5 ways to enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

October 28, 11:57 AMNY Family Friendly Events ExaminerEvelyn McCormack

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Shrek arrived at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2007.

Seeing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade up close and personal can be an unforgettable experience. But you won't enjoy it if you can't see anything or you freeze your tootsies off. So follow these five simple tips and you'll have a better chance of making this a memorable experience -- in a good way.

1. Find the best spots

Knowing where to view the parade can be a key to your success, and most parade afficionados agree that  the best sites are toward the beginning of the parade. The parade steps off at 77th Street and Central Park West, at the American Museum of Natural History. It then heads south on Central Park West to Columbus Circle, and follows the circle around to Broadway. The marchers then head south on Broadway and end the parade at 34th St and 7th Ave., at Macy's Herald Square. If you arrive early enough, grab a viewing spot anywhere along Central Park West close to where the parade begins.

2. Be an early bird

I can't stress this enough. If you get to the parade route by 7 a.m., you will be able to get a fairly good view of the parade. Take my word for it -- more than 2 million people see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, and big crowds are usually formed by 8 a.m. When my family and I set off for the parade, we try to be there between 7:30 and 8 a.m., and even at that hour, we're craning our necks. Once you find a spot, send a couple of people from your party to fetch coffee and breakfast.

3. Dress in layers

The weather in New York City on Thanksgiving can range from nearly balmy to below freezing, so dress warmly and in layers. Don't forget your gloves, hats, blankets and scarves, especially for children in your party. Wear comfortable shoes and several pairs of socks, if possible. You can always shed layers if the weather warms up.

4. Bring food, drinks and cameras

If you don't want to stand in line for breakfast, bring your own snacks and a thermos of hot cider, coffee or soup. Just remember to drink sparingly, because rest rooms are hard to find at the parade. Of course, if you're planning to eat breakfast or lunch in a restaurant, you can use their rest rooms. Don't forget your cameras -- still photos and videos are highly recommended. You'll regret it if you don't record this event.

5. Make this a teachable moment

Turn the parade into a learning experience for your kids. Visit the Macy's website and read about the parade, which kicked off for the first time in 1924. Rent or purchase the holiday film, "Miracle on 34th Street.." Read one of a number of great books about the parade, including "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" by Robert M. Grippo, available on Amazon.