Alternative Thanksgiving Activities

Image courtesy of Satya Murthy - Flickr

Halloween might be over but Thanksgiving is coming up at the end of the month. The holiday is great for bringing friends and family together for a huge meal. Everyone talks and laughs and reminisces about old memories; it’s a great bonding experience! However, not all of us have family in the area that we can join up with for a big meal. Also, not everyone has the ability to cook up a big meal, whether it be from lack of cooking skills, or lack of funds. There are plenty of other things you can do besides stuff your face with turkey and cranberry sauce.

Take A Hike. Now that it’s the fall season, the trees are transforming and blooming with colors. The North Dakota scenery is a sight to behold. Taking a walk is a great way to let off some steam while getting a little exercise. Taking a walk is basically the opposite of eating a big Thanksgiving dinner! A great way to find walking and biking trails is through Map My Ride. You can find trails designed by other people who frequent the trails whether on foot or on two wheels. Theodore Roosevelt National Park has some beautiful trails and scenery to take in. Patterson Lake also has the most beautiful views. You won’t regret heading out to these scenic locales on Thanksgiving.

Go Catch a Movie. A lot of great movies come out during the holidays and specifically on Thanksgiving. It can be a lot of fun to head out instead of staying in and watching football or the parade. Luckily, Six Shooters has what you need and it’s nearby. This year on Thanksgiving, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur will be in theaters. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the kids and get the whole family together for an outing to the movie theater. Popcorn is your turkey and the butter is your gravy! You’ll enjoy the holiday together without the stress of preparing a meal.

Say Thank You. You don’t have to go all out for the holiday. Sometimes the best things are the simplest things. Remember the reason for the holiday: being thankful. Say it! Think of the people in your life that you are thankful for and tell them. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. All you need to do is say thank you even if that’s the only thing you do on Thanksgiving.


Do you have any unique Thanksgiving traditions? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!