Celebrate 2025 Fleet Week and more!

On Monday May 26, 2025, 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.

Fleet Week New York 2025

May 21-27, 2025. All activities are FREE to the public. Celebrate the sea services with week long festivities. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence”. 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, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. New York Harbor, New York City, NY. @FleetWeekNewYork

Fleet Week at the Intrepid Museum

Fri-Mon, May 23-26, 2025 (various FREE Events). Annual FREE movie night May 23rd @7PM on the flight deck, featuring “Top Gun” - first come first serve, bring your own lawn chairs. At the 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.

Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center

Sat-Mon, May 24-26, 2025, all day. Check online to reserve free tickets. 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 participate in family-friendly activities, including flag ceremonies, games, and poppy pin crafts. 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA. 

Field Station Dinosaurs 2025 Opening Day

Sat, May 24, 2025 is the grand opening of Field Station Dinosaurs 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. 

The NJ Renaissance Faire

Memorial Weekend, May 24-25, 2025. 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, shows, and more! $ Admission. Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ.

Sahara Sam’s

Open Memorial Day Weekend May 24-26, 2025. Kick off the summer season and enjoy beach fun at Sahara Sam’s, an indoor outdoor Water Park in West Berlin NJ.  Have fun on water rides and slides. Bring the kids and get wet! 

Mets Baseball Game

Cheer for your favorite New York baseball team. Spend a fun family afternoon or evening at Citi Field. Buy tickets at mets.com

• Fri, May 23rd, 7:10PM - Mets vs. LA Dodgers, Fireworks Night
• Sat, May 24th, 7:15PM - Mets vs. LA Dodgers, Kodai Senga Replica Jersey
• Sun, May 25th, 7:10PM - Mets vs. LA Dodgers, Mark Vientos Bobblehead
• Mon, May 26th, 4:10PM - Mets vs. Chicago White Sox, Military Appreciation Day with Sean Manaea Camo Jersey giveaway

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival

Sat-Sun, May 24-25, 2025. This popular Bradley Beach event includes food vendors, crafters, kids activities, rides, live music and more! Memorial Day Parade featuring marching bands Sat May 24th at 9AM. Memorial Day Ceremony on Mon, May 26th. Ocean Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ.

Memorial Beach Challenge in Ocean City

Sat, May 24, 2025. 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 24-26, 2025. 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 23-26, 2025. Join Resorts Casino as they kick off the summer with their annual Beach Ball Drop. Featuring music from Sidestory Cover Band. This event also features contests, games, music, entertainers, giveaways and more. The FREE Ball Drop will take place on Friday May 23rd at 5PM with over 5,000 beach balls dropped over the boardwalk. Atlantic City, NJ.

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Fri-Mon, May 23-26, 2025. 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. Saturday and Sunday kite flying on the beach, 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 25, 2025, 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 with song. In general, the Wildwood Crest summer concert series lasts through September. 

Visit NJ State Parks

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2025, go hiking at New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas. There are many parks to visit, ranging from Liberty State Park, High Point State Park to Voorhees State Park. Take the kids and head outdoors! nj.gov/dep/parksandforests

Read NJ Kids for more events.