Dive in, it’s time to celebrate City of Water Day this Saturday, July 12!
This annual celebration of our local waterways, organized by Waterfront Alliance and NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program brings together partners from across our region to offer inspiring events connected to a resilient and equitable waterfront.
There are events all throughout New York and New Jersey, including lots right here in Hudson River Park! From paddling and canoeing to fishing and walking tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your perfect day on the water by visiting cityofwaterday.org and learn more about what’s happening in Hudson River Park below.
Pier 96
Outrigger Paddling and Stand Up Paddle Boarding with New York Outrigger
11:00AM–12:00 PM
Have you ever paddled in the Hudson River? New York Outrigger will host free outrigger canoe paddling and stand-up paddle boarding on City of Water Day! Guests will participate in land training to learn about paddling techniques and safety, followed by an on-the-water session. Open to participants 14 years old and up. Ability to swim is required for standup paddle boarding. You must be able to tread water wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) to participate in outrigger canoe paddling.
Pier 84
Free Kayaking & Paddle Boarding with Manhattan Kayak Co.
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Free kayaking and paddle boarding on City of Water Day! Get a 10-minute lesson and 45 minutes on the water. Ages 2 and up. No swimming skills needed. Life jackets, paddles, and safety supervision provided free.
Pier 62
Statue & Skyline Cruise aboard Yacht Kingston with Classic Harbor Line
10:45 AM–12:15 PM
Sit back and enjoy this intimate lightly narrated Manhattan boat tour of lower Manhattan from the open deck of the mini yacht Kingston! On this NYC boat tour, get up close views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and the NYC Skyline from the Hudson River. This NYC cruise is great for small groups, friends, or family looking for a top-rated sightseeing experience around NYC. The boat features an interior salon with openable windows and an open outer deck, along with a full bar.
Pier 57
Discovery Tank Guided Gallery with Hudson River Park’s River Project
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Explore local wildlife and waterways at the Pier 57 Discovery Tank! Join our weekly Guided Gallery hours to explore beneath the surface of the Hudson River through immersive games and meet the fascinating critters who call our local waterways home.
Gansevoort Peninsula
Shoreline Stroll with Hudson River Park’s River Project
1:00–2:00 PM
Join us on Gansevoort Peninsula and take a tour from our salt marsh to our tide pools. During Shoreline Strolls, you’ll have the chance to learn more about these fascinating ecosystems from our River Project team. Grab your binoculars and try to spot some of the shorebirds seen regularly dabbling in our salt marsh, or see if you can spot some of the resident hawks that use the light poles as a perch to find their next meal.
Pier 51
Big City Fishing with Hudson River Park’s River Project
11:00 AM–3:00 PM
This summer, join us to make a fish wish—you might just get a bite! Over 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson River, including over 85 species in HRPK’s Estuarine Sanctuary waters. Anglers ages 5 and up are invited to participate at this program, with parental supervision required. Our River Project team provides all the necessary equipment and an on-site fishing tutorial.
Pier 45
Park Tours: Nature Walk with Hudson River Park
10:00–11:00 AM
Hudson River Park is home to many plant and animal species including over 100 species of birds. Take a closer look to observe butterflies, dragonflies and other interesting insects. Get to know the native plants that thrive in unexpected places in and around the river’s edge. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Loud noises and barking tend to startle wildlife and reduce viewing opportunities—please be considerate and leave your dog at home.
Pier 40 Wetlab
Unity Through Water with the Geoscience Club at the City College of New York
11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Ever wonder about your home’s water quality? Join the CCNY’s Geoscience Club to test your home water and pick up a free water testing kit! Learn how to report your tests to the EPA and explore why clean water matters to your health and the environment. Open to all ages. Activities are wheelchair accessible and do not require direct contact with water. Drop in anytime during event hours!
Pier 25
Exhibit Opening for Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal with Lilac Preservation Project
2:00–6:00 PM
The Erie Canal celebrates 200 years of transportation history this October! To get ready we are hosting the New York State Museum’s exhibit, Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal.
Did you know that much of the freight carried on the canalboats was heading for New York Harbor? That the Canal connected New York City to the breadbasket of the Midwest? Learn this and more from this exhibit and return this fall to welcome the replica canalboat Seneca Chief which will visit Pier 26 on October 26.
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10:00 AM – 6:00 PM