Best viewing to see Macys Parade in NYC? Have you seen it? Tell me about it.

[The Mystery Machine]

Well DH and I (with 6 & 11yo dds) have decided to drive from Missouri to NYC to see the Macys Parade for Thanksgiving. Also take in some sights of course.
I have NEVER been to NYC so for those of you that have been to the Parade can you give me some advice?
Also do you think that the Statue of Liberty will be open that weekend? Kids of course want to go there. 11yodd wants to see Ground Zero.
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[lilboo]

Well-I know this'll sound flip, but IMO, it's best on TV. Or at the apt. of a friend on the parade route.

If you don't mind some crowds and getting up EARLY, the parade route along Central Park West might be best. Some complain that the "bands don't play" there though...

I don't think going ANYWHERE near Macy's itself is advisable unless you can score tix to the viewing area, or don't mind extreme crowds and having police continually shuffle you on, kids hoisted up on shoulders three blocks down from the action where you don't hear anything but at least you can see the balloons...

You'll have fun there, regardless. It's the start of one of NYC's best seasons.
edited to add: Go to CPW and take the kids to the Mus of Nat History(81st and CPW) afterwards-opened?. Another alternative, go to the parade start route the night before and watch them blowing up balloons.

 

[gina2000]

One of the most fun things to do in conjunction with the Macy's day parade is to go to Central Park the night before and watch them inflate the balloons. It's a wonderful time and you get to see the balloons up close.

Here's a link for some information.


http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_balnite1.htm

 

[Tulirose]

We went to the parade once and saw it uptown somewhere. We planted son (who was three at the time) on a mailbox and we are tall but it was very crowded and difficult to see. Except for the balloons, the balloons were great!! Very cold too. Some bands played, some didn't. I agree, best place to watch the parade is from HOME!!!

Watching the balloons being blown up the night before is probably really neat but those people always look very cold... but happy!!! Be sure to bundle up warm but maybe you will be lucky this year and we will have warm weather.

Enjoy the trip to the city. Despite all the negatives I just wrote, your family will have wonderful memories of this time.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

Liberty and Ellis Islands will be open that weekend. come down to the Battery and catch the ferry. you can go to the island, but you can't go into the Statue these days. still, it's a nice trip over there.


there's really not much to see at Ground Zero these days, but if you're downtown anyhow (seeing the Statue for example), you can take a short walk over to Liberty and Church Streets. I think they still have the memorials ont he fence of St. Paul's -- the church faces Broadway, with its back yard on Church, across the street for Ground Zero.

 

[Mish19]

I went when I was 10 years old with my aunt (awww, I'm old!). I would say Midtown is the best area unless you know someone who lives on the parade route. Get there early, dress warmly and be prepared for crowds! Having a child with you helps alot since you will have to be near them when they get to the front of the crowd. I went the year the Garfield balloon foot deflated (sniff sniff) and I was on TV with my mouth hanging open as Woody Woodpecker floated by. No matter how warm it is the days before, it will definitely be cold!!
Like others have mentioned, if you can get to the Park to see the balloons inflating I would do that.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh Thank You for the responses!!!

Now I know I the best place to watch the parade is from home, but that is what we are trying to escape from. I have cooked dinner FOREVER (IE missing parade on Tv preparing for guests) and want to do something completely different. We just want to see the balloons and NYC.

Thanks

 

[snowwhitemom]

We are going this year as well, We have ressies at The Parmount in TS, the conc. is going to give us a step ladder for dd 6yo to stand on, from what they tell me it is on the corner where the hotel is....and it is a wonderful hotel, we have stayed there several times, never at Thanksgiving though. Have you considering flying, It normaly cost more to drive than fly due to tolls and the price to park your car at the hotel in the city, it is $45 a night at the parmount (ouch) Have a great time.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes I know about the parking but to fly 4 from MO to NYC is $1000 at least. Your hotel sounds wonderful! I am sure we will pull it all together and thanks for the tips, everyone.
I can't believe I'm gonna do this.

 

[NHAnn]

Oh, have fun MM!!

The best Thanksgiving I EVER had was 1999. Someone from my sister's company had a corporate apt right ON Central Park West, in the sixties, 3rd floor...living room with a big bay window at "float level". It was truly the experience of a lifetime. My sister and her DH, my DH and DD and me had the apt for the weekend...it was amazing ! Cozy and warm, drinking mimosas while the turkey cooked, making eye contact with celebrities and non-celebrities in the parade....I'll never forget it. We had gone up to the balloon inflating the night before, you should definitely do that!!Then Friday went shopping at FAO Schwarz and to see the tree at Rockefeller center, and up to the top of the Empire State Building .

Hope your weekend is as special for your family!!!

 

[snowwhitemom]

Wow, 1,000 to fly would change things a bit for me too. We fly from Raleigh, N.C. for a lil over $300 for a family of 3....big difference. I am so glad you started this thread, I have learned alot and now I want to see them inflate too. NHANN oh to have been you Thanksgiving 99, Nothing could be any better than that IMO.