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Memorial Day Weekend for LA Kids: Greeks, Scots, Star Wars, and Fireworks

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 05/23/2019 - 1:37am

First and foremost, Memorial Day is about the members of the armed forces who gave their lives in our nation’s service. Their sacrifice is unimaginable, our debt to them beyond measure. To those lost, and to those who serve our nation and all it stands for, we salute you.

The weekend is not all somber reflection; Memorial Day also means a long weekend, and the unofficial start of summer. Festival is the word of the day: throughout the Southland folks gather to enjoy yummies and winged wonders, and to celebrate different cultures (including Greek, Scottish, and Topangan). Discovery Cube opens new exhibits that explore the different sides of super powers. (It's just science.) The Aquarium of the Pacific opens a new wing that encourages us all to be super heroes for the ocean.

And, of course, Memorial Day weekend closes with tributes to our fallen heroes. Ceremonies are being held at the Nixon Presidential Library, in Burbank and Canoga Park, and at Woodlawn and Forest Lawn Cemeteries.

Read on for some of our favorite picks for this three-day holiday weekend...

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Boston Kids

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 8:26pm

Though many families leave the city for Memorial Day Weekend, staycationers should rejoice: Those of us sticking around have plenty of family-friendly options to choose from, all within a day-trip's distance (or less!). Appreciate all that embodies Memorial Day at the Garden of Flags on the Common, and ring eight bells at the Constitution. There are also several musical ways to celebrate the start of summer, from Boston Calling to a special campfire, and don't forget the always active lawn games scene. Families can celebrate Ramadan too. For something totally unique, kids (and parents!) can travel back in time with some aerialists.

Need more family fun ideas to fill out the long weekend? Check out our full events calendar.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Kids and Families in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 6:17pm

Connecticut is celebrating the unofficial start of summer in a big way! Whether you are heading to the beach or the park, there is no shortage of family fun across the state for Memorial Day weekend. Families can take their pick of parading through town, cruis ing the coastline, or expanding your palate at a Food Truck Festival.

If you're looking for an educational way to honor the men and women who died in service to our nation, think about attending a kid-friendly parade or ceremonies, like the Revolutionary War Encampment in Wethersfield and the Decoration Day event at Mystic Seaport.

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic long weekend!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun: Fleet Week, DanceAfrica, Festivals, Parades

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 4:00pm

Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, is here at last! New York City's big seasonal attractions open on Saturday, like local beaches, Prospect Park's Splash Pad, and the Victorian Gardens in Central Park. If it reaches 80 degrees, the city's playground sprinklers might be on, too.

On tap this weekend only: Fleet Week, Marine Day in Prospect Park, DanceAfrica, and a passel of parades, including the always entertaining Loisaida on Sunday, and Memorial Day marches on Monday in Brooklyn and Queens. Mamapalooza rocks Riverside Park's Pier 1 on Sunday, and Much Ado about Nothing sets the stage for this summer's Shakespeare in the Park productions.

This holiday weekend is also the perfect time to visit the FREE Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens or The Yard, an adventure playground open for the season on Governors Island. By the way, Governors Island also hosts weekend programs where kids can make slime and superhero art. If you're hopping ferries anyway, why not check out the new Statue of Liberty museum?

Our NYC Parks and Playgrounds Guide is always a safe bet for staycations, as is our Indoor Play Spaces Guide for the possible rain headed our way. Unless... thinking about a last-minute getaway? We've pulled together great family day trips in the Hudson Valley, as well as our favorite nearby beaches and those down the Jersey Shore. You might also try a day at a nearby amusement park or water park for early summer fun!

Read on for our top picks for Memorial Day weekend events for kids in NYC. Even more family fun can be found via our Event Calendar, Spring Fun Guide, and our fresh-out-of-the-oven Summer Fun To-Do List.

However you spend the three-day holiday weekend, we hope you have a blast!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Horses, History, Fireworks, & Parades

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 2:30pm

The unofficial start of summer has arrived in the Delaware Valley! And, while summer doesn't technically begin until mid-June, Philly parents and kids alike feel a sense of anticipation and excitement for Summer 2019 to begin. Create your summer bucket list this Memorial Day weekend by browsing our event calendar. Festivals, patriotic fun, outdoor movies, and amazing concerts are some must-dos. However, there are so many more options!

Experience the thrill of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair which features not only horse competitions but also amusement rides and traditional country fair eats. Those who love things on wheels can attend the grand opening of the Garden Railway Display at Morris Arborteum, ride a real train at Colebrookdale Railroad's Decoration Day Excursion or West Chester Railroad's Memorial Day Express, or touch a tractor, motorcycle, or construction vehicle at Neshaminy Mall. History buffs can listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, learn stories at the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, or watch a military demonstration at Signers' Garden. Don't miss out on the many Memorial Day parades planned to remember those sacrificed for our country. Locations include Lansdale, Radnor, Kennett, Warminster, or Collegeville, just to name a few.

Gather up the kids and brainstorm your bucket list. Then get ready to make memories this Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Weekend: Air Show, Strawberry Festival, Parades

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 1:35pm

The 2019 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, featuring high-flying stunts from world-renowned military and civilian performers, takes to the skies this Memorial Day weekend.

Head to the Garden of Eve for a berry good time at its annual Strawberry Festival. Old Bethpage Village Restoration commemorates Decoration Day as observed in the 1860s with a parade, ceremony, historic craft demonstrations, storytelling, and brass band concerts.

Join the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy for the grand opening of the new Woodland Playground on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun: Parades, Festivals, Beaches

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 12:45pm

For those of you staying in Westchester for Memorial Day weekend, there's no shortage of events worth attending, both here and in the Hudson Valley.

Many towns and villages throughout the county celebrate the occasion with parades and ceremonies. Standouts include the Memorial Day Races & Fair, with fun festivities rounding out the occasion. Also on our radar are ways to honor Memorial Day from a historic standpoint, including depictions of the military in the Colonial era and another reflecting World War II.

A couple of the seasonal festivals we previously told you about also take place this weekend, and there are two circuses in town: the The Zerbini Family Circus and UniverSoul Circus. And, since Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, Westchester beaches open on weekends for the season!

So let everyone else deal with the traffic and hassle of heading out of town; there’s plenty to do right here at home! Read on to see all of our top weekend picks, and consult our Event Calendar for even more options.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Houston Kids, May 25-27

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 11:31am

Memorial Day weekend is here, which means May is officially coming to a close, the school year is ending, and it is finally time to celebrate the start of summer! Since honoring our nation's fallen heroes is the primary focus of this weekend, we found some awesome family-friendly celebrations around the city to attend, such as the amazing annual Memorial Day Celebration in The Woodlands and the Memorial Day Remembrance at George Ranch Historical Park. Sugar Land is also hosting their Taste of Louisiana Festival, dinosaurs are coming to the Houston Zoo, and Motown is taking over Miller Outdoor Theatre. This weekend is packed with some awesome events!

We also have some summer favorites popping up on Mommy Poppins that are well worth checking out:

As always, we'd love for you to check out our event calendar. You can also submit your own events so we can share them with our amazing readers! To have posts like this delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for all the best things happening on Mommy Poppins and around Houston.

Now, let's check out what's happening this holiday weekend:

Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Chicago Kids: Parades, Bike Rides, Street Fairs

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 11:00am

Memorial Day weekend is here, so the summer can go ahead and kick off already plskthx. Public beaches open this weekend, and Memorial Day observances include the annual parade and wreath-laying ceremony in the Chicago Loop on Saturday, with more local parades on Monday in the suburbs. At Cantigny Park, families can enjoy a day filled with patriotic performances (and helicopters!) followed by an afternoon big band concert.

Autism-Friendly Museum Hours and Cultural Programs in NYC

Submitted by Sona Charaipotra on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 11:00am

New York City is one of the most bustling places in the world, which can make outings with any child tough, but things get particularly tricky for parents of kids on the autism spectrum, who might worry about overstimulation in kid-friendly settings. That’s why many museums and cultural centers have created comfortable, safe spaces for families with special needs to explore, often in tandem with educators and specialists.

We’ve gathered up some of the best of the bunch, from The Met to the Brooklyn Children's Museum to an after-school "Subway Sleuths" program, as well as several FREE options. Peruse our NYC Special Needs Guide for more helpful tips and local programs.