DIY Thanksgiving Day Parade

Host your own Parade and make your holiday about more than grandma's excellent pie.

Go BIG!

Interested in getting to know your neighbors? Invite the whole community to a 'Bring your Own Wheels' neighborhood parade. PopUpPlay is trying this one on our block this year- so be on the lookout for photos of our giant Yoga Ball Turkey Balloon!

Get prepped:

• Make a flyer and invite the neighbors to build or to sheer on the kids.

• Set a build time ( we recommend starting the build about 1.5 hours before the parade)

• Create a playlist- big band music anyone?

• Map a route- keep it short for little legs!

Build your floats:

• Set out materials (be sure to control the sharp scissors and cardboard knives!)

• Make an example to help folks get started.

• Encourage creativity and remember HAVE FUN!

March:

• Set off on the parade route.

• Ensure that adults are available to help kids safely cross streets.  

Think MINI!

Is your house filled with little people this year? Have kids raid the recycling bin and attach boxes to whatever wheels you've got in the house. Think toy trucks, matchbox cars, remote control vehicles, or an American Girl Doll car.

Get prepped:

• Turn on a televised parade for inspiration.

• Gather toys with wheels and stuffed animals.

Build your Floats

• Set out materials (be sure to control the sharp scissors and cardboard knives!)

• Make an example to help folks get started.

• Encourage creativity and HAVE FUN!

March

• Designate a parade route and have float makers move their floats along the route.

• Have someone act as an MC of the parade to shout out details of each float.

• Have floats stop for 'performances' and photos.

• Cheer on each float.

Materials List for BOTH Mini and Big Parades

• Recycling of all kinds: Tubes, Boxes, bottles lids and more.

• Tape (Duct Tape and Masking Tape are great)

• Glue sticks

• Scissors and/or Cardboard Knives (use with adult supervision!)

• Paint Sticks, Markers or Paint

• String

• Rubber Bands

• Popsicle sticks

• Pipe cleaners

• Construction Paper

• Streamers

• Sticks or poles to hold up 'Balloons" (use Bamboo skewers for the mini parade)

• Stuffed animals for mini parade balloons- and Yoga Balls or stuffed trash bags for the large scale neighborhood parade.) 

Have fun as you gather with your family and community this week.