Things to do in New York on Labor Day Weekend

If you’re playing word association, the next word that comes after Labor Day is of course... parade!

Cheer on the workers and union members as they create a vibrant spectacle along Fifth Avenue, transforming Midtown Manhattan into party central. But note that the parade traditionally takes place on the first Saturday after Labor Day, so you're likely to be disappointed if you pitch up expecting the party on Monday.

That said, the long Labor Day Weekend does include at least one major street party – follow the music to the colorful West Indian Day Parade over in Brooklyn's Crown Heights on Labor Day itself.

There are plenty of sporting events happening over the Labor Day weekend, with two of the biggest right on your doorstep.

The US Open is a highlight of the tennis calendar, when racket-wielding global superstars compete in the world-class Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

New York and baseball are the perfect Labor Day combo. See what all the hype’s about by catching a Yankees or Mets home game. A baseball game can last anywhere from one to eight(!) hours, with an average of around three, so block out at least half a day when making plans.

If you’re there outside of game time, consider getting a behind-the-scenes look with a guided tour of Yankee Stadium.

Don't fret if you can’t quite make it to a live game: NYC is jam-packed with sports bars where you can watch many sports in a lively atmosphere. Check out TimeOut’s list of the best sports bars in NYC for recs.

There are so many incredible museums in New York City – anywhere between 100 and 200, depending who you ask – that it can be a little overwhelming to choose where to go. Fear not, as we’ve picked out some of the absolute essentials below. Even better, entry to all of them is included with the New York Pass.

The American Museum of Natural History Made up of 26 interconnected buildings, and housing an expansive collection of over 34 million specimens of plants, fossils,and meteorites, this is the closest you’ll ever come to a time machine. Titanosaurs, blue whales, animal dioramas, prehistoric meteorites, priceless sapphires... you'll find it all here, and then some!

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Considered one of the most influential modern art museums in the world, here's where you can eyes on iconic masterpieces by artists including Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, Monet and Picasso. Think water lilies, starry nights and soup cans, and you'll get the general idea.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Detailing the tragic events of September 11, 2001, this moving tribute ensures we never forget the lives lost, nor the resilience and indelible spirit of New York to endure, rebuild and flourish once again. Be sure to spend a moment of quiet contemplation by the huge reflecting pools that fill the footprints of the World Trade Center's former North and South towers.

Intrepid Museum. With dozens of restored aircraft, a Cold War submarine, a British Airways Concorde and a space shuttle to explore alongside the mighty USS Intrepid herself, history truly comes to life at this extraordinary floating museum in Hell's Kitchen. From high-tech simulators to the torpedo rooms, a trip to the USS Intrepid guarantees a Labor Day you won't soon forget.

Appetite for NYC culture well and truly whetted? Check out our full guide to all 20-or-so museums currently included with the New York Pass.

But perhaps you don't really want to be stuck indoors this Labor Day. Fair enough. Then how about stretching your legs and exploring some of the city's more beautiful corners?

NYC has 14 miles of beaches, but some are prettier than others. Here's our pick...

Coney Island. The most iconic of the New York beaches would probably be Coney Island in Brooklyn, with that iconic old-school amusement park providing the perfect backdrop. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of the rides or just chill on the white sands. Both are great Labor Day Weekend options.

Manhattan Beach. Also in Brooklyn, Manhattan Beach is well-suited to families. There's plenty to do (or not do) here, meaning your crew can play basketball, tennis, volleyball and handball or, y'know, just flop on the sand with a good book.

Main Beach. Head out to East Hampton for a little slice of beach heaven. Here's where to soak up the last days of summer in style, just lazing on the white sands. No fairgrounds or sports nuts here... just pure, unadulterated peace and tranquility.

Central Park. Suffice it to say that no trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the planet's most famous green space. Only the fifth-largest park in the city, yet the most visited urban park in the whole United States, Central's highlights include a picture-perfect boating lake, the much-admired Bethesda Terrace, an old-school carousel, the massive Jackie O Reservoir and the playful Shakespeare Garden. You can cover a lot of ground here on a guided bike tour, before seeking out a shaded picnic spot to while away your Labor Day.

Governor’s Island. Formerly a top-secret US Army base, Governor’s Island is now a fine pick for an NYC day trip destination. The ferry runs out to the island for free until 11AM, and you can then pick up a surrey with your New York Pass and spend the rest of the day pedaling around the various special events, and snaping Insta-perfect shots of Fort Jay and the distant New York skyline.

Speeding on the Hudson River. Cycling a little too... pedestrian for you? How about spending your Labor Day on the water, roaring up and down the Hudson River at speeds of up to 40 knots? Your thrill-a-second adventure aboard the aptly named Beast speedboat departs from Pier 83, taking in (slightly blurry) views of Rockefeller Park and The Battery before slowing down for photo ops at the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Blink and you'll miss them though, for before long those engines roar right back up to full throttle, catapulting you back to Manhattan’s shores at frankly breakneck speed.

The fireworks show is a superb end to the Labor Day weekend. But New York can get crowded, so you need to know the best spots to get a magnificent view of the pyrotechnics.

A rooftop bar near the Hudson River or Brooklyn Bridge would be our first choice. Elevated for a panoramic view, a great party atmosphere, and the added bonus that you get to continue the celebrations without moving seat. Before setting out, do a quick search for ‘labor day rooftop party’ to find the hottest locations.

Coney Island gets another mention on this list, but this time as a prime location for viewing the show. On a clear night, you’ll get breathtaking views of the fireworks over the NY skyline.