Visiting Disneyland California with a kid

I've purchased guide books in the past, something like the "unofficial guide to Disneyland". Found them quite useful.

On our last trip to Disneyland many years ago, we went in November, just before US thanksgiving and the park was unbelievably quiet. (Maybe a little bit too quiet).

If you will be taking a smart phone, I believe there are numerous apps that will help make your visit more enjoyable. I have heard that there is an app that tells you how long the lines are at the major rides.

The park will be decorated for Christmas at that time. I’m not sure there is ever a quiet time! Pack a few snacks to bring into the park and maybe something small to help entertain through some long lines. Wear your most comfortable shoes. Sometimes we walked back across the street to our hotel for a little afternoon nap to recharge our bodies before heading back.

Enjoy your time!

I will second the recommendation of getting a guidebook. Considering the price of tickets, and the huge number of attractions at the 2 parks, a good guidebook is worth it for someone who isn't a frequent visitor.

Disneyland has its own app, for both apple and Android. Good for wait times, dining reservations, menus, locating characters, etc, etc, etc.

As long as it's not the Friday through Sunday weekend after Thanksgiving -- that definitely does NOT avoid crowds!

Have a look at the Disneyland sections of some of the specialist Disney boards, like

Mousesavers: https://www.mousesavers.com/disneyland-california-vacation-discounts-and-deals/
Disboards: https://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-california.26/
Allears: http://allears.net/category/disneyland/

I live not far from D-land and have been many times...we were season pass holders for quite a while and there are thing you can do to make your visit more enjoyable and less stressful.
1) Get an app that shows wait times for the lines to go on rides. Will save you lots of time wandering around.
2) Make use of fast passes - you can get a timed ticket and can bypass the main lines. These are available from machines at the entrance to each ride.
3) If you are staying in a Disney hotel you can take advantage of "magic mornings" where you can get into the park an hour before it opens to the general public.
4) They do "meet and greet" sessions with various characters at different locations inside the park...depending on who the 6 year old is a fan of, you can have a private "audience". Little kids find it incredibly exciting!
5) The Grand Hotel does a character breakfast where you eat with many Disney characters...kids love it! I believe it's in the Storybook Cafe.
Sorry but in late November you will be in the thick of the Christmas craziness...the Christmas crowds start before Thanksgiving weekend and don't let up until the second week of January or so. Most of the local school districts are now off for the entire Thanksgiving week so people descend on the park en-mass. I hope you are going mid-week at least when it isn't quite as horrible...but be prepared for crowds.
Even though it may be crowded the park really is incredibly beautiful and magical when it's decorated for Christmas. Worth it!

Thanks you all for all the helpful advice!