New York with kids
Thanksgiving in New York with Kids: the Parade and a 3-Day Plan
Thanksgiving in New York means one thing to most kids: giant balloons. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and this year is its 100th parade, so expect it to be extra busy. With an early start, warm layers and the right spot, it's a memory your kids will keep.
This plan covers the long weekend: the balloon inflation on Wednesday, the parade on Thursday, and two days of New York at the start of the holiday season. Times and rules can change each year, so check Macy's official parade page close to the date.
Wednesday · Balloons and lights
Arrive, settle in, and see the giant balloons come to life the afternoon before the parade.
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Afternoon
Balloon inflation (opens Google Maps)
The giant balloons are inflated on the streets around the American Museum of Natural History, between West 77th and 81st Streets. It's free, no tickets, and in recent years it has run from about noon to 6 p.m., with the entry at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue and a one-way walk past the balloons. Go early in the afternoon: lines grow after school lets out.
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Evening · Dinner
An early dinner near the hotel
Eat early and go to bed early. Parade day starts before sunrise.
Thursday · Parade day
Claim a spot early, watch the parade, then a warm Thanksgiving meal.
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Early morning · Breakfast
Breakfast to go
Grab hot drinks and something to eat on the way. Cafés near the route are packed; bring snacks and water for the wait.
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6–7 a.m.
Find your spot on Central Park West (opens Google Maps)
The parade starts on Central Park West around 77th Street and heads south. Families like the stretch between roughly West 61st and 75th Streets: the crowd is a little less dense than in Midtown. People often make room for small children at the front. Arrive early, ideally by 6 or 6:30 a.m.
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Morning
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (opens Google Maps)
Balloons, floats, marching bands and Santa at the end. In recent years the parade has stepped off at 8:30 a.m. and taken about three hours to finish. Note that the last blocks before Herald Square (34th Street) are the TV area and closed to the public.
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Afternoon · Lunch
Thanksgiving meal
Many restaurants serve a set Thanksgiving menu, and the good ones book up weeks ahead. Reserve early, or plan a cosy meal back at the hotel.
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Evening
Rest
Everyone will be tired. A quiet evening sets up the next two days.
Friday · Holiday season begins
Windows, skating and a show. Midtown is busy today, so go early or late.
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Morning
Ice skating in Bryant Park (opens Google Maps)
The rink at the Winter Village has free admission (skate rental is paid), surrounded by holiday market stalls. Mornings are calmest.
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Midday · Lunch
Lunch at the holiday market (opens Google Maps)
The Winter Village stalls sell hot food and treats; tables are in the park.
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Afternoon
Holiday windows on Fifth Avenue (opens Google Maps)
The big department stores unveil their holiday windows in late November. Walk up Fifth Avenue from the 40s to the 50s; the Rockefeller Center tree is usually standing by now but stays dark until the lighting in early December.
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Evening
The Christmas Spectacular (opens Google Maps)
The Rockettes' holiday show runs from early November to early January. It lasts about 90 minutes, which suits kids. Buy tickets from the official site.
Parade tips with kids
- Dress for standing still in the cold: hats, gloves, hand warmers, and a blanket or folding stool if you have one.
- Restrooms are the hardest part. Use one right before you claim your spot, and keep drinks small.
- Pick a meeting point in case you get separated, and put your phone number in your child's pocket.
- Not an early riser? Watching from the later part of the route, on Sixth Avenue, means a later arrival (but often more crowds).
- Can't face the crowds? The balloon inflation the day before is more relaxed and lets kids see the balloons up close.
The rest of the season
Staying into December? The tree lighting, skating and holiday lights are in our New York at Christmas with kids guide. For indoor backups on a cold, wet day, see rainy day NYC with kids.
Questions
What time should we get to the Macy's parade with kids?
Plan to be in place by 6 to 6:30 a.m. for a good spot on Central Park West. The parade has started at 8:30 a.m. in recent years and takes about three hours.
Where is the best place to watch the Macy's parade with kids?
Central Park West between roughly 61st and 75th Streets is a family favourite, with slightly thinner crowds than Midtown. The final blocks near Herald Square are a TV area closed to the public.
Can you see the parade balloons the day before?
Yes. The balloons are inflated the afternoon before Thanksgiving around the American Museum of Natural History. It's free and doesn't need tickets; check Macy's official parade page for the year's hours and entry point.