10 things to do outside of thanksgiving weekend
The Thanksgiving weekend is usually marked by copious amounts of eating and shopping. The tradition of filling your bellies and then lining up in the early morning hours to get your hands on a big screen TV at a low price is why #OptOutside was created. Outdoor retail company REI started the Opt Outside movement to entice people to forego the fate of a normal Black Friday and enjoy the outdoors instead.
Luckily for us Arizonans, this time of year is the perfect time to enjoy the boundless beauty of our state. If you’re looking for things to do outdoors in Phoenix this Thanksgiving weekend, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Family Turkey Trot
Sign up for a local Turkey Trot or organize your own family run. This festive 5K is an excellent way to get your heart pumping and burn some calories before the big meal.
2. Take a walk during the full moon
Lost Dutchman State Park is hosting a guided full moon hike in the Superstition Mountains through November 25, 2023. Reservations are required to secure your spot.
3. Buy Christmas presents outside
Thanksgiving weekend in Phoenix offers several options and outdoor markets to cross names off your list while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
4. Go to a farmer’s market
While many of the farmers markets in the Phoenix Valley close this holiday weekend, the Uptown Farmers Market in Phoenix is open. Visit the market on Saturday, November 25 from 9am to 1pm to purchase local bread, fresh produce, handmade products and delicious offerings.
5. Enjoy a picnic
After grabbing some local bread from the farmer’s market, head home to make some sandwiches with your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Pack your sandwiches and enjoy them outside in your favorite local park.
6. Mountain bike
If you live in Phoenix, there is no shortage of mountain biking trails to enjoy. If you like to hit the road on two wheels, Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to do so. Work off some of that excess and enjoy the outdoors.
7. Touch Football Match
In between watching the matches on television, take a group of friends to the nearest lawn for a game of touch football.
8. Get on the water
This time of year the skies are usually azure blue and cloudless and temperatures are in the 70s; in other words, the ingredients for a great day at the lake. Lake Pleasant is just an hour’s drive from Phoenix and offers activities such as boat rentals, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.
9. Visit an electric cactus garden
For a unique experience, head to the Desert Botanical Garden to view the Electric Desert exhibit. This outdoor art show includes music and projections of dancing light images on the surrounding flora and fauna. Tickets are required, but you can also see if you can pay for a Cultural Pass at a participating library.
10. Running
If you enjoy putting on your running shoes and going for a run, treat yourself to one of the best running trails in the area this Black Friday.
With all these options for things to do outdoors in Phoenix this Thanksgiving weekend 2018, it’s hard to choose just one. Make it a full weekend outdoors and cross several off the list.
If you are experiencing pain that keeps you indoors, we can help you. Make an appointment with one of our physiotherapy clinics.
