Experience a kaleidoscope of photo-ops, plus acrobatic shows, tasty food, craft cocktails, live music, and more at the captivating light festival, Lektrik, at the Queens Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of Fever

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do

The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival

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During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel

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Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

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GUIDE

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The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

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Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam

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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden

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The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

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Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

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Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

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Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

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Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

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The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette

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Things To Do in NYC with Kids this Weekend: Apple Fest, Re:Play, Battle of Fort Washington

Rockefeller Center is ready to start decorating its latest Christmas tree. Photo by Janet Bloom

11/13/19 - By Drew Kristofik

Thanksgiving trots into town a bit later than usual this year—which means those other holidays, you know, the ones with all the gifts and sparkle—are relegated to the back stage area a tiny bit longer, pacing and practicing their lines. For parents, that means a short window to catch our breath and enjoy some of the non-holiday-themed family fun that abounds in NYC, from slime museums to a brand-new MoMA, from hands-on Lego art to a high-concept infinity room.

Also for your consideration, this weekend's top picks include a re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Washington, CMOM's Apple Fest, New Victory's fab Re:Play production by the geniuses also known as Mummenschanz, and a hike through the autumn leaves on Staten Island.

Of course, holiday fun is pretty easy to find, too. Try Native storytelling at Wyckoff House, Thanksgiving with the Beasts, or even a production of A Charlie Brown Christmas (some holiday fun just can't wait!)

Meanwhile, take a deep breath and start making your plans for the Thanksgiving Parade, or buy tickets for one of this year's bumper crop of NYC Nutcracker shows. There's no denying it: the holidays are almost here (hooray!). As always, consult our November GoList and our Event Calendar for a dazzling array of events and activities.