See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids

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 26, 2025, 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.

Caribe Royale Orlando:The Perfect Luxury Resort Near Disney World for Families

Caribe Royale Orlando has a fantastic main pool with a slide and waterfalls.

Does your family want to visit Disney World without having all Disney, all the time? I've got the perfect resort for you—Caribe Royale Orlando! This tropical-themed, AAA Four Diamond resort only 1.5 miles from Disney World is a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, meaning it meets high standards set by Disney for quality and service. But it's also packed with activities and amenities that will help your family unplug from all the Disney craziness once you're back from the parks.

I visited Caribe Royale Orlando with my 10-year-old daughter, and we had an absolute blast. The resort is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Younger kids can enjoy the wading pool and splash zone, the playground, and family-friendly movies under the stars. Tweens and teens will love the sport court, the fishing pier, and the sports simulators. There's also a main pool with a water slide, an arcade, a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more. Even dogs and cats are welcome and given the royal treatment!

Read on to learn more about my visit to Caribe Royale and why it's the perfect place to stay when visiting Orlando. Then check out our list of the 100 best things to do in Orlando with kids (other than theme parks).

Where to Take Santa Pictures on Long Island in 2025

Mr. and Mrs. Claus have a great photo-op with a little red truck at Santa's Christmas Tree Farm in Cutchogue. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Are you ready for photos with Santa this holiday season? Check out our roundup with the best spots on Long Island for kids to meet and pose for a picture with Santa.

Santa has the jolly ability to be in lots of different places at the same time, so we've compiled a list of 15 top Long Island venues where old St. Nick is holding court this holiday season. From outdoor winter wonderlands to indoor merry experiences, we have you covered. It's time to get out your most festive family Christmas outfits and plan a date for the kids to share their wish list and snap a few photos with Santa on Long Island.

For more seasonal adventures, check out our top Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island and our Holiday Fun Guide for all the can't-miss seasonal happenings. 

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