There are always tons of things to do in New York City, but we’ve got an activity alert for visitors right now: Did you know Saturday, July 12 is City of Water Day? This special day of initiatives sees environmentally conscious events and activities pop up all around the city. It’s a great way not only to keep cool but also to keep the summer momentum going past July 4. Events include community kayaking, picnicking, stand-up paddle boarding lessons, and more. For exhaustive details, browse the City of Water Day website and nycgovparks.org. Below, we break down what you need to know to make the most of the day, and call out a few of the events that look particularly appealing.
What is City of Water Day?
Going on 18 years strong, City of Water Day is, according to its organizers, an all-day outdoor event intended to “champion a climate-resilient New York and New Jersey harbor.” Put on by Waterfront Alliance and New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), the series of activities take place throughout the five boroughs, plus New Jersey and Westchester and Rockland counties. Aquatic offerings will abound all day long—from beachcombing and boating, to birdwatching and even live concerts.
When is City of Water Day?
Saturday, July 12.
Where is City of Water Day?
The five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, and New Jersey all have events and activities on City of Water Day.
How to participate
City of Water Day’s dozens of events are free and open for all to attend. Because many of the events are organized independently by communities, participants might have to register in advance—be sure to do your research and read the website or social media tied to each event before showing up.
Standout events
Flood Protection in Lower Manhattan: A Walking Tour of the Financial District & Seaport Climate Resilience Plan
At Seaport’s Pier 17, at 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., New Yorkers can join NYC Economic Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice to learn about what the city is doing to prepare for climate disasters.
Jamaica Bay Festival
The 8th annual Jamaica Bay Festival will go from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The free family-friendly palooza will take place in Queens and Brooklyn, with 30+ activities at various locations encircling Jamaica Bay—which can be found on the map featured in the link. There will be free kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, bird watching, art, yoga, and more. Look out for highlights like the beach party and live music at Rockaway Beach 97th Concessions, high powered telescope viewing at Jacob Riis Park, and stand-up paddleboard lessons at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn.
Saltwater fishing at Greenpoint’s Transmitter Park
Yes you can have both this summer: city and the great outdoors. From 10:30 to noon, urban park rangers will teach New Yorkers how to fish at Transmitter Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Those who join will learn how to properly hold a fishing rod, how to fish ethically, and about the surrounding waterways. Recommended for kids ages eight and up. Registration not required.
Waterfalls of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park
Curious about the natural beauty in Brooklyn’s unofficial backyard? Meet at the Prospect Park Picnic House at 1:00 p.m. (on West Drive and Fifth Street) to follow urban park rangers on a walking tour of the waterfalls and their infrastructure. Registration not required.
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
The independent organizations running each event will make the call on whether to carry on, cancel, or postpone. Check their websites or social media channels for updates.
What’s the deal with social media?
Participants are encouraged to tag @waterfrontalliance or @nynjhep on Instagram, or use the hashtag #CityofWaterDay, and just might get their photos and videos re-posted on the organizations’ profiles.
What about a scavenger hunt?
The organizers have partnered with Holes in the Wall Collective and Goosechase to create a City of Water Day digital scavenger hunt. New Yorkers can download the Goosechase app and enter the code CityofWater2025 to participate.