By Jenny Gumbert
Thanksgiving Day is among our favorite holidays because it embodies one of the most important aspects of the Solo Stove mission: slowing down to reconnect with friends and family.
Though most of the holiday’s focus is spent on the meal and time around the table, we like to try to fit in some quality family time outdoors as well. Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving Weekend outdoor activities
Thanksgiving Weekend Outdoor Activities
1. Run (or walk) in a Turkey Trot
Start the day off right by getting your family to race alongside you in a local Turkey Trot. Not only will you be starting your day by staying active outside, but you’ll also be giving back to a great cause since many trots are linked with charitable causes such as the YMCA or a canned food drive.
Photo via @johns.house, Solo Stove Content Creator 
Photo via caseyelmore_, Solo Stove Content Creator
2. Go on a post-meal hike
What can we say, we love a good hike. A nice long walk, whether on a trail or around your neighborhood, gives the group a chance to keep the dinner conversation going, while getting some fresh air and burning off some of the massive meal you all just ate (so that you can make room for dessert, of course).
3. Play a game at the park or in your yard
Whether you need to distract the family so that they stop asking, “When’s dinner?” or are looking for the perfect post-dinner but pre-dessert activity, a game outdoors will do the trick. Playing a friendly game of flag football remains a classic, and “Turkey Tag” is a great option for kids.
4. Spend some time around the fire
Even though Thanksgiving is a day that revolves around gratitude and family, it can be easy to fall back into our everyday habits and disconnect from one another the moment the meal is done. Keep the gathering going well after dinner by getting everybody around the fire. Sure, it’s cold, but a mug of cider, a hot fire, and good company will keep you warm.
5. Walk through a festival of lights or attend a tree lighting
For many, Thanksgiving is the true beginning of the holiday season. This means that it’s finally socially acceptable to get a tree, decorate, and play Christmas music. (Hooray!)
Towns often have their Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies on Thanksgiving night or the night after. It’s a perfect opportunity to bundle up, grab a thermos of cocoa, and feel the Christmas magic emerge with your friends and family as you watch the tree light up. Many cities also have a local trail of lights where you can drive or walk through a glowing winter wonderland.
6. Have a leftovers party
Gather your friends and family together once again and make a dent in all of those leftovers. Put an outdoor picnic spin on your Thanksgiving foods to give them a second life, like with the Thanksgiving skewers we featured in our unique turkey recipes post. Hot turkey sandwiches cooked on the cast iron skillet and bbq turkey sandwiches are also great ways to transform your meal.
What are your favorite ways to get outside during the holiday weekend? Be sure to share your Thanksgiving Weekend photos and stories with us on social media or via our submission form.
