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 wee ones.
From huge parades that have gone virtual to intimate events that require face masks and social distancing, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are chockfull of things to do to fill your Turkey Day with serious (and safe) fun.
Metro Parent has all of the details to help you find one of these fests. So, dress for the weather and head out to one of these local Thanksgiving events.
Livonia Turkey Trot
Nov. 1-30, 2020
- Address: Virtual
- Phone: 734-466-2200
- Times: Anytime
- Cost: $15/person
This 15th annual walk/run returns in a virtual format this year. Proceeds go to benefit the families that are struggling this holiday season. Register by Oct. 26, 2020, to get your shirt.
Free Park Entry Day at Six Oakland County Parks
Nov. 26, 2020
- Address: All 6 Oakland County Parks
- Phone: 248-858-0906
- Time: Sunrise-sunset
- 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.
Detroit Turkey Trot
Nov. 26, 2020
- Address: Virtual
- Time: Anytime
- Phone: 313-247-4149
- Cost: $23-$44; must register in advance
This annual offers a Mashed Potato Mile, the Stuffing Strut 5K and the Turkey Trot 10K – all done from the comfort of your own neighborhood to treadmill in 2020.
Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
Nov. 26, 2020
- Address: Virtual
- Phone: 248-929-9027
- Time: Anytime
- Cost: $19-plus
Jog this untimed 5K race for adults, and 1K race for kids in your neighborhood. Must register by Nov. 1, 2020 to participate.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit
Nov. 26, 2020
- Address: Woodward Avenue between Kirby and Congress streets, Detroit
- Phone: 313-923-7400
- Time: 8:50 a.m./step off, 10 a.m.-noon/TV time Thursday
- Cost: Free
Turn on your TV to see your favorite floats, balloons, Big Head Corps of years past and, of course, Santa at this 94th annual, which is not allowing spectators this year.
Lions Football at Ford Field in Detroit
Nov. 26, 2020
- Address: 2000 Brush St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-262-2011
- Time: 12:30 p.m.
- Cost: Tickets not available
It’s another Thanksgiving tradition – and this year, the Detroit Lions take on the Houston Texans. Tune in on CBS.
Thanksgiving for Nature at the Farmington Hills Nature Center
Nov. 27, 2020
- Address: Farmington Hills Nature Center, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Phone: 248-473-1800
- Cost: $3/person
Grab a list of clues and uncover all the reasons to be thankful for nature’s gifts in this self-guided scavenger hunt.
Tracking Wild Turkey at Oakwoods Metropark
Nov. 28, 2020
- Address: Oakwoods Metropark, 32911 Willow Road, Flat Rock
- Phone: 734-782-3956
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, $10/parking
Take a walk through the woods to learn about turkeys and look for signs of wild turkeys. Face coverings and social distancing are required.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.
