So I've never gone to the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade before but I'm considering taking my 10 and 7 yr old this year. Has anyone attended it who can give me some tips on where to stand, when to get there, etc.?
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I would also love insights. We got hotel rooms at the Marriott right on the parade route where we are hoping to watch from.
How about inflating the balloons the night before?
So I've never gone to the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade before but I'm considering taking my 10 and 7 yr old this year. Has anyone attended it who can give me some tips on where to stand, when to get there, etc.?
I would also love insights. We got hotel rooms at the Marriott right on the parade route where we are hoping to watch from.
How about inflating the balloons the night before?
^All of this. My daughters are now 13, 15 and 17 did the parade when they were around the same ages as yours. We took them in to see the balloons being blown up, was a real treat for them. Ex got misinformation that we could watch the performers rehearse in front of Macy's at midnight. So we just went to the top of the ESB since there was no line. Dressing warmly is the key as it will be cooler in the shade of the city. I did see more than one person bring a 6 foot aluminum ladder so their kids could see. We actually sat atop an old telephone "booth". They are used as wifi hotspots now so I don't know what luck you'll have with that. Have fun.
- Expect lots of crowds. There are limited places where you can cross from one side of the street to the other before the parade, but not during the parade. Once you pick a viewing location, expect to stay there for the duration of the parade.
- If it is warm, expect even more crowds.
- If it is cold, dress warmly. Otherwise your kids will be miserable by the time they see Santa at the end of the parade.
- Your little kids may not be able to see. If you put them on your shoulders, expect complaints from people standing behind you. Your best bet may be to hold them on your hip, so their head is level with your head.
- There are basically 2 common options to view the parade: Near Central Park, or Near Mid-Town
- The advantage of watching the parade near Central Park are that it starts and ends earlier (which may be a disadvantage if you don't want to get their earlier). Also, if you are on the park-side of the street, you won't have buildings blocking your views of the parade coming down the street.
- The advantage of watching the parade in mid-town is you are closer to the train and bus station (which is key if you have kids in tow and are taking the train or bus into NY). Also, you are more likely to have restaurants where you can grab a cup of coffee near where you are standing.
- Try to avoid standing in cross-streets to see the parade, if you have a choice. It makes it hard to look down the street. If you are on a cross street, you are better off on the south side of the street, so you have an angle to see the parade come from the north.
- You probably want to get there at least an hour before the parade passes your viewing location. If you really want to be near the curb, you want to get there 2-3 hours in advance.
- With a 10 & 7 year old, make sure you have a plan, just in case you get separated from your kids. That said, don't get separated from your kids.
not sure if your comment is directed at the parade or the balloon inflation. I've never done the balloon inflation. I've done the parade about a dozen times. It is really a lot of fun.Sounds like a completely miserable experience only to be outdone by New Years Eve in Times Square.
always thought about going to this one...easy option from Western NJ...Agree with watching up near Central Park.
It's a great parade, don't listen to those that are miserable.
Depending on where you live Philadelphia has a great parade too and a lot easier to get there, park, watch and get out of town. NYC is superior but the trade offs make Philly an viable option.
I recommend the Wednesday night inflating thing. It is crowded but when we went the police had it very well organized. The crowds do lessen toward the end however I understand that they are shortening the viewing hours this year so that the program ends at 8 pm.I would also love insights. We got hotel rooms at the Marriott right on the parade route where we are hoping to watch from.
How about inflating the balloons the night before?
That, I have been to.. try this page for infoHow about inflating the balloons the night before?
You made my day. I laughed so hard when I saw this one.New Balloon this year ! :
Sounds like a completely miserable experience only to be outdone by New Years Eve in Times Square.
Haters gotta hate. Been to NYC about 8 times. Philly over 20. Neither fail to thoroughly entertain. I' m guessing you and skoolie never went.This. Typical NYC overrated BS.
You must be a joy to hang out with.This. Typical NYC overrated BS.
Haters gotta hate. Been to NYC about 8 times. Philly over 20. Neither fail to thoroughly entertain. I' m guessing you and skoolie never went.
You must be a joy to hang out with.
For many on here we would never think to stay home and watch the game at home on TV. It's an event to go, just another game on TV. This is no different. It's nothing on TV, spectacular to see live.
A football game on tv gives you a different perspective than watching it live, since you get camera zooms, replays, and analysis.Well some people enjoy games more on TV than live. Like me.
Different strokes.
I took my kids once. Now it's their turn to take theirs.So I've never gone to the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade before but I'm considering taking my 10 and 7 yr old this year. Has anyone attended it who can give me some tips on where to stand, when to get there, etc.?
The inflation thing is cool.
Did that many years ago.
Glad it worked out.Just got back to the hotel! Good time. Big crowds but the kept people moving. Did dress warm enough for when the sun set
And hopefully with the age of your kids, a lifetime of memories.Ok, we got back as well. Really really long lines. Think Newark Airport security queues at the holidays. Everyone was patient in the crowd. Lots of police, good crowd control. One block of balloons on 78th street and on block of balloons on 80th street. Pretty cool thing to do once.
Do you also like firework shows on TV. For me they're much more exciting being there. It's an experience. Same with football games, they're simply much more exciting sitting in the stands and feeling the crowd roar. I can't imagine the 2006 Louisville game was better on TV than me being there in person. Hell even the 2012 game against them was pretty friggin exciting and got the stadium rocking. You just watched those games, while I experienced them.Well some people enjoy games more on TV than live. Like me.
Different strokes.