Every year around Thanksgiving, we have one tradition my kids absolutely LOVE—making our own Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons!
It’s inexpensive, pajama-friendly, requires zero planning, and somehow entertains my kids for HOURS. Basically, my kind of holiday activity:)
The best part? There is absolutely NO wrong way to do it. We keep our supplies simple, but you can use whatever craft supplies you already have at home or grab everything at the dollar store.
What we use:
• 12” balloons (grab extras because kids + balloons = at least one WILL pop!)
• Construction paper
• Washable markers
• Sharpies for drawing directly on the balloons
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Low-temp hot glue gun, with adult help
• Wooden skewer sticks
First, I let the kids decide who or what they want to make their float into.
Help the kids blow up their balloons, then cut shapes from construction paper to create faces, ears, hair, hats, arms—literally anything!
This is where I love seeing how differently my kids think. Some want their balloons flat and simple, while others fold, curl, and layer the construction paper to make everything 3D. Some want a LOT of help, and others want to do it by themselves. Help them attach their pieces, including the wooden skewer on the back, with a low-temp hot glue gun.
Now the BEST part!
Pull up last year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on YouTube, turn down the volume, add some music on your phone, and let the kids “walk” their balloons through your own living room parade.
We always start with a turkey and end with Santa, just like the real Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mom and Dad get a float too, so the whole family can join in.
It’s simple, inexpensive, and a little chaotic—which is why it has become one of our favorite traditions. Just put on your pajamas, pull out the craft supplies, and make some memories together.
I’d love to see what your family creates! Tag me on Instagram @felishalynchxo so I can see your Thanksgiving Day Parade “float” balloons.