Back in the late ’80s, my friends and I used to wander over to the American Museum of Natural History in the middle of the night to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving balloons blow up. It was a casual, low-key, no-line affair. Not so anymore. These days, the Balloon Inflation the night before Macy’s iconic parade is a huge official event that attracts tens of thousands of gawkers, and clogs up streets and sidewalks all around the museum from 3 to 10pm. To make the most of the experience, you can’t just casually show up, especially if you have moody kids in tow. You need to plan your strategy wisely.

I brought my daughter to the Balloon Inflation for the first time in 2012 and as you can see from our slide show, we had a great time getting up close to all of our favorites. We also learned some important things that can help make your visit easier and more fun. From the best times to go, to a secret way to skip the lines, to where to eat nearby, here’s everything you need to know about going to Macy’s Thanksgiving Balloon Inflation with kids. You can find more holiday inspiration in our Thanksgiving Fun Guide .

Balloon Inflation Basics

Macy’s Balloon Inflation takes place on Wednesday, November 26 from 3pm to 10pm around the American Museum of Natural History Visitors are herded into a procession that starts at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, and circles the museum. There are police barricades and cops in an effort to control the inevitable crowds, and the line increases as the night wears on.

Best Times to Go

Often families with young children opt to go early in an effort to beat the hordes. While it’s certainly less crowded, only a few balloons will be blown up. Around 5pm the majority of the balloons will start taking shape. and by 9pm all of them should be inflated, which makes for great photo ops. (Don’t expect to see them floating in the air though: The balloons are kept earthbound by giant nets.) If you want to see a lot of big balloons and are willing to deal with crowds, later is definitely better. So go ahead and blow that bedtime. It’s not like the kids have school on Thanksgiving, anyway.

How to Skip the Line & Other Tips

Take the subway to (hopefully) skip the line I’m hesitant to even type this for fear that once this secret gets out, this trick will no longer work. But based on a friend’s tip, we took the subway to the 81st Street-Museum of Natural History B/C station and followed the long ramp to the exit marked 77th Street. When we emerged, we were right in the middle of the viewing loop around the museum. In other words, we totally skipped the line. I can’t guarantee this will work again this year. Someone may get wise and block off that particular exit. But it’s worth a try. Also, if you’re in the Natural History Museum when the Balloon Inflation starts, you can exit right into the loop. The museum stays open until 5:45pm on Thanksgiving Eve.

Leave the stroller at home The Balloon Inflation gets so mobbed that I can’t imagine navigating a stroller through it. Even if you do manage to do it, your kid won’t be able to see anything since all the grown-ups will be blocking the view. Unless you’re willing to carry your child on your shoulders, it may be best to wait until your preschooler gets a little older and can handle crowds and standing for long periods.

Don’t try to meet your friends there You’ll never find each other. If you want to go as a group, travel to the site together or meet a few blocks away. It’s impossible to hook up once you’re in the fray.

Pay for a viewing party If you just can’t deal with crowds or waiting, the nearby New-York Historical Society has a Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Inflation Viewing Party for members at the family level or above. Maybe it’s time to invest in a membership. Cheaper option: Try to cultivate a friendship with someone who lives on 81st Street or 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

Bring snacks and water Once you leave the viewing area, you won’t be able to get back in. Doing the whole loop takes a while due to the crowds (I’d budget at least 45 minutes). So definitely bring things to eat and drink, or dine beforehand. Speaking of.

Where to Eat Near the Balloon Inflation

Let’s start with where not to eat: Any restaurant on Columbus Avenue opposite the museum, which includes Shake Shack. However, there are lots of other family friendly restaurants a few blocks north including Fred’s and Good Enough to Eat. See our post about the best places to eat near the American Natural History Museum for additional options, but be sure to call ahead to make sure the place you choose isn’t closing early the night before Thanksgiving.

Planning on going to the parade the next day? Find out everything you need to know in our Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade post .

This post was originally published in November 2013.