It’s surprisingly hard to find thanksgiving activities in Phoenix with kids! Christmas overpowers the holiday season by far and while we’re huge Christmas fans, Thanksgiving is also a time that deserves its own mention. Among the family gatherings, the mounds of food, and football games, here are some ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, especially in Phoenix this year. Please double check events as things may change.
For 2023 events please check our event calendar with dozens of options!
Local Events –
Wildlings play date on Nov 6th
parade in Fountain Hills on Nov 24th
Friendsgiving Festival in Gilbert with Enchanted Dreams Parties on Nov 13th
Kiwanis Fun Free Day at the Cave Creek Museum on Nov 13th
Free Fall Festival at Arizona Boardwalk on Nov 19th
Harvest Festival at Enchanted Island Amusement Park on Nov 19th and 20th
three themed classes with As You Wish Pottery on Nov 11, 17 and 18th.
And don’t forget to visit your local library for possible themed storytimes and crafts!
Join a 5K Walk or Run – there are fun Thanksgiving Day walks and runs that welcome the family! This is a fun way to get some exercise before the big turkey meal. You can read more here, in our updated blog post.
Local donations – there are plenty of opportunities to give to other families in need this season. One of many is St. Mary’s and their food drive. The Phoenix Rescue Mission also offers these ways to give back. And check out this list of volenteer opportunities even for children (ages 5 and up). We personally love Operation Christmas Child; it’s a Christmas-themed project, but boxes are due to a local drop off point by November 21.
Opt outside – our favorite Thanksgiving weekend tradition is to take a bike ride to a local park or coffee shop. Some of our favorite bike trails can be found here, or list of stroller friendly trails. And here’s a map of all the Phoenix Metro playgrounds. We also love hiking.
Holiday events – there are quite a number of light shows, Santa visits, and other holiday events to enjoy, some which start before or during the week of Thanksgiving.
Check out our NEW events calendar to find the fun!
