Thanksgiving weekend is usually marked with copious amounts of food and shopping. The tradition of filling your bellies and lining up early in the morning to snag a large-screen TV at a low price is why #OptOutside was created. Outdoor retail company REI started the Opt Outside movement to entice people to forgo the plight of a typical Black Friday and, instead, enjoy the outdoors.
Luckily for us Arizonians, this time of year is the perfect time to enjoy the boundless beauty of our state. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Phoenix on Thanksgiving weekend, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Family Turkey Trot
Sign up for a local Turkey Trot or organize your family fun run. This festive 5K is an excellent way to get your heart pumping and burn off some calories before the big meal.
2. Go on a Full Moon Hike
Lost Dutchman State Park will have a guided full moon hike in the Superstition Mountains through November 25, 2023. Reservations are required to save your spot.
3. Shop for Christmas Gifts Outside
Thanksgiving weekend in Phoenix offers multiple opportunities and outdoor markets to start crossing names off your list while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
4. Head to a Farmer’s Market
While many of the farmers’ markets in the Phoenix Valley close during this holiday weekend, Uptown Farmers Market in Phoenix will be open. Visit the market on Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to shop for local bread, fresh produce, handcrafted products, and delicious offerings.
5. Enjoy a Picnic
After snagging some locally made bread from the farmers market, head home to make sandwiches with your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Pack up your sandwiches to enjoy them outside at your favorite local park.
6. Mountain Bike
Living in Phoenix, there is no shortage of mountain biking trails. Thanksgiving weekend is a great time if you enjoy hitting the trails on two wheels. Work off some of that overindulgence and enjoy the outdoors.
7. Touch Football Game
In between watching the games on television, grab a group of friends and head to the nearest plot of grass for a game of touch football.
8. Get on the Water
This time of year, the skies tend to be azure and cloudless, and the temperatures tend to sit in the 70s; in other words, the makings of a great lake day. Lake Pleasant is just an hour’s drive from Phoenix and offers activities like boat rentals, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.
9. Visit the Botanical Garden
For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to the Desert Botanical Garden to see the Las Noches de las Luminarias lights. Running from November 24 to November 25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 19-23, and 26-30, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Members can enjoy the event at $34.95 for adults and $14.95 for youth, while general admission is $39.95 for adults and $16.95 for youth.
The event features luminaria-lit trails, holiday lights, musical performances, entertainment, and festive food and drinks. Additionally, visitors can explore the art exhibition “Fernando Botero: El Maestro” in both the Garden and Dorrance Hall, showcasing paintings, drawings, and monumental sculptures.
10. Running
If you enjoy lacing up your running shoes and going for a run, treat yourself to one of the best running trails in the area on Black Friday.
With all these options for things to do outside in Phoenix this Thanksgiving weekend, it’s hard to pick just one. Make it a whole weekend of the outdoors and cross multiple off the list.
If you’re suffering from pain keeping you indoors, we can help. Schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapy clinics.
