Join us for the inaugural 2026 Little Red Lite Swim
Inspired by the spirit of the classic Little Red Lighthouse 10K marathon swim, a beloved event once hosted by NYC Swim, the inaugural Little Red Lite Swim offers a new opportunity to experience Manhattan’s iconic open-water scene.
This shorter, current-assisted swim follows a beautiful 6.4 km / 4 mi route along one of the most scenic stretches of the Hudson River. The swim begins at Inwood Canoe Club, just south of Dyckman Street and finishes at the Baylander, a former U.S. Navy vessel now docked at the West Harlem Piers near 125th Street and converted into a relaxed floating bar and restaurant.
Along the way, swimmers will cruise downriver along the Manhattan shoreline, passing under the George Washington Bridge and by the Little Red Lighthouse, Riverbank State Park, and the Hudson River Greenway before finishing at the Baylander.
The Little Red Lite Swim is a non-competitive, non-timed event designed for swimmers who may not be ready for a marathon-distance swim but still want the thrill of swimming in the beautiful Hudson River.
9:00 AM check-in, 10:30 AM splash
Calling all young birders! Join naturalist Alexandra Wang for a fun-filled morning of birdwatching and outdoor exploration in Fort Tryon Park. Discover the colorful birds that call the park home while learning how to spot, observe, and identify them in their natural habitat. Meet at Margaret Corbin Circle
Perfect for kids and families, this interactive walk encourages curiosity, careful observation, and a love of nature. Whether it’s your first birding adventure or you’re already an aspiring ornithologist, you’ll leave with new skills and a greater appreciation for the wildlife all around us!
Binoculars are encouraged but not required.
Sungazing with Local Astronomer Novaughn Miller.
Experience the Sun like never before with local astronomer Novaughn Miller during this fascinating afternoon of safe solar observation. Using specially filtered telescopes, participants will get an up-close view of the Sun’s surface while learning about sunspots, solar activity, and the science behind our closest star. This family-friendly program is a unique opportunity to explore astronomy in the heart of Fort Tryon Park.
All viewing equipment is equipped with certified solar filters, making the experience completely safe for your eyes. As the program takes place outdoors during the warmest part of the day, attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear sunscreen, bring water, and consider a hat for sun protection.
Volunteer with NYC Parks for Trees Count 2025! At each event you will receive a tote bag with all the materials needed to count trees. Next, we’ll provide a 30-minute training session that includes the basics of tree identification and how to measure and assess each tree. Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting trees on your own in smaller parks across the city.
Registration is required. Registration begins on July 26.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exploration of the forest from fungal networks that live out of sight in the soil to towering canopies that are hundreds of years old. Learn how wildlife, plants, and all the micro ecosystems of the forest collaborate to persevere through major climactic change and join in on a discussion considering the wisdom that these woodlands hold in the future of New York City’s green spaces.
Registration not required.
