Thanksgiving is the official kick-off of the holiday season — and while it can be stressful for families, it’s still the perfect time to make memories with your kids.
From huge parades and intimate events, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are full of things to do to fill your Turkey Day with fun.
We have rounded up the best for you, so dress for the weather and head out to one of these local Thanksgiving events.
Livonia Turkey Trot
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Bicentennial Park, 35400 Seven Mile Road, Livonia
- Cost: $15/person
This annual walk/run benefits the families that are struggling this holiday season. Registration required.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: Downtown Detroit
- Cost: Free
Celebrating its 96th year, the parade has all of your favorite floats, balloons, marching bands and entertainment.
Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: 337 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: $29/Turkey Trot 5K, $14/Tot Trot 1K
Jog this untimed 5K race for adults and 1K race for kids and families to walk or run together. Registration required.
Free Park Entry Day at Six Oakland County Parks
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: All six Oakland County Parks
- Cost: Free
Enjoy free admission to Addison Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks and Red Oaks County Parks in celebration of turkey day.
Mighty Gobbler 5K Run/1Mile Walk on Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: Lutheran Church of the Master, 3333 Coolidge Hwy., Troy
- Cost: $27-$32
Hosted by Lutheran Church of the Master, the fun family-friendly charity event will take place on Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations serving vulnerable people.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit
- Cost: $65-$75/Drumstick Double, $60-$70/Cranberry Combo, $45-$55/10K or 5K
This annual event offers several distances to choose from – the Strategic Staffing Solutions 10K Turkey Trot, the 5K Stuffing Strut, and the family-friendly Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile. All races finish on Atwater, behind Huntington Place, next to Riverwalk.
Thanksgiving Family Fun Fest
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: The Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $40/adult buffet ticket, $18/child buffet ticket for ages 12 and under
Families can enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and watch the Thanksgiving Parade come down Woodward.
Thanksgiving HIKE and SEEK
Nov. 25, 2022
- Address: Farmington Hills Nature Center, Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- Cost: $3
Search for local plants and animals and figure out what makes them special on a guided hike. After the hike, make a fall-themed craft to take home. Registration required.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.
