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. 6, 2021
- Address: Bicentennial Park, 35400 Seven Mile Road, Livonia
- Cost: $15/person
This 15th annual walk/run returns this year. Proceeds go to benefit the families that are struggling this holiday season.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: Woodward Avenue between Kirby and Congress streets, Detroit
- Cost: Free
See your favorite floats, balloons, Big Head Corps of years past and, of course, Santa at this 95th annual.
Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: 337 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: $19-plus
Jog this untimed 5K race for adults and 1K race for kids and families to walk or run together. Registration required.
Detroit Turkey Trot
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: TCF Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit
- Cost: $30-$70; must register in advance
This annual 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.
Free Park Entry Day at Six Oakland County Parks
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: All 6 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.
Lions Football at Ford Field in Detroit
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: 2000 Brush St., Detroit
- Time: 12:30 p.m.
- Cost: $77-plus
It’s another Thanksgiving tradition – and this year, the Detroit Lions take on the Chicago Bears. Tune in on CBS.
Mighty Gobbler 5K Run/1Mile Walk on Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 25, 2021
- 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 will benefit local non-profit organizations serving vulnerable people.
Thanksgiving Day Parade at the Detroit Historical Museum
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $10/kids, $25-$80, free parking included
Join the Detroit Historical Society at the Detroit Historical Museum to watch America’s Thanksgiving Parade. The parade begins right in front of the museum, at Woodward and Kirby, with several viewing options.
Thanksgiving for Nature at the Farmington Hills Nature Center
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: Farmington Hills Nature Center, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- 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.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
