Pay homage to the life and legacy of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a celebration at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Photo by Winston Williams
MLK Weekend 2026 in New York City: Best Things To Do with Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
5/23/25 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer. Feel the summer vibes at the Jersey Shore's brilliant Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And spend Memorial Day Monday at commemorative events in Holmdel and Freehold, among others. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

Be sure to click through to each listing for all the details, including recommended ages and times.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do in New Jersey This Memorial Day Weekend With Kids

Woodbridge Center Carnival

Woodbridge
Wednesday, May 21-Monday, May 26
Have six days of festive fun at the Woodbridge Center Carnival. Enjoy rides, like Dragon Wagon and Gravitron, games and carnival food.  READ MORE

Paramus L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival

Paramus
Daily from Thursday, May 22-Sunday, June 8
Westfield Garden State Plaza hosts this multi-day carnival, which benefits the Paramus L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program. The fun includes rides, games, food, and entertainment.  READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood – FREE
Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26
The annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest such festival in North America, features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible and colorful creations. READ MORE

Collingswood Annual May Fair

Collingswood – FREE
Saturday, May 24
This mile-long festival is loaded with fun like carnival rides, 200 vendors, a car show, food, live music, and more. The KidZone features games and rides.  READ MORE

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival

Oceanport
Saturday, May 24- Monday, May 26
Food trucks and fun are rolling into Monmouth Park on Memorial Day weekend. Indulge in eats from 30 food trucks, plus live music and children's activities that include face painting, clowns, bounce houses and pony rides. READ MORE

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival

Bradley Beach – FREE
Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25
Bradley Beach celebrates Memorial Day all weekend long, with food vendors, rides, bounce houses, crafters, a parade, and much more. There is a DJ on both days and live performances. READ MORE

Runaway Rapids Season Opening

Keansburg
Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26
Cool off Memorial Day weekend when Runaway Rapids opens for the season. Relax on the Lazy River, take a plunge on the Mega Bunga Falls, or enjoy one of the many other wet attractions.  READ MORE

Memorial Day Special Open Swim at Five Star Swim School

Various locations
Sunday, May 25
Make a splash This Memorial Day! Five Star Swim School is honored to invite all veterans, active service members, and their families to a free open swim in its heated saltwater pools.  READ MORE

NJ Jerk Fest 2025 in New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Sunday, May 25
Bring your appetite to Boyd Park for a day filled with delicious Caribbean cuisine, live music, and good vibes. Indulge in spicy jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk fish, jerk goat, jerk oxtail and jerk ice cream. A Kid's Zone rounds out the fun. READ MORE

Freehold Memorial Day Parade

Freehold–FREE
Monday, May 26
Spend Memorial Day at the oldest and largest such Memorial Day parade in Western Monmouth County. More than 70 groups–including veterans, bands, fire departments, civilian, and youth organizations–participate each year. READ MORE

Glassboro Memorial Day Parade

Glassboro–FREE
Monday, May 26
A tradition of over 100 years, this parade features floats, veterans and military groups, bands, antique vehicles, youth sports organizations, fire trucks, and more. READ MORE

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation Memorial Day Ceremony

Holmdel–FREE
Monday, May 26
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation hosts the annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those that lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. READ MORE

Fort Lee VFW Memorial Day Parade

Fort Lee–FREE
Monday, May 26
Fort Lee's annual parade commences at the Jack Alter Community Center, then heads down Center Avenue, Main Street and Anderson Avenue. Stop by the Community Center after the parade for a special ceremony and refreshments.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.