See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0

Thanksgiving in New York City wouldn’t be what it is without the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you're eager to take your kids to glimpse those giant balloons and don’t want to rise before dawn, visit the area near the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to watch the giants come to life during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation.

While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is far from crowd-free, it’s an only-in-New York event all its own—and one of our must-do holiday events for families. Read on for tips on when to go and where to eat. In need of more holiday inspiration? Visit our NYC Kids Thanksgiving Fun Guide.

How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!

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Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

With the holidays right around the corner, many nonprofits are gearing up to ensure that the 2024 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. 

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.

Awesome Field Trip Destinations in NYC for Kids

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Field trips at Cricket's Candy Creations let kids of all ages craft edible masterpieces. Photo by Jody Mercier

The incredible number of cultural institutions in NYC makes for some awesome field trip destinations for local schools. While raising kids in NYC isn't always easy, one huge perk is the wide-ranging choice of kid-friendly museums, incredible zoos, and other cultural institutions that are just a subway ride away. With kid-friendly, educational programming, many of these local spots make excellent field trip destinations in NYC for classes, troops, home-schoolers, camps, and other groups.

While the zoos and larger museums are obvious field trip destinations in NYC, we've rounded up some lesser-known gems below. These NYC field trip destinations are a bit more off-the-beaten-path. From historic houses to on-the-water classrooms and soaring cathedrals, we've got you covered for your next NYC field trip. Read on for the 12 of the coolest field trip destinations in NYC, and happy exploring!

Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do

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The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3

Whether you live in the Chicago area or are here for a visit with your family, there are a few things that should always be on your to-do list. The one I strongly suggest? The Garfield Park Conservatory. This is one of the largest conservatories in the country with more than 10 acres of greenhouses, outdoor gardens, nature spaces, and play places. Not only could I not get enough of the wide variety of plants they showcased, but the kids had an absolute blast. Best of all, it is easy to get to and FREE! Read on for details on what you will see and what to expect when visiting with kids.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families

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The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0

What could be more enjoyable than ice skating on a beautiful winter's day? In 2024, families will have plenty of ice skating options in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from ice skating rinks that are part of special holiday events to outdoor ice skating rinks that stay open all winter long.

Weather permitting, outdoor ice skating rinks generally open in mid to late November and close in February or March. Many of them also host special skating events, so check the websites for more information. Otherwise, lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating at one of these great rinks near DC.

For more fun things to do this winter—from the best museums for kids in the DC area to the best places to go snow tubing near DC—check out out Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Atlanta

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Skate among the stars on The Roof at Ponce City Market! Photo courtesy of Slater Hospitality PCM

Ice skating near Atlanta is the quintessential winter activity, whether you're ready for the Olympic trials or can barely stand upright. Though it may take a few turns around the ice skating rink to get your "ice legs," families enjoy spending time together spinning, skating, and realistically, falling down, together. These seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks pop up from November through early 2025. Families can find lots of ice skating in Atlanta, most of which include music and hot chocolate. We've rounded up the best ones and even included one that requires no skates at all (sock skating at Fernbank)! 

Take a look at our favorite ice skating spots to nail that triple toe loop or cling to rink walls! Want more ideas this holiday season? Check out the Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for great winter events. If you need more ideas of things to do in Atlanta, visit our Atlanta events calendar.