As the light fades over Great Kills Park, bats begin to stir, and the Urban Park Rangers use that nightly wake-up to explain how these small flying mammals live and why they matter. It is a free, walk-in ranger program on Staten Island's South Shore, landing right when Halloween makes bats every kid's favorite animal. If your family loves night hikes, this is a spooky-season outing with real wildlife instead of plastic decorations.
What to expect
Meet the Rangers at Cedar Grove Avenue and Cedar Grove Court on the park's beach side. The program mixes a short talk with an easy dusk walk, looking and listening for bats as the sky darkens, and runs about 90 minutes.
Good to know
- The meeting point is at Cedar Grove Avenue and Cedar Grove Court, near the Cedar Grove Beach Club area of Great Kills Park.
- Driving is simplest; the S78 and S79 buses serve Hylan Boulevard nearby.
- Bring a flashlight with a red filter if you have one, plus layers for a cooling evening by the water.
- Wear closed shoes for walking on paths after dark.
- No registration is required; call the Rangers with questions.
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Do I need to register for the bat walk?
No. NYC Parks lists the program as free with no registration required.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. Urban Park Ranger programs like this are designed for families and general audiences.