wagner Park
Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Rods and bait provided. Art projects, displays, and a musical performance at 12:30pm. The Suzi Shelton Band entertains with fun, original music like "Tomboy in a Princess Dress." 

Nature Talk: New York City of Trees
Sunday, Oct 6, 2013, 2pm, 6 River Terrace
Photographer Benjamin Swett discusses his new book about personal, public, and historic events embodied in dozens of New York trees. A guided look at trees in the park follows the illustrated talk and book signing. 

Nature Talk: Terra Nova
Sunday, June 2, 2013, 2pm, 6 River Terrace
Landscape ecologist Eric Sanderson discusses his new book "Terra Nova: The New World After Oil, Cars, and Suburbs." Envision a new American landscape less dependent upon oil. A book signing will follow the talk. 

Public Art Tour: Irish Hunger Memorial
Sunday, June 9, 2013 2pm, Irish Hunger Memorial
Join a contemporary art historian for a tour of Battery Park Citys public art collection. This tour focuses on the Irish Hunger Memorial, a work by Brian Tolle. 

Public Art Tour: Teardrop Park
Saturday, June 1, 2013, 2pm, Teardrop Park
Join a contemporary art historian for a tour of Battery Park Citys public art collection. This tour focuses on Teardrop Park. 

Public Art Tour: The Real World
Saturday, Sept 28, 2013, 2pm, Rockefeller Park
Join a contemporary art historian for a tour of Battery Park Citys public art collection. This tour focuses on The Real World by Tom Otterness. 

River & Blues: Bill Sims, Jr.
Thursday, Aug 1, 2013, 7-8:30pm, Wagner Park
Veteran Blues singer-songwriter Bill Sims, Jr. combines his keyboard and guitar prowess with a warm baritone voice. 

River & Blues: Christian Scott
Thursday, July 25, 2013, 7-8:30pm, Wagner Park
Trumpet sensation Christian Scott and his band play original compositions inspired by Scotts New Orleans roots, as well as the rock and hip-hop music of his current NYC home. 

River & Blues: John Hammond
Thursday, July 18, 2013, 7-8:30pm, Wagner Park
Blues Hall of Fame musician and his powerful band play Grammy-winning Delta Blues with passion and force. 

River & Blues: The Wiyos
Thursday, Aug 8, 2013, 7-8:30pm, Wagner Park
The Wiyos combine critically-acclaimed old-timey rambling blues, folk, and swing with a touch of psychedelic surf music to create a unique Americana style. 

Stories for All Ages: Monkeys, Mangoes & Magic: Tales from India
Saturday, Aug 17, 2013, 11am, Teardrop Park
Embark on an adventure through India and Asia led by storyteller Sunita S. Mukhi. 

Sunset Jam on the Hudson
Fridays, July 5-Aug 23, 2013, 6:30-8pm, Wagner Park
Join a drumming circle led by master drummers. Improvise on Afican, Latin, and Caribbean rhythms. Instruments provided or bring your own. 

Sunset Singing Circle
Fridays, May 3-June 28, 2013, 7-8:30pm
Sing together! Share rounds and folk songs. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Led by folksinger Terre Roche. 

Swedish Midsummer Festival
Friday, June 21, 2013, 5-8pm, Wagner Park
Celebrate the solstice and rejoice in the longest day of the year. Decorate the maypole and learn folk dances with Barnklubben Elsa Rix and the Swedish Folkdancers of New York. Make midsummer wreaths. Enjoy a parade, childrens games, and Swedish delicacies. Traditional music by Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute of Minneapolis. Dances led by Ross Sutter, singer and Scandinavian folklorist. Note: In accordance with New York City law, alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the parks. 

*Registration required. Call 212.267.9700 x366 or email emccarthy@bpcparks.org

Almost Summer Celebration
Sunday, June 9, 2013, 11am-2pm, Wagner Park
Enjoy a multicultural celebration featuring a family concert at 12noon by Grammy Winner Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell, Native American stories, and art and nature activities for all ages.
Co-presented by Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian, Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, and the Battery Park City Authority and BPC Parks Conservancy. 

Swedish Midsummer Festival
Friday, June 21, 2013, 5-8pm, Wagner Park
Celebrate the solstice and rejoice in the longest day of the year. Decorate the maypole and learn folk dances with Barnklubben Elsa Rix and the Swedish Folkdancers of New York. Make midsummer wreaths. Enjoy a parade, childrens games, and Swedish delicacies. Traditional music by Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute of Minneapolis. Dances led by Ross Sutter, singer and Scandinavian folklorist. Note: In accordance with New York City law, alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the parks. 

*Registration required. Call 212.267.9700 x366 or email emccarthy@bpcparks.org