10 Ways to Get Outside on Thanksgiving

Before and after the bountiful feast you are planning this Thanksgiving, we encourage you, as always, to get outside. Few things are better than breathing in fresh air with crisp wind on your face and fallen leaves under your feet—aside from pumpkin pie and good company.

This holiday, and every other day, we’re giving thanks for the great outdoors. Here’s how we plan to do so, and how you can too.

1. Get a turkey trot in

Whether pounding your feet on pavement, the beach, a backwoods trail, or up to a summit, getting outside in the crisp fall air with family is truly the perfect start to a day of giving thanks.

2. Do some yoga

Focus on twisting to prep your abdomen for optimal digestion. If you’re considering spending your entire Thanksgiving outdoors, lots of Hipcamps offer onsite yoga. Otherwise, bring your own mat and get down!

3. Pray for surf

Sip down some coffee, throw on your wetsuit, paddle out with friends or family, and catch some waves together. You’ll be fully awake and ready for some warm food by the end of it.

4. Take part in a beach or park cleanup

Give thanks to our earth! Get outside together and clean her up by either organizing your own or joining in on an Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup in your area.

5. Set up your table outdoors

It’s easy to end up spending much of the day preparing for the big meal. And with a big family, the traditional dining room can get pretty crowded. Break outside your four walls and gather outside. All you need is a picnic table, some wood palettes, or two sawhorses and some plywood—we trust that you can get creative!

6. Move your feet with some soccer or flag football

Run away the sleepies that you may catch during the long day. Rather than falling asleep on the couch with the intention of watching football (but missing it because you were napping), find an open field and play your own game! Then nap.

7. Head out for a bike ride

When you need a little more assistance than your own two feet, soak up the open trail on a bike ride.

8. Have yourself a bonfire

Build a bonfire for the family to snuggle up around. Did someone say s’mores for Thanksgiving dessert?

9. Look up at the stars

One our favorite reasons to build a bonfire is to then sit around with loved ones to look up at the night sky. It’s bound to leave you speechless and remind you of a million little reasons to be thankful. Even better if you’re staying in an area rated for low light pollution.

10. Hunt for fall colors

Use our handy foliage prediction map to guide you to colorful hot spots that are peaking right around Thanksgiving.the right time for a fall camping trip under a canopy of changing leaves.