Free Park Programming

Where: Goat Island
When: May 2

Join thousands of volunteers in caring for our state parks, historic sites, and public lands at New York’s largest single-day volunteer event. I Love My Park Day is a chance to roll up your sleeves and show some love for the public lands that we rely on.

For more information, please visit https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day/

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Education Center
When: May 2, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Join us in the Education Center to create nature themed Mother’s Day cards. All materials provided.

Where: Niagara Falls State Park
When: May 15, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join an educator on a walk around Goat Island to experience all the beauty of Niagara Falls. Dogs are welcome.

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: May 17, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Join a park naturalist on a short, but challenging loop hike on one of the Niagara Gorge’s lesser traveled trails going through what used to be old industry!

Where: Niagara Falls State Park
When: May 22, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join educators on a walk throughout the park to discuss the history of Niagara Falls and notable events that had taken place around the area.

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: May 23, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Take a walk with an educator into the Niagara Gorge to take in the beautiful views and learn a little about the natural and local history of the area.

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: May 25, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Join a park naturalist for a guided hake along the upper and lower trail to experience the beautiful Niagara gorge.

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: June 6, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Celebrate the 33rd National Trails Day with our annual Length of the Gorge hike!

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: June 13, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Start your morning with a wellness walk in one of the most picturesque parks in our region!

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Education Center
When: June 13, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Join us for an immersive three-part event, that invites you to experience history through Indigenous voices, artistry, and lived tradition. Through cultural dance demonstrations, guest speaker, and hands-on, make-and take activity, the program is intended to highlight Niagara Falls as a place of deep Indigenous significance and a strategic crossroads during the Revolutionary War. This event centers the experiences of Indigenous Nations who navigated diplomacy, alliance, conflict, and survival during a time of upheaval, often with enduring impacts on their lands and sovereignty. The blend of storytelling, movement and interactive learning, demonstrates that Indigenous cultures are not confined to the past but are vibrant, resilient, and present today, offering visitors a richer and more inclusive understanding of the Revolution and Niagara’s continuing indigenous legacy.

1pm – Education Center

First, we welcome guest presenter, Jordan Smith (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan) to impart the shared knowledge and experience of the Haudenosaunee- discussing the experience along the Niagara Frontier for Indigenous Peoples during the time of the Revolutionary War as we as the continuing communities today. Registration required as space is limited.

2pm – Education Center

Next, Kehala Smith (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) fifth-generation beadworker, clothing designer, and traditional dance instructor, will lead a hands-on workshop in the creation of cornhusk dolls. These dolls are steeped in tradition and significance. Join us to make your own to take home, learn of their important roll in Haudenosaunee culture, and how the devastation of the Sullivan Campaign of 1779 is connected. Registration required as space is limited.

3pm – Outside the Education Center

Dancers from each of the Nations of the Haudenosaunee will demonstrate several traditional social dances, while Jordan (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan) and Kehala (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) share the stories of each dance, explaining the roles each play in Indigenous life as social activity and heritage celebration. Audience members will be invited to learn and participate – so expect a highly interactive, educational and entertaining program! (No registration needed)

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: June 13, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Join us for this reoccurring watercolor series where we will create nature journals based upon wildflowers we see throughout the season.

Where: Niagara Falls State Park – Discovery Lot
When: June 20, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Start your morning with a wellness walk in one of the most picturesque parks in our region!

Where: Niagara Falls State Park
When: June 20, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Join a park naturalist on a hike to learn about the rich history of Niagara Falls State Park!