19 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving with Kids in Rockland County

Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and extended family this year or are still keeping the holiday gathering small, there are plenty of fun Thanksgiving activities you can do with your kids. From Thanksgiving activities at venues across Rockland County to new traditions to start at home this year, there are plenty of fun ways to keep the kids entertained (especially while you’re cooking up a delicious feast!).

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New Thanksgiving Tradition Ideas

Because this is already an unusual year, it might be just the right time to stage an alternative Thanksgiving. Think outside the box to make this holiday a little different. 

Enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is back, live and in person this year! But if you don’t want to see the parade in person (and who could blame you with all the crowds?!), the beloved tradition, as always, will be broadcast nationwide on NBC. What's more, there are a few new balloons and floats making their parade debut, Broadway shows will perform, and there are plenty of music acts to keep your whole family entertained for a few hours.

Watch a movie marathon.

After watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your couch, why not continue the day with some fall family favorites? Screen the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, then watch as turkeys try to save the day (and their kin) in the animated Free Birds. Not rooting for any of the teams playing on Nov. 25, but still in the mood for football? Try Remember the Titans, Rudy, or Radio. And you can always start the holiday celebrations a little early with Elf, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, or one of the other dozens of Christmas movies for kids.

Plan your own family turkey trot.

Running (or walking or biking or scooting) your own 5K is a great way for the whole family to get some exercise. Who needs other runners? This way, you’ll all win!

Have a friendly Thanksgiving dish competition.

Do the kids love making chocolate chip cookies? Does your sister usually make a mean sweet potato pie? Invite family members to bring their favorite homemade dishes to your dinner—and then have a competition where you “judge” the best dish. Don’t forget to make something for them, too!

Invent your own tradition!

Whether it’s a new recipe, an excursion, or a new activity, do something that you’ve never done as a family. Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your family and incorporate it again next year!

Decide how you'll volunteer this season.

Now's the time of year when many people think about volunteering. So spend some time this Thanksgiving to research the various volunteer opportunities in New York and decide how your family will do a little good for the community.

Thanksgiving Activities for Kids in Rockland County

Thanksgiving Platters

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 8, 10am-2pm or 4-8pm
WHERE: Color Me Mine at Palisades Center, 3770 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack
AGE: All
WHAT: Color Me Mine will have plenty of platters available to paint for Thanksgiving! These generously sized platters are perfect for your turkey, tofurkey, ham, or whatever you eat on Thanksgiving! Explore the book of samples or show them something you found on the internet and they will help you recreate it!
WANT TO GO? $20 fee covers your table fee and any customization you may require on your platter. Pay for your platter when you come to paint. If you do not reserve a table size your reservation can not be guaranteed.

Taste of Thanksgiving

WHEN: Nov. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Museum Village, 1010 Route 17M, Monroe
AGE: All
WHAT: This Thanksgiving, Museum Village is heating up the hearth and making a traditional 19th-century tasting! Enjoy samples of food cooked over a fire while you explore the grounds and buildings.
WANT TO GO? $15; $13 seniors; $10 children ages 4-12; free for children ages 3 and younger. Advanced registration required.

Terrific Turkeys

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 21, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ
AGE: Families with children 3 and older
WHAT: Discover the real lives of wild turkeys. Learn about hens, toms, poults, caruncles, wattles, and snoods. Join a Tenafly Nature Center Environmental Educator and perform the turkey strut and learn a turkey call! Make a terrific turkey to take home.
WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. Advanced registration required. Program will be held entirely outdoors. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held under cover. Social distancing in effect. Masks required when distance cannot be maintained.

5 Mile Turkey Trot for The Marisa Fund

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 25, 8:30am
WHERE: Rockland Lake State Park, 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage
AGE: All
WHAT: The Rockland Road Runners' 5 Mile Turkey Trot for The Marisa Fund has become the largest running event in Rockland County, drawing more than 3,100 participants from the NY metro area and beyond. 2021 is the 30th Annual Run! The money raised will support the efforts of the Marisa Fund to eradicate childhood cancer. 
WANT TO GO? $40; $30 RRR members; $25 seniors ages 65 and older. Advanced registration required. Virtual option available.