If you’re in Plymouth, Massachusetts, this Thanksgiving holiday, you’re in for a treat! There are a plethora of pilgrim-related activities to get you in the holiday mood, and maybe learn a bit more about our country’s history, too!

America's Celebration. Photo credit: USAThanksgiving.org

Thanksgiving Celebration

Bundle up the weekend before Thanksgiving and enjoy a parade, some great live music, food festivities and other historically inspired activities along the waterfront of Plymouth. Revisit Colonial times and watch demonstrations of soap, candle and jelly making. There will also be re-enactments and military fly-overs. There’s guaranteed to be something interesting for everyone in the family!

Plimoth Plantation

This plantation is a historical museum that strives to promote education and information about the Wampanoag Native Americans and Colonial English settlers of the 1600s. The museum offers all sorts of interesting exhibits, programs and events throughout the year. During autumn, you can arrange to dine on a variety of traditional meals just like those of the first settlers (some meals may require an advanced RSVP).

Mayflower II

Take a ride on the Mayflower II, a replica of the original vessel that brought the colonists to America in 1620, and understand more about the arduous journey the first Pilgrims experienced to get to America. You may also run into a few costumed, role-playing passengers on deck, as well!

Mayflower II. Photo credit: Kyle Koehler

Plymouth Rock

Visit the Plymouth Rock, located within Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Plymouth Rock marks the arrival of Pilgrims to “the New World,” and is visited by over a million people each year! A waterfront park over-looking the Mayflower II is also located in the same area as Plymouth Rock.

The Pilgrim Monument

This monument is both an old-fashioned and modern museum that highlights the Mayflower Pilgrims and the town that sprung forth from their industrious perseverance. Along with the museum, you and the kids can climb the 252-foot monument and look out onto Provincetown and the harbor below.

Janet, Owen and Aidan of East Longmeadow, MA. Photo credit: Pilgrim Monument

For more activities for kids in Plymouth, Massachusetts, please click here.

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