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.

Yuletide Factory

Fill your hearts with circus cheer&mdash;the merry daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (Zephyr, 2023) are back with an industrial-strength spectacular for you and your kin. Sparkling with holiday spirit, the ever energetic ensemble of acrobats transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly Yuletide Factory! From the wonder of the German wheel to festive flips from the trampoline wall, they dash and dance through a pageant of powerhouse stunts with grins and goodwill. It&rsquo;s high-flying fun, comfort and joy for the whole family!

Dance Workshop - NY

Nestled in the heart of the UES, 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 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!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"