• Family Fridays in the Garden

    Family Fridays in the Garden

    CANCELED 7/17 DUE TO POOR AIR QUALITY Are you ready for some family gardening fun? Come dig for compost critters, water the plants, explore nature, harvest some veggies, and more at Van Cortlandt Park Alliance's Learning Garden! This is a FREE drop-in program. For children ages 2 to 11 years old accompanied by an adult(s). Dates: July 10 July 24 July 31 August 7  Time: 10 AM – 12 PM Location: The VCPA Learning Garden is located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables). Drop-ins are welcome, but advance registration is preferred. Please e-mail us with any questions at gardening@vancortlandt.org

  • Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walk

    Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. The warm, dry summer had leaves beginning to dry out on plants and trees, but lately the spate of rain has cooled temperatures. Cicadas and crickets can now be heard buzzing along with melodious birdsong. Butterflies are...

  • Tune-up Tuesdays

    Tune-up Tuesdays

    Turnip to volunteer and help us take care of our Learning Garden! Volunteers will help care for our garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed - just show up in clothing you will be comfortable getting dirty in! Location: The VCPA Learning Garden is located near the Mosholu Avenue and Broadway entrance of the park (past the Northwest playground). Held on the following Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm: July 14 July 28 August 11 August 25 Volunteers must be 18 and older. RSVP Now. Groups of 5+ must register as a unit via email...

  • Nature Crafts at Indian Field

    Nature Crafts at Indian Field

    Thursdays • 10AM to Noon July 16, 23, 30 + August 6, 13 Indian Field - Near the Tennis Courts Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance educator Lindsey Kriaris for hands-on, crafty fun with chalk watercolor paintings, nature crowns, and more. Get creative with a different project each week. Great for ages 3-11. Click here for other programs happening at Indian Field this summer.

  • Yoga in the Park

    Yoga in the Park

    Yoga in the Park • Curated by Timothy Lewis Thursdays: July 23, 30 & August 6, 13 7 to 8 PM • FREE! Exploratory yoga sessions, incorporating elements of Vinyasa and focusing on mindful movement. Pre-registration strongly suggested. Beginners welcome. BYOM: Bring Your Own Mat! No experience needed, just bring a mat, water, and an open heart. Van Cortlandt Park Memorial Grove RSVP Now. July 23 with Instructor Timothy Lewis Reconnect with the natural world and your own inner landscape. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and stillness, we’ll explore how the elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space live within the body....

  • Caribbean Connections

    Caribbean Connections: Tying History and Music Together Join Van Cortlandt House Museum and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for an afternoon that brings together history, music, and flavor. This unique program highlights the significant ties between early New York and the Caribbean and Latin America. The afternoon begins with a teaching musical performance by Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe, who will share the rhythms, traditions, and history of Caribbean and Latin American music while inviting the audience to listen, learn, and participate. From 1:30- 2:30 PM, guests will have the chance to sample Caribbean flavors—including sweet pineapple and other tastes that shaped New York’s...

  • Wetland Wednesdays

    Wetland Wednesdays

    Summer Edition: Water Chestnut removal on Van Cortlandt Lake. August Projects: water chestnut removal on Van Cortlandt Lake through mid-month, then phragmites and floodplain restoration. When: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Note: no event on 6/10) Where: Van Cortlandt Golf House (meet at south entrance) What to bring: Clothes that can get wet and...

  • Youth Run Farm Stand

    Youth Run Farm Stand

    We are very excited to bring our Youth Run Farmstand featuring fresh local produce at affordable prices back! Wednesdays 2-7pm from July 8 to October 28 Train Park (Gale Place and Orloff Avenue) We accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Fresh Connect Checks, Cash and Credit/Debit.

  • Trail Work Thursdays

    Trail Work Thursdays

    Be a part of the community effort to care for the trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Upcoming Activities Include: Clearing debris and overgrowth Ensuring trail safety and accessibility Maintenance on structures that mitigate erosion and improve access. What to Bring: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing Closed-toed shoes Water and a snack Meeting Details: Location: VCPA Learning Garden...

  • Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up

    Canine Court needs some TLC! Help keep this doggie happy by volunteering to clean up Canine Court! NYC Parks staff does not perform daily maintenance inside dog runs. Daily maintenance is up to volunteers- like YOU! Join us for an afternoon of weeding, cleaning and spreading woodchips to spruce up Canine Court. VCPA provides all...

  • Register Now for 26.2 in ’26

    Hike (or Run or Walk) 26.2 miles in Van Cortlandt Park in 2026! The Challenge: Hike 26.2 miles in Van Cortlandt Park anytime during 2026, post on social media (@vcpalliance) from the park to spread the word, and wear your 26.2 in ‘26 Finisher’s Pin with pride once you attain your goal (because you earned...

  • Forest Fridays

    Forest Fridays

    Join us for forest restoration work along the cross-country trail. July is peak growing season — we'll be removing invasive species and working on trail-adjacent restoration. Your work opens the forest floor for native wildflowers, oak seedlings, and the understory waiting underneath. When: Fridays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Where: Van Cortlandt Park — Cross...