Believe it or not, a great family-friendly option is Coney Island’s Circus Sideshow. Running continually on Saturdays and Sundays from 1p.m. -8p.m. Adults tickets are $10, $5 for children under 12, and ticket sales end at 7 p.m.

The spectacle is great, traditional circus fun for all ages. By The Seashore theatre (1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn), the permanent home of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, is the last place in the U.S. where you can experience the thrill of a ten-in-one circus sideshow--human wonders, curiosities and all.

Image courtesy of: World Science Festival.

The brilliantly organized World Science Festival brings oodles of science and art activities for a fifth time this weekend. Over 50 live events and performances, talks and forums will take place around New York City, many perfectly suited for your experimental, curious and intelligent youngsters.

On Saturday, June 2, dozens of renowned members of the science community will host indoor and outdoor adventures such as “Science-on-Site: Exploration in Brooklyn Bridge Park” and “From the City to the Stars,” where participants can enjoy some awesome East River stargazing.  You better get tickets early for the popular “Cool Jobs” event where kids are introduced to scientists with incredible and—at times—bizarre jobs.

On Sunday, the phenomenal weekend concludes with “The Ultimate Science Street Fair” a free science-extravaganza in Washington Square Park.

Elsewhere Saturday, the Brooklyn Historical Society and Brooklyn Heights Association will host a self-guided neighborhood walking tour, “Hiding in Plain Sight: A Walk Down Pierrepont Street,” in Brooklyn Heights at 3p.m. Engage the history buffs in your family with this interesting investigation of Brooklyn Heights’ architectural styles and characteristics ranging from gargoyles and griffins, floral and fruit, brownstones and townhouses. The experience is based on BHA board member Claire Mirarchi’s book Enjoying Brooklyn Heights. The tour lasts about an hour and tickets are $8 ($5 for BHS members). BHS's Brooklyn Walks and Talks program series will continue through June and includes weekend Brooklyn Navy Yard tours.

The Intrepid for Fleet Week

Our military’s finest (or rowdiest) invade New York’s shores for Fleet Week (May 23-28). It’s not just about bars and people watching, there is fun for the family too! Climb aboard Intrepid’s Pier 86 for special performances, tall ship tours, movies and even the infamous military Tug of War. Expect added merriment this year since it’s the Intrepid’s 30th Anniversary.

Governor’s Island Park

Escape the crowds in The Hamptons with an easy day trip to Governor’s Island Park, which opens for the summer this Memorial Weekend. To kick off the season the park will feature sing-along performances, food and a special Family Fun Festival. Explore the storied, quaint plot of land that has gone from Lenape, Cacapeteyno and Pewihas Tribes to the Dutch to the Brits to the U.S. Army and now, during the warm months, New Yorkers! Take the ferry from Brooklyn Heights or Battery Park from 10AM – 7 PM to check out various arts, cultural and recreational programs, biking, a picnic or long walk. Governors Island is closed on Fridays however.

Prospect Park

Why not settle in lush Prospect Park for Memorial Day? Their antique carousel (now 100 years old) is finally open and ready for thrills at only $2 a ride. For Monday, May 28 the Audubon Center will be free for admission. Ride your bike to the main green for a family feast or if your kid has a focused historical attention span, meander the 19^th century Lefferts Historic House on a tour. We’ll be in Fort Greene Park or at Prospect Park’s Tennis Center warming up for Roland Garros!