Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

The 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place this Thursday! Photo by Jennifer Morton via Flickr. — The 90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place this Thursday! Photo by Jennifer Morton via Flickr.

Hooray for Turkey Day! Of course we have several Thanksgiving-themed events on our radar this week, but also two additional non-holiday events your family will love. Larger than life balloons, the most famous parade in the world (check out our parade viewing tips here), a sweet Thanksgiving workshop, the most magical holiday ballet ever created, and even something for Mr. Rogers’ fans — these are a few of our favorite things compiled especially for you and your family to enjoy this week. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation
Between 77th & 81st Streets (from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue)
3-10pm
Swamped on Turkey Day but still want to see the Macy’s balloons in person? Gather near the American Museum of Natural History, and watch the parade balloons being inflated on Wednesday afternoon. A few words of advice: The balloons usually take shape around 4:30pm, so be sure to arrive early to guarantee a prime viewing spot. Also, as with any event that brings large crowds, be sure to keep a close eye on the kiddies! This event is free.

Thursday, November 24

90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Parade begins: Central Park West & 77th Street; Parade ends: Macy’s Herald Square
9am-12pm
Make sure to see this world-famous parade! The spectacle begins on Central Park West and 77th street, and heads south along the park before swinging East at Columbus Circle until Sixth Avenue, before it resuming its route south until it reaches the final destination–the Macy’s on 34th street. Bundle up and get there early if you want to get seats, especially in the early sections of the parade. Of course, there will be all the floats you love, including the iconic Snoopy float and the new “Trolls” and Charlie Brown balloons. This year’s performers include Tony Bennett, Daya, Sarah McLachlan, and Johnnyswim. This event is free.

Beginning Friday, November 25

George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”
Lincoln Center
Various times
Families with children of all ages should be sure to see the New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and Rouben Ter-Arutunian’s sets imbue E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story with holiday enchantment. Featuring a cast of more than 200 dancers, the classic tale of Clara’s journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy will feature a spectacular growing Christmas tree, toy soldiers, snow, and much more. Runs through Saturday, December 31. Tickets start at $79.

Friday, November 25-Sunday, November 27

Thanksgiving Family Workshop: Sweets on Screen & “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” Screening
Museum of the Moving Image
Workshop: 11:30am-3:30pm; Screening: 12:30pm
Stop by the Museum of the Moving Image to participate in some candy-themed crafts like candy animation, design your own candy factory film set, and more. Then, sit down and enjoy a screening of the classic 1971 version of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” starring the late, great Gene Wilder. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Free with museum admission.

Saturday, November 26

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!”
Kings Theatre
2:30pm & 6pm
Is your child a fan of the hit PBS series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?” Now you can see the show live as Daniel invites audiences on an interactive musical adventure to explore the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Based on the classic “Mister Rogers” characters, this action-filled production will delight ages 3 and up. Tickets start at $23.75.

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide. This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.

Dance Workshop - Long Island

Nestled in the heart of Lynbrook Village, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with the Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!

This Is Cooperstown

Nicknamed America's hometown, Cooperstown has small-town charm and world-class attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame &amp; Museum, a must-see for fans of the game and the ultimate homage to America's Pastime. Discover fine, folk, and Native American art at Fenimore Art Museum, acclaimed and varied performances at the Glimmerglass Festival, craft beer at Brewery Ommegang and Red Shed Brewery, fresh cider from the Fly Creek Cider Mill, great restaurants, four-season events, and outdoor fun.