Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I probably have an inkling of what you’ve got going today: probably some cooking, baking, traveling, eating and maybe even watching some football. So, what happens after Thanksgiving? You’ve got three days to keep the kids — and you — entertained so I’ve compiled a list of things to do (and things you can’t do) in downtown NYC this Thanksgiving weekend. All of the activities keeps you close to home and will hopefully keep everyone busy and happy.
Things you CAN do:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony at the South Street Seaport. Friday, November 26th, 6:00pm. FREE. This is a great local option to watch a pretty big tree get lit — within walking distance from your apartment. There will be performances by the Elves of Heave, excerpts from a Christmas Carol and vocalist Darlene Love will be singing. For the kids, Santa Claus will be there parading down Front Street. Hopefully he’ll be giving out candy canes just as he did last year.
- Native American Heritage Month at the National Museum of the American Indian. One Bowling Green, Financial District. FREE. Open Thanksgiving Day and the entire holiday weekend. You’ll be able able to see the new, permanent exhibition, Infinity of Nations, a survey of some 700 works from throughout the hemisphere. Their website has an easy to follow calendar of events. Just highlight the “Kids & Families” category and you’ll see a slew of films, storytime readings and dances which are perfect for the family.
- Movies at Regal Battery Park Stadium 11. 102 North End Avenue, Battery Park City. Just in time for the 4-day family weekend, Battery Park Stadium 11 has a handful of movies that are great for the whole family: Tangled 3D, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, and Megamind 3D.
- Visit the New York City Police Museum. 100 Old Slip, Financial District. $8 for adults, $5 for children 3 and up, Free for kids 2 and under. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, but will re-open on Friday 11/26 and is open Saturday and Sunday. The museum gives visitors an insider’s look at the history and traditions of the largest police force in the country. This is a fun and interesting museum with hands-on activities.
- Brunch at Cercle Rouge. 241 West Broadway, Tribeca. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. This place is great for kids as there is a clown that does some tricks and hands out complimentary balloons while you munch on the $19.95 prix fixe brunch. There’s also a kids menu where all items are under $8.00. I went here for a baby shower once and it is a easy to get to, and is so super family friendly.
Things You Can’t Do:
- The Downtown Community Center will be closed from Wednesday, 11/24/10 6pm through Monday, 11/29/10 at 7:30pm. So sorry that there won’t be swimming or hanging out in the DCC Clubhouse this weekend!
- The New Amsterdam Market in the South Street Seaport will not have a market on Sunday, November 28th. Hopefully you got all of your farmer’s market items prior to the holiday weekend!
This time of the year tends to make everyone stressed and rushed, so don’t forget what the holiday season is for: giving thanks the people and family in our lives. So in between the cooking, baking, eating, cleaning and shopping, remember to take a deep breath and just give thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
XO
TTM