Explore the woods at the Staten Island Greenbelt Nature Center
Free nature center and woodland trails, Staten Island. New Dorp, Staten Island.
The short answer
The Greenbelt Nature Center sits at 700 Rockland Avenue (at Brielle Avenue) and is free and open to the public year-round. It is a 5,000-square-foot nature center inside the Greenbelt, nearly 2,800 acres of forests, meadows, ponds and hiking trails, and the center offers trail maps.
What it is like
Inside are exhibits, and the center runs naturalist-led hikes, lectures, environmental education programs and parent-child workshops. It is a rare chance in New York to walk from an exhibit onto an actual trail, which is the sort of thing a six-year-old finds more convincing than a diorama.
NYC Parks' own page lists hours of Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, April to October, and Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, November to March, but that page may be out of date, so call the center at (718) 351-3450 or check the Greenbelt Conservancy before you go.
Staten Island is not a quick hop from the other boroughs. Parking is available, and the Parks page suggests the S74 bus from the ferry terminal to Rockland Avenue, then the S54 or S57 toward Brielle Avenue. Staten Island rewards the effort, and the ferry ride out (free) is half the fun.
Best time to go
Weekday mornings; spring and fall for the trails.
Tips before you go
- Pick up a trail map at the center.
- Call ahead to confirm hours; the listing I found may be outdated.
- Combine it with the free Staten Island Ferry ride out.
- Wear walking shoes; the trails are real trails.
Where it is
700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
Sun, Oct 11 to Mon, Oct 12
Family Camping: Staten Island
Blue Heron Nature Center, Prince's Bay, Staten Island · Free
An overnight camping trip for families with the Urban Park Rangers at Blue Heron Park, from 6pm to 7am. Check the Parks page for sign-up and what to bring. Organizer ↗
Fri, Oct 16 to Sat, Oct 17
Family Camping: Bronx
Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx · Free
The Urban Park Rangers lead an overnight family camping trip at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, 6pm to 7am. Check the Parks page for sign-up and what to bring. Organizer ↗
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10:30
Upcycled Fabric Pumpkins
Greenbelt Nature Center, Greenbelt, Staten Island
A craft session making fall pumpkins from repurposed fabric at the Greenbelt Nature Center. Check the Parks page for any fee or sign-up. Organizer ↗
Friday, October 23, 2026, 15:00
Greenbelt's Haunted Trail
Greenbelt Recreation Center, Greenbelt, Staten Island · Free
NYC Parks and Staten Island Recreation run a family Halloween haunted trail from the lower parking lot. Halloweentown shows outdoors at 7pm the same night. Organizer ↗
Friday, October 23, 2026, 19:00
Movie Under the Stars: Halloweentown (TV-G)
Greenbelt Recreation Center, Greenbelt, Staten Island · Free
A free outdoor showing of Halloweentown in the lower parking lot at the Greenbelt Recreation Center. Organizer ↗
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 13:00
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
Crotona Nature Center, Crotona Park, The Bronx · Free
Free archery lessons from the Urban Park Rangers using safe magnetic equipment, plus foam axe throwing. Organizer ↗
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 16:00
Fantasy Forest Immersive Hike: Alien Visitors
Blue Heron Nature Center, Prince's Bay, Staten Island · Free
The Rangers tell a theatrical story as the group walks the Blue Heron Park trails. A good one for children who like to be part of the tale. Organizer ↗
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 19:00
Autumn Starfest
Inwood Hill Nature Center, Inwood, Manhattan · Free
The Urban Park Rangers and the Amateur Astronomers Association host the annual fall stargazing night in Inwood Hill Park. Dress warmly. Organizer ↗
Questions people ask
Is the Greenbelt Nature Center free?
Yes. NYC Tourism says it is free and open to the public year-round.
Where is the Greenbelt Nature Center?
At 700 Rockland Avenue (at Brielle Avenue) in New Dorp, Staten Island.
Does the Greenbelt Nature Center run programs for kids?
Yes. It offers naturalist-led hikes, environmental education programs and parent-child workshops. Check the calendar for dates.
Which subway stop is nearest?
No subway on Staten Island except the Staten Island Railway; take the ferry to St. George and then buses (the NYC Parks page suggests the S74, then the S54 or S57). Plan the trip with the MTA.
Can you take a stroller?
Not verified. The trails are real woodland trails, so check conditions before pushing a stroller.
How long do you need?
1 to 3 hours.
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