The Thanksgiving holiday break is nearly here, and while Thursday is likely filled with giant helium balloons and hearty portions of Thanksgiving dinner, you're going to need more things to do Thanksgiving weekend to keep kids and guests entertained after everyone's stuffed.

From only-in-NYC experiences to fun must-do holiday happenings and a slew of kid-friendly shows, we've rounded up 20 fun things to do Thanksgiving weekend in NYC.

Shopping for a Christmas tree in New York City can be a lovely family holiday activity. If you plan ahead, a day trip out to a nearby farm with the kids to cut your own tree might well become an evergreen tradition. But tree shopping can also be stressful and messy—especially if you leave it to the last minute. Think crowded, picked-over sidewalk tree displays, sap-covered hands, and aching lower backs from dragging trees home on the subway. Decorating the tree is fun. Putting presents under the tree is fun. Getting the tree, transporting it home, and setting it up? Not so much fun. The holidays whiz by and there won't be time for ice skating or baking if you're too tuckered out from transporting a tree that could have been delivered and set up completely hassle-free.

So whether you're a last-minute procrastinator or just prefer the ease of NYC's everything-can-be-delivered culture, a door-to-door tree delivery service might be just right. We've rounded up five local companies that will deliver that tree right to your door, even on Christmas Eve. Many are sustainable and support local farmers. Most offer add-ons like wreaths and lights, and, best of all, a promise to come back and take it to recycle when the season is over.

Thanksgiving is a time to be with friends and family and reflect on all you are thankful for. Of course, no one ever said you had to be at home to do that, so we've compiled a great list of restaurants to choose from around South Florida, all of which are featuring a Thanksgiving menu—or are simply open on Thanksgiving—and offer a warm welcome to families with kids. Whether you're visiting South Florida to warm up over the holiday weekend or live here but don't want the hassle of cooking it all yourself, the restaurants below offer more than 20 family-friendly options for Thanksgiving dinner near Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach—so you can kick back and enjoy the meal!

While New York City is magical during the holiday season, sometimes you're in the mood for a holiday day trip. If you're looking to get away and experience some holiday happenings not too far from home, we've found 15 great holiday day trips near NYC, where kids can see Santa, dazzling Christmas lights, and even a North Pole village.

From right-in-our-backyard picks to rustic Christmas fun in Mystic, Connecticut, and a theme-park pick in the Hudson Valley, here are 15 picture-perfect holiday day trips worth a drive or train trek this holiday season. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for more seasonal fun and our Day Trips Guide for more local travel destinations.

After months of masked, social-distanced toddler playdates, this mother can’t quite articulate how refreshing a multi-family, indoor gathering feels. Especially since it's suddenly oddly chilly in LA! So when I saw that Ball N’ Bounce just opened in the Encino Commons complex on Ventura Boulevard, an indoor playdate is exactly what I planned.

Stepping foot inside the play space, our whole group of kids and adults instantly perked up. The vibrant colors of the interior are joyful, and there are so many things to climb on and experience that my toddler couldn’t wait to start playing. Read on for just what to expect in this new family gem in the San Fernando Valley.

And if you’re in search of other terrific destinations for indoor playdates, check out our review of My Little Paris in San Gabriel, and all our favorite LA indoor playgrounds in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids.

Bring fun to family gatherings with our tried and tested Thanksgiving jokes for kids that will make the whole family laugh and groan this Thanksgiving. When everyone is together for the holidays, it's fun to raise a few smiles and add to the conversation with these corny, fowl howlers. We promise, there's not a turkey in the bunch!

Read on for our favorite Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Once you get through these Thanksgiving jokes, check out our top 40 jokes for kids. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more Thanksgiving fun—from Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities to everything you need to know about the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—waddle on over to our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

If you love the outdoors, you’ve probably checked out some of the state parks near Houston, like Lake Livingston or Huntsville. However there is a hidden gem within Houston itself that offers a similar experience. You won’t believe the great features of Lake Houston Wilderness Park for families:

• Free for kids aged 12 and under and only $3 for adults.
• Close by – located in the City of Houston boundary near New Caney.
• Nearly 5,000 acres of forest, 2 lakes, and a creek.
• Overnight camping in tents, shelters, or cabins.

So grab your backpack and enjoy the great outdoors for the day or the weekend. We provide ten great ideas for family activities in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, as well as details of what to know before you go, nearby attractions, and restaurant ideas.

If this article inspires you to travel further afield, you can check out some of the United States national parks. And to learn more about places to explore in the Houston area, try these 11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails.