As we approach the start of the summer season—and masses of New Yorkers exit the city for the long weekend—stick around and check out these fun family staycation activities for the holiday weekend.
Saturday, May 24th
Governors Island Family Festival
Join the Governors Island Alliance for music, theater, dance, arts and crafts, face painting, harbor maritime education, and more. Fun for all ages! Free. 1-4pm. Nolan Park, Colonels Row and Liggett Terrace.
Memorial Day Fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park
If you’re looking for family fun Memorial Day weekend, check out the fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park. The all–ages event offers fun and festive activities to celebrate the beginning of summer. Carnival games, bouncy castle, rock wall, obstacle course, and more. Dance to a Dixieland band—while the kids enjoy the clown magic show, face painting, kiddie nail salon, and temporary tattoo parlor! 12-5pm. 48-21 39th Avenue, Sunnyside, Queens.
Sunday, May 25th
All aboard! Watch working “G scale” model trains as they chug through an outdoor display that includes a miniature of the World’s Fair Unisphere. Presented by the Long IslandGarden Railway Society. The whole family can ride the motorized train ride through the gardens. Free with garden admission. Runs through May 26. 10am-5pm. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Queens
Memorial Day Dance Off at the West Harlem Piers
As part of the summer-long Sweet Spot Festival, a free family-friendly arts and cultural event series, the Memorial Day Dance Off is a movin’ and groovin’ way to kick off the summer. To celebrate the diverse community and history of Harlem, the festival and dance off features musical entertainment, festive food, artisan marketplace, and kids art workshop. 2-9pm. Free. St. Clair Place and West 135th Street.
Monday, May 26th
Central Park Memorial Day Walk Tour
Central Park is home to many historic monuments. Stroll through the city’s most famous park and view how generations have used the park to remember and memorialize our veterans. Free. 12-2pm. Tour starts at Columbus Circle, 59th Street at Central Park West, in front of Maine Monument.
