NYC's Best Thanksgiving Activities For Kids And Families
Whether you want to work up an appetite for turkey, or burn off Aunt Dora's sweet potato marshmallow pie, we've got a list of Thanksgiving Day activities that are fun for the whole family. By Jessica Allen.
Attend The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Route begins at 77th Street and Central Park West, and continues to 34th Street at Seventh Avenue
New York, NY
More: Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Guide
Anyone with a television can spend the morning with Pikachu, the Kilgore Rangerettes, the Great American Marching Band, and the various other scheduled performers and balloons, but only those of us lucky enough to be in New York can see the action live on Thanksgiving morning. For a unique perspective on the beloved parade, attend the balloon inflation on the Upper West Side on Wednesday, from 3 to 10 pm.
Check Out The Views From The Empire State Building
350 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10118
More: Best Fall Activities For Kids
We've all heard the statistics: New York City has some 8.5 million residents, with another 58 million visitors, spread over 305 or so square miles. But, in order to appreciate the city's true scale, sometimes it pays to get up high—very high. The Empire State Building's 86th floor features New York's tallest open-air observatory (bundle up: it's chilly up here even in the summer.) For a true treat for older kids, take one of the last elevators of the evening (the elevator stops at 1:15 am), and take in the late-night sights in the city that never sleeps.
Give Back With God's Love We Deliver
166 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10013
(212) 294-8158
Thanksgiving To-Go: Best Delivery Services
Founded in 1985, God's Love We Deliver has since prepared and served some 15 million nutritious, individually-tailored meals -- free of charge -- every weekday to clients in the five boroughs and the surrounding metropolitan area. Join this worthy nonsectarian organization (or another organization of your choice) on Thanksgiving morning to make and deliver food to those coping with life-threatening diseases, as well as their children and caregivers Note: advance sign-up is required.
Go To The Movies at Film Forum
209 West Houston Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 727-8110
More: Best Thanksgiving Eve Bar Specials
Going to a movie on Christmas is a time-honored tradition for some folks, but increasingly more and more families are heading out to a film after Turkey Day dinner. Film Forum has lots of kid-friendly fare, starting with a 12:30 screening of "The Adventures of Tintin," followed by "Hugo." Each is being shown in 3-D -- with no extra charge. Skip the popcorn in favor of noshing on leftovers when you get home!
Kick Along With The Rockettes
Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(866) 858 0007
More: Can't Miss Holiday Shows In NYC
Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular is a show that never gets old. Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, so why not get a start on your countdown to Christmas by seeing the talented dancers do their stuff on stage—without missing a beat. There are three shows scheduled for Thanksgiving: one at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Visit The Animals At The Central Park Zoo
64th Street and Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10065
(718) 220-5100
More: NYC Zoo And Aquarium Guide
The Central Park Zoo is open on Thanksgiving, so consider capping a stroll among the foliage or run-around time on the playground with a visit to the brown bears, snow leopards, sea lions, and every other creature who calls the space home. The Children's Zoo boasts "the only cow in Manhattan," as well as goats, potbellied pigs, and sheep. Although the Bronx Zoo is closed, the New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo are also open on November 24 this year.
