Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's all about family, food, and spending time together. And while there's usually a million things to do before dinner is ready, I love finding little ways to make Thanksgiving morning special for my girls.
One of our favorite traditions is watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade together!
Here in Philadelphia, we watch the annual 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've watched it from home over the years, and I'm actually thinking about taking the girls to see it in person this year.
But last Thanksgiving, we decided to bring a little of the parade magic right into our home, and it was SO much fun!
Last year, I decided to turn our dining room into our very own Thanksgiving parade experience.
My husband and youngest daughter painted a backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the iconic landmarks along the parade route. It's still hanging on our wall almost a year later!
I added balloons to mimic the big parade floats which made our dining room feel like our own little parade.
I also printed a Thanksgiving parade scavenger hunt from Etsy and found a fun Thanksgiving-themed crossword puzzle for the girls to complete while we watched.
Of course, we had to have Dunkin'! We ordered donuts and coffee for delivery, got cozy, and enjoyed the parade while I started preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
It was one of those mornings that reminded me how much fun we can have right at home. And, I didn't have to do too much!
If you're looking for ways to make Thanksgiving morning a little more special this year, here are a few ideas to try with your kids!
1. Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade Together
Whether you're watching the 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade here in Philly or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, make it a family event! Grab some blankets, make breakfast, and enjoy the performances and floats together.
2. Create Your Own Parade at Home
Decorate your living room or dining room with balloons, streamers, and homemade signs. Let the kids design their own parade floats or create a backdrop inspired by your favorite local landmark.
3. Have a Thanksgiving Morning Breakfast Tradition
It doesn't have to be anything elaborate! Donuts, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, or your family's favorite breakfast can make the morning feel special.
4. Play Thanksgiving Games While You Watch
Print out a parade scavenger hunt, Thanksgiving crossword puzzle, or coloring pages to keep the kids entertained. This is especially fun if you're busy preparing dinner but still want everyone spending time together.
5. Let the Kids Help With Thanksgiving Dinner
Depending on their ages, the kids can help set the table, mix ingredients, decorate place cards, or prepare a simple side dish. It's a fun way to include them in the holiday preparations and pass down family traditions. My youngest daughter loves to shred the cheese for the baked macaroni! My oldest has perfected their apple pie!
Want to make your Thanksgiving morning a little more fun?
I've created some printable Thanksgiving activities you can enjoy with your kids while watching the parade or waiting for dinner.
Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle – A fun holiday-themed word activity.
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages – Perfect for keeping little hands busy.
Thanksgiving Parade Scavenger Hunt – See how many parade favorites your family can spot!
[Add links to your free Thanksgiving printables here]
Print them ahead of time, grab some crayons, and you're all set!
One thing I've learned as a mom is that making memories doesn't have to mean planning elaborate activities or spending a lot of money.
Sometimes it's something as simple as ordering donuts, watching the parade together, and turning your dining room into a mini Thanksgiving celebration.
Those are the little moments I hope my girls remember as they grow older.
And who knows? Maybe one day they'll recreate some of these traditions with their own families.
Happy Thanksgiving, mamas! 🧡
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Amber Bowie
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