It’s that time of year again—when fall festivities, holiday shopping, and a big family feast mark the start of the season.
🍂Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you're looking to add a little extra joy to your holiday celebrations, we’ve got you covered with our favorite activities for festive fun this time of year. Whether you're planning cozy family moments or lively group outings, we've rounded up some of our favorite Thanksgiving activities to help you make the most of the season.
1. Have a Family Beach Day
Trade the turkey for sunshine and sand! Florida’s warm November weather makes a beach day the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Toes in the sand, the sound of waves rolling in, and a picnic packed with holiday favorites. Whether you’re building sandcastles at Siesta Beach in Sarasota or soaking up the sun at Madeira Beach, it’s a refreshing twist on tradition that everyone will remember. Don’t forget the frisbee, beach games, and maybe even a sunset toast for all the things you are grateful for!
2. Gobble, Trot, and Give Back
A Turkey Trot is more than just a festive fun run—it’s a heartwarming way to kick off Thanksgiving Day with family, friends, and a little cardio. Whether you organize a neighborhood trot or join a larger city event, it’s a joyful tradition that blends movement, community, and gratitude. Best of all, many Turkey Trots support local charities, so you’re not just burning calories—you’re spreading holiday cheer. Ready to lace up your sneakers? Here are a few Turkey Trot events happening near you!
🦃 Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park (Sarasota)
- 📍 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
- 🕗 Nov 27, 2025 Kids Dash at 7:15 AM, 5K at 8:00 AM
- 🎉 Includes race shirt, finisher medal, mimosas, pastries, and a post-race celebration.
🏃 Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot 3-Miler
- 📍 Robinson Preserve, 10299 99th St NW
- 🕗 Nov 27, 2025 Kids Run at 7:30 AM, 3-Miler at 8:00 AM
- 👟 Family-friendly with medals for kids and charity support.
- 📍 McGregor Blvd to Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- 🕗 Nov 27, 2025 5K at 7:30 AM, Tot Trot at 8:45 AM
- 🦃 A festive tradition with thousands of runners.
🦃 Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K – St. Petersburg
- 📍 Loops around Coffee Pot Bayou in St. Petersburg
- 🕗 Thanksgiving morning, Nov 27, 2025
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly, timed 5K hosted by North Shore Elementary PTA
- 💖 Proceeds benefit North Shore Elementary, a Title One school
3. Go On a Bike Ride
Going on a bike ride can be a healthy and fun way to spend Thanksgiving. You can go riding in your neighborhood or even choose a nearby bike trail to do so. Either way, you and your family or friends can spend some quality time together while staying fit! Check out these bike trails near you.
- Bicentennial Park in Madeira Beach
- Town Square Nature Park in Indian Shores
- Phillippi Creek Levee Trail in Sarasota
- Trailhead Neighborhood Park in Fort Myers
- Robinson Preserve in Bradenton
4. Watch a Movie
Movie theaters are often open on Thanksgiving, so it’s a great thing to do with friends or family before or after you have dinner. If you don't want to go to the cinema on Thanksgiving, you could always watch a good family-friendly movie at home! Check out some of these movie theaters that are open on Thanksgiving Day.
- AMC Bradenton 20
- Regal Hollywood - Sarasota
- Studio Movie Grille
- Luxe 8 Flix Cinema in Fort Myers
- CMX Tyrone 10
5. Mini Golf at Smugglers Cove
Add a splash of adventure to your Thanksgiving with a round of mini golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf! This family-friendly activity is perfect for all ages. Each of the pirate-themed courses offers 18 holes winding through caves, waterfalls, and even a pirate ship—plus, you can feed live baby alligators using a cane-fishing pole for a truly unforgettable experience.
All five locations—Fort Myers, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Sarasota, and Bradenton—are open on Thanksgiving Day from 9 AM to 11 PM, so you can swing by before or after your holiday feast. So, if you're looking to top off the day with laughter, adventure, and a splash of Florida charm, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is the perfect destination. It's not just mini golf—it's a holiday experience your crew won't forget.
Whether you're pedaling through scenic trails, catching the latest blockbuster, or sinking a hole-in-one, Thanksgiving offers countless ways to create lasting memories beyond the dinner table. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the adventure, and make this holiday one to remember!
