Get Ready: Fleet Week NYC 2025 Is Almost Here!
You know the school year is winding down and summer is on the horizon when New York City once again welcomes one of its most exciting and family-friendly traditions: Fleet Week. This annual event brings U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ships to the city’s harbor for several days of free, hands-on activities. Kids can step aboard real military ships, meet service members in uniform, watch live search-and-rescue demos, and see helicopters and military vehicles.
From May 21 to May 27, 2025, the 37th annual Fleet Week NYC kicks off with a week packed with ship tours, military demonstrations, and fun for the whole family.
This year’s theme, “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence,” is particularly special as it marks 250 years of service and tradition.
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The much-awaited Parade of Ships kicks off the festivities with a grand entrance on Wednesday, May 21. Vessels from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, along with a guest ship from Canada will cruise up the Hudson River between 7:45 am and 11 am, offering multiple sights from Battery Park all the way up to the George Washington Bridge.
Here’s where and when you can hop aboard:
Manhattan
At Pier 88 South, you can step aboard the USS New York (LPD 21), a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship from Norfolk, Virginia. Tours are available Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, from 9 am to 4 pm.
At Pier 90 North, the USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759), a Legend-class Coast Guard cutter from South Carolina, will be open for tours on the same days and hours: Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, from 9 am to 4 pm. Also docked there is the HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434), a Canadian patrol vessel, which will not be open for public tours.
At the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Pier 86), a fleet of Yard Patrol boats from the U.S. Naval Academy will be available to explore on Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Staten Island
Two ships will be available for tours at Staten Island’s Homeport Pier: the USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), a dock landing ship from Norfolk, and the USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109), a Bay-class cutter from Bayonne, New Jersey. Both vessels will be open to visitors Thursday, May 22, through Monday, May 26, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Kid-Friendly Activities on the Pier
For kids who aren’t quite up for ship tours, there is plenty to do right on the piers. At the Intrepid Museum’s Pier 86, from Saturday, May 24, through Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, you’ll find a full lineup of free, family-friendly programming, including watching dive training demos from the U.S. Coast Guard, taking a spin in flight simulators, and trying on real tactical gear.
Fleet Week entertainment includes appearances by Disney on Broadway, the NYC Ghostbusters, and other surprise guests. Families can also stop by the USO station, where children can write letters of thanks to active-duty service members.
For older kids, there is a free outdoor screening of Top Gun at the Intrepid Museum on Friday, May 23. Bring a blanket and settle in under the stars!
On Monday, May 26, the Intrepid Museum will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 am. The event includes a wreath-laying, remarks from civic and military leaders, and a flyover by Navy jets.
Some Tips to Know Before You Go
Ship tours are completely free and open to the public, but plan ahead—lines can be long and may close up to an hour before the posted end time. Each tour takes about 30 minutes, not including the wait, and involves passing through security and climbing steep staircases, so it’s best suited for kids ages 5 and up. (Strollers aren’t allowed on board and must be left at the dock.) Adults need to bring a valid photo ID, and keep in mind that water bottles aren’t permitted on the ships.
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