Every Thanksgiving holiday, families gather round to watch the Macy's Day Parade marching through the streets of New York City. Full of music, floats, and your child's favorite book and movie characters, this annual event makes for a wonderful Thanksgiving morning. Plus, this fun-filled parade is a perfect opportunity to practice important skills for growing learners. From counting balloons to learning about the number of years this historical event has been held, share this special Macy's Day Parade trivia with your kids at home for a special -- and fun -- boost to your Thanksgiving morning routine.
50
The number, in millions, of viewers who tune in to watch the parade each year, which starts at 9 am EST. Add that to the more than 8,000 parade participants and 3.5 million on-site spectators and you’ve got a whole lot of eyes!
94
The number of times that the parade has gone on. It was started by Macy’s employees in 1924 and featured real animals from the Central Park Zoo, including elephants, lions, and tigers. They’ve marched every year since, which the exception of three years during World War II.
3
The number of balloons featured in 1927, the first time the infamous floaters were used. The cast of characters: Felix the Cat, a dragon, and a toy soldier. In 1929, helium was first used to fill the balloons. As a grand finale, the balloons were released at the end of the parade. But, much to the surprise of organizers and spectators, they burst in the air when they got too high!
650
The pounds of scrap rubber that were donated to the government for use in World War II when Macy’s suspended the parade for three years due to rubber and helium shortages. They actually donated all the balloons to the war effort.
8
The number of different Snoopy balloons that have flown over Manhattan throughout the years, prior to the newest Snoopy debuting this year. There have also been 4 different Mickey balloons.
80
The tallest balloon height, in feet, that the Macy's Day Parade had introduced. An 80-foot Superman made his first appearance in the 1980 parade and has since set the record for tallets balloon. Interestingly enough, this massive balloon can also fold up small enough to be trucked through the Lincoln Tunnel the night before!