Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities in NYC (May 23-25)

Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts
Bill Robinson (Bojangles) starring in “Blackbirds” (1928) Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts

HOT OFF THE BLOG

*It’s official: Fleet Week has arrivedwhether you plan to tour a military ship, or hear a patriotic performance by the Navy Band, or attend a festive parade, you can read all about it here.

*Planning a fun day trip for the long weekend? Check out our top getaway picks–from City Island to Bear Mountain State Park.

WEEKEND PLANNER

STARTING FRIDAY

*“Jazzed: The Changing Beat of 125th Street” is an interactive exhibit opening at The Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Get jazzed! (Friday-September)

*It’s pajama party time at NY Kids Club. Enjoy a pizza dinner and fun activities like relay races and a treasure hunt. Party down! (Friday)

*Catch the classic ‘80’s movie “Top Gun” aboard an actual military aircraft carrier at the Intrepid Museum. All aboard! (Friday)

STARTING SATURDAY

*Train lovers of all ages will love the World’s Fair Train Show at the Queens Botanical Garden. There’s an exciting outdoor display with working model trains and a miniature version of the World’s Fair Unisphere. Choo Choo! (Saturday-Monday)

*Head to the Queens Botanical Garden to hear trombonist, composer, and arranger John Yao perform jazz favorites. Listen up! (Saturday)

*The Memorial Day Fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park is an all-ages affair featuring carnival games, an obstacle course, and rock wall, among other offerings. Have a ball! (Saturday)

Usher in the summer by attending the Governors Island Opening Day Family Festival–catch music and theater acts, plus face painting, crafts from the Children’s Museum of the Arts, and more. Island living! (Saturday)

STARTING SUNDAY

*Make a clay “patio” with Wave Hill’s visiting artist Em Rooney and then watch it dissolve and return to nature in the rain. Get creative! (Sunday)

*Watch a heartwarming film about a 14-year-old named Felix who wants to become a jazz saxophonist like his late father at BAM’s Rose Cinema. Root for Felix! (Sunday)

*As part of the summer-long Sweet Spot Festival, the Memorial Day Dance Off at West Harlem Piers is a groovin’ way to kick off the summer. Bust a move! (Sunday)

*Cartoon lovers rejoice: “Mr Magoo and Friends,” a collection of restored color cartoons by animation pioneer John Hubley, will be presented at Film Forum.  Take a seat! (Sunday)

*Celebrate National Tap Dance Day at Hudson River Park where dance students will join with pro tappers to perform. Tap your feet! (Sunday)

MONDAY

Stroll through Central Park with the Memorial Day Walk Tour and learn how generations have used the park to memorialize our veterans. Lace up your sneaks! (Monday)

Click here for our full calendar of events!

Relevant Directory Listings

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Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>

Ivy Camps USA

<p>Ivy Camps USA is a premium online provider of engaging after-school classes, holiday camps, summer camps, and personalized tutoring. Their instructors come from the top 10 US universities and love to inspire and mentor emerging minds. Extracurricular classes, holiday camps, and summer camps are offered in STEM, Business Leadership, and Arts, Media & Communication for ages 6-14. Tutoring programs focus on supporting students academically, developing a mentoring relationship, and rekindling a love of learning. Ivy Camps USA is known for exceptional programming that kids love and parents trust.</p>

British Swim School

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>