You may already know about the NYC Parks' lotteries for free swimming lessons and inexpensive, yet amazing summer camps (my daughter attended one this summer and enjoyed horseback riding, canoeing, archery, hiking and tennis all within the city parks). Maybe lesser known is that each week, the incredible crew of Urban Park Rangers puts together a handful of immersive events for a limited number of participants.

My family recently won the lottery to join other intrepid nature lovers eager to experience Alley Pond Park's Adventure Course. The two-hour program, led by an encouraging instructor, began with team-building activities and ended with all of us (of all shapes, sizes and ages 8+) in full rock-climbing harnesses walking across a log mounted three stories above the ground. It was one of the scariest and most thrilling things I've ever done, and a highlight of our family's summer.

Give your kids a real camping experience without packing the car. Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks.

NYC Parks also offers a series of opportunities to camp overnight in one of 10 city parks. The rangers provide (and help you set up) the tents and food (including s'mores!) You bring sleeping bags and a sense of adventure. When my family camped out in Central Park last summer, our knowledgeable camp leader led us on a night hike in search of nocturnal animals. We found plenty (bats, raccoons, owls)—all without flashlights. My kids will never forget it. There are four overnight family camping opportunities coming up over the next few weeks.

RELATED: Pitch Your Tent in Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field

Other Upcoming Events

Ranger's Choice: Archery — Staten Island
Where: Willowbrook Park
Online registration: Wednesday, August 24-Wednesday, August 31
Event date: Saturday, September 10
Kids (8+) and adults become modern day Robin Hoods as they test out their bow and arrow skills at this two-hour introduction to archery. You'll learn the terminology, technique and etiquette of this sport.

Hawk Watch — Bronx
Where: Pelham Bay Park
Online registration: Thursday, August 18-Thursday, August 25
Event date: Sunday, September 4
It might surprise some, but Pelham Bay Park, which clocks in at 2,765 acres, is NYC's largest park, not Central Park. In this program, you'll get to explore a small, closed-to-the-public section of the impressive park in search of these giant birds of prey.

Brooklyn Birding Road Trip — Brooklyn
Where: Prospect Park
Online registration: Wednesday, September 16
Event date and time: Saturday, September 26
Bring your binoculars and field guides or ask the rangers to borrow theirs as you search a variety of Brooklyn parks for migrating birds.

How to Enter the Lottery

Go to the Parks Department registration page to see what's coming up and when to enter. I usually set a calendar alarm to remind myself, because this is definitely a game of speed! Be sure to check whether the event is appropriate for the ages and abilities of your group. Many events are great for all ages, but some are for 8 years old and up, while others require previous experience. You will be contacted by phone or email if you are chosen.

This post originally published in August 2015.