An upclose view of the 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

9am-12pm

I remember the one and only time I've trekked into the city for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was a cold morning and we left really early on the train. My friend and I found a high stairway ledge to sit on along Central Park West and shivered through one of the most amazing experiences. Whether it was the giddiness of being out on my own in the city or the newness of seeing the floats SO CLOSE up, it was a thrill I know I want to bring my kids to see.

So, how do you know when to go? Where should you stand? Should you go? I've contemplated it over the last few years, but weather and the age of my kids always come into play. I'm thinking about going this year.  Have you gone? What was your experience? Leave a tip below and I will add it to the article!

BEFORE THE PARADE

• So many enjoy the balloon inflation process and spend a few hours late in the day until late in the evening watching the magic with their kids.  The floats are now being raised between 1pm and 8pm, the night before Thanksgiving, on November 27, 2019. ALL ATTENDEES MUST LEAVE BY 8 PM. The parade starts at Columbus Avenue and 79th street.  There, thousands of people witness their favorite balloons being inflated along the streets of the American Museum of Natural History.  This year there will be many balloons, including Olaf, Spongebob & Patrick,  Chase from Paw Patrol, The Grinch, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pikachu, Ronald McDonald, Trolls, Elf on a Shelf, and many MORE!  Check out the Balloon Inflation Area Map.
• Be sure to bring snacks or eat dinner before getting online so the kids aren't cranky. This is definitely a good opportunity to use an infant carrier. Strollers will be very difficult to maneuver through the lines and others in line will block the child's view, anyway. EXTRA SECURITY SO NO BACKPACKS will be allowed in the balloon area. 
• The lines tend to be easier to go through the earlier you get there. (Downside, the balloons are less full.) There are barricades and police there to control the lines since it gets quite crowded the later it gets. Walking through around 5pm, you should be able to recognize many of the balloons. If you go later around 8pm-9pm, you'll have a better chance of seeing the balloons nearly full and in shape. (Times are estimates.)
• The quickest route to the Natural History Museum is via the Subway to 81st street (B & C lines), up the 77th street exit ramp. You can also go early, enjoy a tour of the American History Museum and walk through the balloon line when it closes.

THE PARADE ROUTE

• The parade route starts around 77th Street and Central Park West. It begins heading South along Central Park West, turning East along Central Park South, before heading South on 6th Avenue. At 34th street, it turns back West towards Herald's Square in front of Macy’s.
• You can get a good view of the parade almost anywhere on the route, although you might need to walk around a bit to find a good spot. The early bird, say 6 am, does get the best worm, but you'll be standing around quite a while to hold on to it since the parade doesn't start until 9am.  (so the lower in the route you are, the later that 'start' time will be for you as the parade takes time to head down to you."
• Avoid congested areas like in front of Macy's. The public is usually blocked off from the Grandstand Area by Columbus Circle. Other areas may be closed off or limited and 34th to 38th street is usually quite congested. First-timers can get a good spot between 61st and 77th on Central Park West.\

PARADE HIGHLIGHTS

• Check out the official site for the numerous parade floats, balloonicles, performers, marching bands, clowns, novelty balloons, and performance groups. They can all be seen on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade website.

Hotels along the Parade Route:

HOTELS ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE

• There are a number of hotels along the parade route. Be sure to make a reservation saying PARADE VIEW so you aren't disappointed!
  • Trump International Hotel & Tower, 1 Central Park West at 60th street, 212/299-1000
  • Mandarin Oriental NY, 80 Columbus Circle, 60th street, 212/805-8800
  • New York Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, 54th street, 212/261-5920
  • JW Marriott Essex House NY, 160 Central Park South, between 6th & 7th avenues, 212-247-0300
  • Ritz Carlton NY, 50 Central Park South, between 5th & 6th avenues, 212/308-9100
  • The Quin, 101 West 35th Street, 6th Avenue, 212/245-7846
  • Courtyard Manhattan NY at Herald Square, 71 West 35th street, 212/239-4569
  • Residence Inn Manhattan NY in Times Square, 1033 Avenue of the Americas, between 38th & 39th streets, 212/768-0007

KEYS TO SUCCESS

• Don't bring too much! A few snacks and something to drink should be plenty.
• Dress Warmly! Dress in layers and definitely bring extra gloves and hats in case some get lost or wet. You certainly don't want to pay 15 dollars for a hat you forgot or left on the train.
• Prepare the kids for the cold and a possible long wait time before the parade. It might not be ideal, but you know your kids best and some may not want to go. We've all had that family vacation moment where we bit off more than we could chew.
• Be sure to discuss safety with the kids, leave them with essential phone numbers in their pocket should they get separated from you, and point out police officers as you walk down the street so they know who is safe to go to the minute they realize they can't see you. Consider a Safety Tattoo.

CHANGE YOUR MIND?

• Does all that seem like a lot? Maybe the baby's too little this year or the weather doesn't cooperate? Hang around in your pajamas and snuggle on the couch with your kids insteadon NBC. 

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