Santa rolls into town at the tail end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and starts taking gift requests at Santaland on Friday. Photo by Jody Mercier

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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

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The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens

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Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.

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Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung

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Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council

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Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.

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Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance

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Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway

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Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights

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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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Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee

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Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center

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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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Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

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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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Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

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

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

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Amsterdam Family Travel Guide

Stroll past Amsterdam's pretty canals on a family vacation to the Dutch city

1/31/20 - By Katie LS

Amsterdam has plenty to engage family tourists, with fun activities for kids of all ages. The city is replete with impressive museums for indoor amusement. Or head outside and take in the atmosphere the way the locals do, by bike, skates or canal boat. And of course, don't miss trying some fluffy Dutch pancakes. Explore our city guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, and get ready to discover a unique city.

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