Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Central Park West to Herald Square, New York, USA
The 100th parade is a once in a lifetime milestone with giant balloons and zero ticket cost.
How the Dad Score breaks down
Scored July 2026- Together time20/20
- A five-storey balloon overhead and her face when it passes: the shared morning of the year.
- Low faff16/20
- The 100th edition means claiming kerb before dawn; bundle up and commit.
- Value20/20
- The most famous parade in America, free from the pavement.
- Age span20/20
- Giant balloons are universal; so is Santa’s arrival.
- Weatherproof17/20
- It marches rain or shine; only serious wind grounds the balloons.
Editorial, never paid. How the Dad Score works
America's most famous parade marches 2.5 miles from the Upper West Side down to Macy's at Herald Square on Thanksgiving morning. Giant character balloons, marching bands, floats and the arrival of Santa fill the route. 2026 marks the landmark 100th edition.
Why it works for a dad and child
Bundle up, claim a kerbside spot early and watch a child's face when a five storey balloon floats overhead. It is a shared morning of pure wonder that costs nothing to attend.
When is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade runs 26 Nov 2026 in New York, USA.
Is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade worth it with kids?
girl.dad gives Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a Dad Score of 93/100. The 100th parade is a once in a lifetime milestone with giant balloons and zero ticket cost.
What should we plan for at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
It is a festival event at Central Park West to Herald Square in New York. Best age on the listing is All ages, and entry is free.