Kick Off to 2022 Memorial Day with Fleet Week and more....

On this Memorial Day Monday May 30, 2022, we honor all the men and women who died while actively serving in the U.S. Military. There are many Memorial Day parades held in local communities and towns. This holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer. To kick it off, here are some top family friendly Memorial Day events in the New Jersey and New York area. Also check NJ Kids for more ideas.

Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center

Friday May 27th through Sunday May 29th, 10AM-5PM. The National Constitution Center will honor America’s fallen military heroes over Memorial Day Weekend. At special educational programs, visitors can explore the holiday’s connection to the Reconstruction era, when it was known as “Decoration Day.” Visitors can also participate in a variety of family-friendly programs and activities, including American flag etiquette and flag folding workshops, a “Thank-A-Vet” postcards writing station, and arts and craft stations. Visitors can design their own memorial for historic figures and historic events. Visitors can take a look at The Lincoln Memorial and Little Bighorn, the U.S.S. Arizona and the Vietnam War Memorial and learn their importance. The Center is located at 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA. Note: National Constitution Center closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.

Field Station Dinosaurs 2022 Opening Day

Saturday May 28th is the grand opening of Field Station Dinosaurs 2022 season. Located in Bergen County’s beautiful Overpeck Park in a natural woods setting. Featuring over 30 life-sized, moving, realistic dinosaurs and they come to life thanks to the brilliant engineering of the world’s leading roboticists and artists. This is a great adventure experience for the whole family, for kids of all ages. Dinosaurs, walking trails, games, shows and activities are included with admission.

Fleet Week New York 2022

May 25-31, 2022. The annual Fleet Week is back and it begins with the parade of ships sailing up the Hudson River. See patrol boats, battleships, sailboats and more! Great opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines, U.S. Navy members, and Coast Guardsmen. Families can tour battleships, watch musical performances, demonstrations, and more! Check schedule and locations. New York Harbor, New York City, NY.

Fleet Week at the Intrepid Museum

Saturday through Monday May 27-30, 2022. Watch the U.S. Navy Parade of Ships sail up the Hudson River from the deck of the Intrepid Museum. Annual movie night May 27th on the flight deck. At the museum, explore special displays, activities and demonstrations. Discover history, science, service and tributes. Visit the Intrepid Museum. There are special museum hours May 28th-30th. Pier 86 @ W 46th St, New York, NY.

Newark Museum May Family Saturday

Saturday May 28, 2022, from 10am-5pm. Enjoy a day of fun activities for the whole family as part of your admission ticket to the Newark Museum. Kids of all ages can participate in MakerSpace where kids can tinker and create. Decorate your own sugar cookies (starts at Noon). Make a keepsake box from 1-4pm. Enjoy Zula Patrol 2: Down to Earth and SkyQuest films in the afternoon.

FREE Admission Entry to NJ State Parks

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2022, entry to all New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas will be FREE of charge all summer long. There are over 50 sites to visit, ranging from Long Beach Island State Park, Cape May Point State Park to High Point State Park. Take the kids and head outdoors!

New York Mets Baseball Game at Citi Field

• Friday-Sunday May 27, 28, 29, 2022 - The Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
• There will be Fireworks on Saturday's May 28th game night game!
• Monday May 30, 2022 - The Mets vs Washington Nationals

Go out to the ball park and root on your favorite New York baseball team, the NY Mets. Spend a fun family afternoon or evening at Citi Field watching a great game. Eat some hotdogs, popcorn, cracker jacks, and cotton candy. There’s still time to buy tickets at mets.com

Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari

Happening Now! Experience the NEW walk through Dinosaur Safari, it’s bigger than ever. Get up close to 52 life size dinosaurs. It’s fun for kids of all ages. This attraction is included with your Bronx Zoo admission ticket. The Bronx Zoo is also home to over 10,000 animals - see penguins, sloths, porcupines, bears, snakes, and much more!

Woodland Park Memorial Day Street Fair

Monday, May 30, 2022, 11AM-5PM. Street Fair with a classic block party feel. Kids section with fun things to do such as kiddie rides, face painting, sand art, pony rides and petting zoo. Plenty of food vendors, crafters, music, entertainment and fun! McBride Ave, Woodland Park, NJ

Bradley Beach Memorial Weekend Celebration

Saturday & Sunday May 28-39, 2022. This popular Bradley Beach Memorial Day weekend event includes food vendors, crafters, kids activities, rides, music and more! Memorial Day Parade featuring marching bands and drum corps held Saturday May 28th at 10AM, Ocean Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ. Memorial Day Ceremony to remember and honor will be held Monday May 30th at Riley Park.

Memorial Beach Challenge in Ocean City

Saturday, May 28, 2022. Join Ocean City NJ for their Annual Memorial Beach Challenge fundraiser. Great fun for all ages. The Kids Fun Run is designed to allow children to be a part of the day’s fun in celebration of The 31Heroes Project. The course features many safe obstacles that are appropriate for children. The adult obstacle challenge uses Navy SEAL inspired obstacles that is a test of strength and mental toughness. Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City, NJ.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park

Saturday through Monday May 28-30, 2022. Celebrate Memorial Day at the annual Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at the Monmouth Park Racetrack. This 3 day event features over 35 food trucks, live music, live horse racing and more! FREE Family Fun Days activities on Saturday and Sunday - featuring clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house. General admission $6, FREE for kids 12 & under. Parking is FREE.

Resorts Casino’s Memorial Day Beach Ball Drop

May 27-30, 2022. Join Resorts as they kick off the summer with their annual Beach Ball Drop. Local radio station WMMR will be broadcasting live. This event also features contests, games, music, entertainers, giveaways and more. The FREE Ball Drop will take place on Friday May 27th at 5PM with over 5,000 beach balls dropped over the boardwalk. Atlantic City, NJ.

New Jersey Renaissance Faire

Memorial weekend, May 28-29, 2022. Truly a one of a kind experience for the whole family. Go back in time and mingle with villagers dressed in period costumes. See sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, fire breathers, sword swallowers and more! $ Admission. Bordentown, NJ. njrenfaire.com

Big Kahuna’s

Open Memorial Day Weekend May 27-30, 2022. Kick off the summer season and enjoy beach fun at Big Kahuna’s, an indoor and outdoor Water Park in West Berlin NJ. Have fun on water rides and slides. Bring the kids and get wet! Featuring a Polynesian Dance Showcase on Sat May 28th as part of admission.

International Kite Festival in Wildwood

May 27-30, 2022. FREE to spectators. North America Kite Festival featuring kite makers from around the world! Festivities follow with the opening of the kite sales tent and the Friday night 9PM illuminated kite fly. Kite flying on the beach Saturday and Sunday, as well as kite workshops and family games. World Indoor Kite Competition held on Monday inside Wildwoods Convention Center.

Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert

Sunday, May 29, 2022 featuring The Chatterband. This FREE Memorial Day Summer Music Series concert will take place at Centennial Park. Bring a beach chair or blanket and celebrate the beginning of summer. In general, the Wildwood Crest summer concert series lasts through September.