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What is Fleet Week?

Fleet Week NYC is a week-long celebration of maritime service members and brings approximately 2,300 sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen to our shores for a week of ship tours, military demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. In 2025, Fleet Week celebrations coincide with the 250th anniversary celebrations of many armed forces branches, including the US Army, US Navy, and US Marine Corps.

Best Fleet Week NYC 2025 Activities for Families

The Intrepid Museum acts as a home base for many Fleet Week activities, including the return of its popular annual summer movie nights series on Friday, May 23, when it offers a FREE screening of Top Gun.

If that's too late for your crew, consider visiting during the daytime for tons of FREE entertainment on the pier outside the museum, where fun-filled activities abound from Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26. Take in demonstrations at the US Coast Guard Dive Training Tank, climb aboard an Air Force flight simulator, or try on tactical gear and pose for a "Selfie with a Soldier" courtesy of the US Army.

NYC Ghostbusters, The Planetarium Guy, Disney on Broadway, and other kid-centric entertainers provide fun diversions, and kids can lend support to troops by joining the USO to write a message of gratitude to active duty service members.

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Visitors wait in line for a tour of the USS Wasp during Fleet Week festivities in 2023. Photo by the author

Ships Visiting Fleet Week NYC 2025

Of course, what would Fleet Week be without the fleet? Several ships are set to sail into New York Harbor, docking in NYC's waters and offering FREE tours so visitors can get an up-close view of military vessels from the United States fleet. A Royal Canadian Navy ship also joins the celebration. Here's when and where you can tour each ship:

• Manhattan's Pier 88 South: San Antonio-class amphibious transport doc USS New York, tours Friday, May 23-Saturday, May 24, from 9am-4pm
• Manhattan's Pier 90 North: Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun, tours Friday, May 23-Saturday, May 24, from 9am-4pm
• Manhattan's Pier 90 North: Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS Frédérick Rolette, no tours available
• Manhattan's Pier 86 (near the Intrepid Museum): US Naval Academy Yard Patrol Boats, tours Thursday, May 22-Friday, May 23, from 10am-4pm
• Staten Island's Homeport Pier, Bay-class cutter USCG Sturgeon Bay, tours Thursday, May 22-Monday, May 26, from 9am-4pm
• Staten Island's Homeport Pier, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill, tours Thursday, May 22-Monday, May 26, from 9am-4pm

A note about ship tours: Go early in the day! Lines can get long and may close early to ensure everyone waiting gets a chance to tour. Pack plenty of patience, snacks, and comfortable shoes. Adults must present a valid ID at security, which includes bag checks and walking through a metal detector. We did enjoy a rocking live band and museum-style information displays while we weaved our way through the queue. Strollers must be left on the pier, so plan to bring a carrier if you've got little ones in tow. Given the wait times, we'd recommend waiting until your kids are at least 5 before attempting to visit the ships.

Intrepid Museum's Memorial Day Ceremony

A poignant highlight of the Fleet Week festivities is always the Intrepid Museum's Memorial Day Ceremony. Held Monday, May 26, at 10am, visitors can join civic and military leaders for a wreath-laying ceremony on Pier 86, followed by a flyover from US Navy jets. It's a touching tribute to service members who have given their lives to protect our freedom.

Originally published in 2024.