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Big Swim 2026
Asphalt Green’s Big Swim is a free NYC swim meet for swimmers ages 6–13, welcoming all skill levels for an afternoon of racing, water safety, and community fun. **The registration link will be available soon.**
May 2 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asphalt Green’s Big Swim is New York City’s largest free swim meet, welcoming swimmers, ages 6 to 13, of all skill levels. This NYC community swim event brings together first-time swimmers and experienced athletes for an afternoon of races, water safety education, and inclusive aquatic programming that makes swimming accessible to all.
EVENT Details
WHEN:
Saturday, May 2, 2026
| Sensory-Friendly Session | 6-13 years | Check-in: 12pm Swim meet starts: 12:20pm |
| Session 1 | 6-9 years | Check-in: 12:45pm Swim meet starts: 1:30pm |
| Session 2 | 10-13 years | Check-in: 2:30pm Swim meet starts: 3:15pm |
WHERE:
Asphalt Green’s Upper East Side Campus
Olympic pool in the AquaCenter building
(1750 York Ave, New York, NY 10128)
WHO:
Kids and teens ages 6 to 13
All swimming levels welcome
COST:
Free for all!
WHAT TO BRING:
Swimsuit (Your child should come dressed and ready to swim!)
Towel (to be kept in the locker room)
Goggles (optional)
A change of clothes
Please note:
Only items that can go in the water are allowed on the pool deck. Everything else—like towels, bags, technology and clothes—should stay in the locker room.
What to expect:
Sessions will be available for both competitive and noncompetitive swimmers, so participants of all levels can join in!
In session one and session two, there will be a boy and a girl who will be crowned fastest swimmer. All swimmers will receive a medal because when everyone can swim, everyone wins!
All swimmers’ results will be made available after the race. Asphalt Green will send an email to all participants with the link.
REGISTER TODAY
The registration link will be available soon. Stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our lifeguards support swimmers of all levels to ensure they complete their lap safely.
Families that have children who experience sensory sensitivities, can enjoy Big Swim with reduced sound and crowds. Tickets are limited for this special session. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
Yes, this event is wheelchair accessible.
After checking in, children will change in the locker rooms on the first floor while being chaperoned. Then they will be taken to the pool deck for their race. Parents and guardians are to go directly to the stadium seating on the second floor. Parents and guardians are not allowed in the locker room. Children will be supervised by trained staff.
Each participant must check-in during their designated check-in window. Families who checked-in a child in an earlier session, must return to the line outside to check-in their next child.
Spectators can watch from the stadium seats on the second floor of the AquaCenter. You’ll be directed there after your swimmer checks in at the registration table.
After the race, children will receive a medal for their race and then head to the locker room to change out of their swimsuit and dry off. They will be guided and supervised by their chaperone. Parents are not allowed in the locker room. Instead, they go directly to Dekovatz Park to meet their child.
If your child arrives after check-in closes, they’re still welcome to swim a 25-yard race just for fun—but please note that their time won’t be recorded, and their name won’t appear on the scoreboard.
If your child misses their session entirely, we won’t be able to accommodate them later, as we’ll be welcoming the next group of swimmers. We appreciate your understanding and encourage your family to arrive early so your child can get the full Big Swim experience!
You can make a donation online at any time here.