The best Memorial Day events in Miami to do over the long weekend

Dozens of airplanes and watercraft swarm Miami Beach’s shoreline for the entertaining military showcase at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show. Organized to honor first responders, the free two-day event features civilian aerobatic acts, powerboat racing and extreme water sports. If you don’t mind the crowds, you’re in for a genuine spectacle right on the sand. Afterward, don’t miss the Music Explosion, featuring the U.S. Army’s “As You Were” band, U.S. Air Force Drill Team and The Miami Beach Classical Music Festival Orchestra. May 25–26

This historic, boutique property in South Beach is hosting a watch party for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show all weekend long. Post up at the hotel’s hidden Floridita rooftop pool, where drinks will flow aplenty to keep you cool all day. Stay to catch the fireworks show on May 25 at 7pm. May 25–26

Get ready for lift-off at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science downtown when it debuts its special new exhibition, Journey to Space, on May 25. You’ll explore the extraordinary conditions of human space travel and a hands-on, climb-aboard experience that explores what it takes to live and work in space. May 25–Oct 6

This Memorial Day, Hotel Greystone on Miami Beach pulls out the stops with tropical-themed cocktails and chef-driven comfort food to enjoy under the sun. Flaunt your finest pink ensemble for the party, and let loose to the sounds of guest DJs performing from 2pm until sundown. May 26

Enjoy the sunshine and breathtaking Biscayne Bay views from the iconic InterContinental Miami resort’s DayLife Cabanas, an ideal setting for Memorial Day Weekend celebrations. Keep cool and partake in a special poolside barbecue (available for an extra charge) while grooving to a live DJ. The cabanas are perched near the sprawling fifth-floor SkyLawn, with access to an elevated bar and skyline views as fireworks go off. May 26

During Jurassic Garden, all 83 acres of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s lush tropical beauty will be transformed into a prehistoric world packed with immersive activities for the whole family. Kids can participate in a water-themed adventure to find and hatch dinosaur eggs, while families can care for the habitat of herbivorous dinosaurs by watering their feeding plants. Special evening adventures like “Dino’s After Dark” and “Under a Dino Moon” add to the themed offerings, along with specialty cocktails for the adults. April 13–Sep 2

Cool off at Tidal Cove in Aventura, where kiddos have their run of their own pool and seven water slides, plus the nation’s first-ever FlowRider Triple Surf simulation pool. Or take your pick from 25 private luxury cabanas and relax in an adults-only area. Then fuel up at the on-site Surf House and Freestyle restaurants, or the newly launched Toasty Tides food truck, which serves breakfast and all-day food options.

Take advantage of GMCVB’s Miami Attraction & Museum Months program until May 31 to enjoy special discounts, savings on admissions and BOGO deals from more than 50 of Miami’s top museums, galleries and outdoor adventures. Choose between neighborhood favorites like Island Queen Cruises and Tours, Pérez Art Museum Miami and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.