Celebrate 2024 Fleet Week and more

On Monday May 27, 2024, we honor all the men and women who died while actively serving in the U.S. Military. There are many parades held in local communities and towns. This holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer. To kick it off, here are some family friendly Memorial Day events in the New Jersey area. Also check NJ Kids for more ideas.

Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center

Sat-Mon, May 25-27, 2024, 10AM-4PM. FREE Admission. Reserve free tickets online. The National Constitution Center will honor America’s fallen military heroes with special educational programs. Explore museum exhibits, including First Amendment gallery and Freedom Rising. Visitors can also participate in a variety of family-friendly programs and activities, including flag ceremonies, workshops, and crafts. 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA.

Field Station Dinosaurs 2024 Opening Day

Sat, May 25, 2024 is the grand opening for this 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. A wonderful adventure experience for kids and families. Dinosaurs, walking trails, games, shows and activities are included with admission. jerseydinos.com

Fleet Week New York 2024

May 22-28, 2024. All activities are FREE to the public. Celebrate the sea services with week long festivities. The annual NYC Fleet Week begins with the parade of ships sailing up the Hudson River. Your opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, tour ships, watch music performances, demonstrations, and more! Check schedule for locations in Manhattan and Staten Island. New York Harbor, New York City, NY. Facebook: @FleetWeekNewYork

Fleet Week at the Intrepid Museum

Fri-Mon, May 24-27, 2024 (FREE Events). Annual FREE movie night May 24th on the flight deck, featuring “Top Gun: Maverick” - bring your own lawn chairs. At the Intrepid Museum, explore special displays, activities and demonstrations. Discover history, science, service and tributes at the Intrepid Museum. Pier 86 @ W 46th St, New York, NY.

The NJ Renaissance Faire

Memorial Weekend, May 25-26, 2024. One of a kind NJ Renaissance Faire experience with talented villagers dressed in period costumes. Sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, fire breathers, sword swallowers and more! $ Admission. Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ.

Big Kahuna’s Waterpark

Open Memorial Day Weekend May 25-27, 2024. Kick off the summer season and enjoy beach fun at Big Kahuna’s, an indoor outdoor Water Park in West Berlin NJ. Have fun on water rides and slides. Bring the kids and get wet! Military Discount available.

Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium Shows

Sat, May 25, 2024, select from 2 shows in the afternoon at the Newark Museum. Learn about astronomy, space and science. Featured shows are: “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” or “Eclipse - The Sun Revealed”. Buy tickets online. 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ.

Newark Museum May Family Sundays

Sun, May 26, 2024, from 11AM-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.

Mets Baseball Game

Go out to the ball park and root on your favorite New York baseball team. Spend a fun family afternoon or evening at Citi Field. There’s still time to buy tickets at mets.com

Fri, May 25th, 1:40PM - Mets vs. Giants, giveaway Joel Mesler Beach Tote
Sat, May 26th, 1:40PM - Mets vs. Giants, giveaway Hello Kitty Light Up Bow Bobblehead; Mr. & Mrs. Met Post-Game Dash for kids 12 & under
Mon, May 27th, 4:10PM - Mets vs. Dodgers

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival

Sat-Sun, May 25-26, 2024. This popular Bradley Beach event includes food vendors, crafters, kids activities, rides, music and more! Memorial Day Parade featuring marching bands and drum corps held Sat May 25th at 10AM. Memorial Day Ceremony on Mon, May 27th. Ocean Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ.

Memorial Beach Challenge in Ocean City

Sat, May 25, 2024. 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. Register online. Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City, NJ.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park

Sat-Mon, May 25-27, 2024. Celebrate Memorial Day at the annual Food Truck Festival at the Monmouth Park Racetrack. This 3 day event features over 30 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

Fri-Mon, May 24-27, 2024. Join Resorts as they kick off the summer with their annual Beach Ball Drop. Featuring music from Bacardi Ardi. This event also features contests, games, music, entertainers, giveaways and more. The FREE Ball Drop will take place on Friday May 24th at 5PM with over 5,000 beach balls dropped over the boardwalk. Atlantic City, NJ.

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Fri-Mon, May 24-27, 2024. 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 9 p.m. illuminated kite fly. Kite flying on the beach Saturday and Sunday, as well as kite demos, team flying and family games. World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert

Sun, May 26, 2024, 7PM featuring music act “Big House". This FREE 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.

Visit NJ State Parks

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2024, go hiking at New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas. There are many parks to visit, ranging from Bass River State Forest, High Point State Park to Liberty State Park. Take the kids and head outdoors!