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!