Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, is here! We know it's been one of the coldest Mays in memory, but that's changing fast. No matter what, New York City's big seasonal attractions open on Saturday, like local beaches, or Victorian Gardens in Central Park. Plus, if it reaches 80 degrees, the city's destination playground sprinklers might be on, too.
While beaches and playgrounds are open all summer, events like Fleet Week ship tours, Governors Island Family Fun Day, Memorial Day in Prospect Park, and a bunch of parades are on tap this weekend only.
Thinking about a last-minute getaway? We've pulled together great family day trips on Long Island, including cool lighthouses, and Westchester and Hudson Valley, as well as our favorite nearby beaches like Fire Island's Ocean Beach and those a bit farther down the Jersey Shore. When you're there, use our Jersey Shore Family Guide. You might also try one of the nearby water parks or amusement parks, many of which open for the season on Saturday. Also, don't forget that many local farms in the greater NYC area are open for strawberry picking with the kids, beginning this weekend.
Stay local and finally visit the mesmerizing CHIHULY glass sculpture display at New York Botanical Gardens, the FREE Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, floating food forest Swale in Brooklyn, or the brand-new zip line and 25-foot climbing tower opening on Governors Island this weekend. Our NYC Parks and Playgrounds Guide is always a safe bet for staycations, too, as is our Indoor Play Spaces Guide, including fun places parents and kids can play together in NYC.
Read on for our best bets for Memorial Day weekend events for kids in NYC. Oodles of family fun can also be found in our Event Calendar, Spring Fun Guide, and our fresh-out-of-the-oven Summer Fun Guide.
However you spend the three-day holiday weekend, we hope you have a blast!
