Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and while the holiday is usually filled with over-the-top spreads and indulgent dinners, we know many local families are struggling and could use the help of one of these local organizations offering a free turkey in NYC. Inflation, job loss, mounting debt, and worse, have left many New Yorkers facing food insecurity. With that in mind, we've rounded up 13 local organizations that are stepping up to make sure all who need help filling their tables or getting a hot meal this Thanksgiving can. From free turkey giveaways to take-out options and low-cost holiday meals, here's where to get help this holiday season.

If you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, consider donating to one of these exceptional organizations to help others across the city, and put the "thanks" in Thanksgiving by lending a hand at one of these local Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities. You can find more ways to spend the day in our New York City Thanksgiving Guide.

With the holidays right around the corner, many nonprofits are gearing up to ensure that the 2023 holiday season is joyful for all families. If you need a little extra help this season, here is a list of organizations that are distributing free toys to kids in need. Note that deadlines are fast approaching, so be sure to reach out early if you need a little help this year.

If you aren't struggling and want your family to start a tradition of giving back, reach out to one of these groups to see how you can donate free toys or offer other assistance. Not sure what gifts to donate? Our Gift Guide has recommendations for kids of all ages at all price points for toys and gifts that kids adore.

For more ways to save money this holiday season, try giving homemade gifts that kids can make themselves, like bookmarks made from recycled holiday cards or salt dough handprint ornaments. Our Christmas Activities and Hanukkah Guide also includes lots of free ways to have fun with your family this holiday season.

When it comes to Long Island parks and playgrounds, the landscape is ever-changing. A handful of local Long Island parks have recently opened or undergone renovations making them worthy of visiting or re-visiting. Families can do much more than just play at these Long Island parks, too! There are animals to meet, paths to traverse, picnicking spots to enjoy, and more perks at these new and newly renovated Long Island parks. From upgrades to overhauls, we've dug up the details on these latest outdoor play spaces Long Island families will love.

For all our favorite playgrounds and parks on Long Island, be sure to check out our Guide to Long Island Parks and Playgrounds, which includes our picks for everything from the best playgrounds for Long Island kids to our top Long Island parks for a leaf-peeping hike this fall and more.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida is a dream come true for young fans and their families, offering a chance to step into the world of Peppa and her pals. With its gentle rides, interactive experiences, and the opportunity to meet the characters, Peppa Pig Theme Park is a must Orlando attraction for families with little ones. And to top it off, it is located just a short walk away from Legoland Florida Resort!

Central Florida is known for its world-class theme parks, from the magic of Walt Disney World to the thrilling rides of Universal Orlando. And now, young kids and their parents are guaranteed oinks and giggles at Peppa Pig Theme Park.

Water park lovers, rejoice! A new Kalahari Resort with a massive indoor water park is coming to Northern Virginia in 2026. The resort is set to open in Woodford, Virginia in Spotsylvania County, about an hour's drive from Washington, DC. It joins Kalahari's four other locations in the Poconos; Wisconsin Dells; Round Rock, Texas; and Sandusky, Ohio.

Find out everything we know about the new Kalahari Resort and water park below. Then check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels and our Washington, DC Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide to find more great places to stay and make a splash with kids.

UNLIMITED ICE CREAM. For us, and I'm assuming for most families, that's the biggest attraction at the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago. Here, you can eat your way through an imaginative world of sweetness, along with one weird savory treat, and take plenty of selfies along the way. So purchase a ticket to the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago, and arrive with an empty stomach.

Not feeling ice cream today? Check out our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Chicago.

Looking for the best places to trick-or-treat near Philly? We've got you covered with all the best neighborhood haunts.

Whether you're looking for spooky decor, full-size candy bars, or an epic Halloween block party, we've found the best Philly neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. Local parents, caregivers, and candy-givers have weighed in to help us roundup Philly's best neighborhood haunts, so get moving on those costumes and get ready to pound the pavement.

School night or not, Philly is here for the sugar rush on the big day, but if you're looking for more Halloween fun check out our round-up of Top Halloween Events in Philly, or if you want to save some cash, don't miss our Top Free Halloween Events.  Visit our Guide to Halloween in Philly to fill your calendar with tricks and treats. 

Do you love the holidays? A stay in a top Christmas town or a trip to a nearby Santa's Village that goes all out for December 25 can be a great way to share that festive spirit with the whole family. Some of the most spectacular Christmas towns are right here in the US. These local spots celebrate Christmas with mega holiday lights displays, Christmas markets, special performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa Claus. Each of these unique locations gives us plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in style!

Read on to find an dazzling Christmas town or Santa's Village near you so your family can get into the holiday spirit in a big way, from Koziar's Christmas Village in Pennsylvania to Riverside, California. Find even more holiday (and winter) vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide.