Memorial Day events and activities for New York City kids 2013

Just in time for summer zoo visits, the Bronx Zoo debuts Dinosaur Safari, a guided wagon tour past life-like, animatronic dinosaur species—from the vegetarian, long-necked Brachiosaurus and imposing Tricerotops to the iconically scary Tyrannosaurus Rex—that illuminates the phenomenon of adaptation. Accompanying the exhibit is a new theatrical show, Adaptations! A Dinosaur Musical, which debuts on opening weekend at the Asia Theater (May 25–27 at 12:30, 1:15, 2:30, 3:30pm); various meet-and-greets throughout the summer (including Ice Age's costumed characters Sid and Scrat May 25–26 at 1, 2:30, 3:30pm); fossil impressions, Ice Age crafts or dinosaur-themed projects; and "Dinosaurs Rock," an exhibit of life-size dinosaur artifacts and fossils at Grizzly Corner (July 27–Aug 11 11am–4pm), with special presentations on weekends (Sat, Sun 1, 2,:30, 3:30pm). All ages.

Celebrate the seasonal reopening of Governors Island with a fun-filled family extravaganza. Families from all over the city are invited to come out and enjoy the opening festivities, including music courtesy of the Maybelles and Astrograss for Kids, theater performances by Arm of the Sea, puppet-making workshops, face painting, bubbles, lawn games, a bouncy house and crafts from Children's Museum of the Arts Island Outpost. All ages.

Spend Memorial Day weekend in Sunnyside Gardens' Park, a lovely location where families can take in some nature and bond with the neighborhood’s diverse and lively community. This free fair will feature a wide range of kids’ activities: a partial list that includes an obstacle course, bouncy houses, kiddie nail salon and clowns. BBQ, beer and juice boxes will also be available. Rain date is Sunday, May 26. Free. All ages.

Head to Pier 86 for a day of musical performances by The Voice's Angie Johnson, the USO Show Troupe, the Manhattan Dolls (Saturday only), Trailer Radio (Saturday only), and the Callbacks (Sunday only). Between shows, check out interactive displays and activity stalls of the Intrepid Museum and other event sponsors. All ages.

Kids and their families can spend the day at the Cloisters at this mythical-beast-themed festival. Mary Pop Osborne will read from her book, Blizzard of the Blue Moon, about a boy and a girl who travel through time with a unicorn and land in the Cloisters. Kids can also work on mythical art projects and go on a self-guided art hunt through the museum. Ages 4 to 12.

Find a grassy spot on the hills of Green-Wood and settle in for a concert by the ISO Symphonic Band, comprised of some of the most talented music students in the city. Following the concert, hop on a trolley for a mini-tour of Battle Hill and the Civil War Soldiers' Lot led by historian Jeff Richman. Registration suggested. All ages.

Families can join military personnel from all five branches of the armed forces. The event includes a ceremonial wreath laying, a 21-gun salute and the unfurling of a 100-foot-long American flag. All ages.

Say "thank you" to those fighting overseas with this card-making workshop in honor of Memorial Day. Kids will personalize cards with their own message; all of their creations will be collected and delivered to men and women in the armed services, both at home and abroad. All ages.

Little ones craft their own gold medal to give to a special hero in their life while learning about the importance of soldiers who serve the community. Ages 5 and under.

Just in time for summer zoo visits, the Bronx Zoo debuts Dinosaur Safari, a guided wagon tour past life-like, animatronic dinosaur species—from the vegetarian, long-necked Brachiosaurus and imposing Tricerotops to the iconically scary Tyrannosaurus Rex—that illuminates the phenomenon of adaptation. Accompanying the exhibit is a new theatrical show, Adaptations! A Dinosaur Musical, which debuts on opening weekend at the Asia Theater (May 25–27 at 12:30, 1:15, 2:30, 3:30pm); various meet-and-greets throughout the summer (including Ice Age's costumed characters Sid and Scrat May 25–26 at 1, 2:30, 3:30pm); fossil impressions, Ice Age crafts or dinosaur-themed projects; and "Dinosaurs Rock," an exhibit of life-size dinosaur artifacts and fossils at Grizzly Corner (July 27–Aug 11 11am–4pm), with special presentations on weekends (Sat, Sun 1, 2,:30, 3:30pm). All ages.