Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but more importantly, the holiday honor the women and men who served our country. The long weekend is marked by a variety of activities and celebrations throughout the city, from parades and picnics to parties and concerts. These celebrations are not just for adults, however. There are plenty of activities on Memorial Day for kids in NYC. You can head out to the beach or play in the park, or check out these 2025 Memorial Day celebrations with the kids happening throughout the weekend and on Memorial Day—Monday, May 26, 2025.
Bring the kiddos to the Children's Museum of Manhattan for hands-on artmaking projects that pay tribute to history and remembrance. From 10:30am to 4:15pm on Monday, May 26, CMOM will host family-friendly activities like a memory house collage workshop, a community memory ribbon installation, a kitschy food magnet-making session and more.
Time Out tip: bring a bag to take home all the arts and crafts they'll make during the day.
To honor and remeber those who lost their lives in defense of the nation, Brookyn's annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26. This year is the 158th parade, making it one of the oldest parades in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade kicks off in Bay Ridge at 11am on Monday, May 26 from 78th Street and Third Avenue. The route contiunes along Third Avenue to Marine Avenue up Fourth Avenue and over to John Paul Jones Park.
Time Out tip: the parade includes a 21-gun salute, so protect the little ones' ears.
Bask in the beauty of Green-Wood Cemetery while listening to a concert by high-school musicians of the ISO Symphonic Band at Third Street on Monday, May 26. The free concert commemmorates those who served in the armed forces, and will also feature music by some of Green-Wood's permanent residents, including James Weldon Johnson, Fred Ebb and Leonard Bernstein.
Time Out tip: Bring a blanket and a picnic for the complete experience.
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to explore the fighter ships and planes at the Intrepid Museum. This museum on a real aircraft carrier The Intrepid docked at Pier 86 is a chance for an up-close look at the nuts and bolts of our not-so-distant history.
Time Out tip: The Intrepid Museum serves as a primary destination during Fleet Week with activities all weekend long.
Can get enough of naval ships? Take the kids to see Fleet Week’s flotilla of ships and military demonstrations (and stick around for the parties). Thousands of military personnel will participate in this time-honored celebration of the sea services, which is celebrating its 37th year in NYC. The theme for 2025 is "Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence," which celebrates the rich history of the sea services, honoring service members from the past, present, and future. Fleet Week runs from May 21 to May 27, 2025.
Time Out tip: Fleet Week ships can be found in multiple locations, so check out our roundup and plan out your day.
If you want to avoid parades, pomp and circumstance, you can always pack up and head to the beach. You'll find sun, fun and boardwalk adventures—one of the best ways to kick off the summer season.
Time Out tip: most beaches open Memorial Day weekend, but be sure to check first.
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