You might not be celebrating Thanksgiving for one reason or another. Or maybe you are, but after spending one hour eating, what else is there to do if you don't feel like watching television? Here are some attractions and activities that you can do on Thanksgiving Day in Greater Phoenix.
Activities on Thanksgiving Day 2011
- Doing something nice for someone else may be the answer this year, and there are always volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving Day. Keep in mind that you usually have to arrange to volunteer in advance through the organization that you select. They probably won't use you if you weren't scheduled to participate.
- The Arizona International Auto Show happens to start on Thanksgiving Day this year. Held at the Phoenix Convention Center, you'll be able to see hundreds of the newest cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles that will be introduced by auto manufacturers in the upcoming year.
- JesterZ Improv has a Thanksgiving Day show this year, one show only at 6 p.m. Bring the whole family. The Thanksgiving show is a popular one and often sells out. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $15 per ticket, $12 per person for groups of six or more. Scottsdale.
- Go for a swim at the Hamilton Aquatic Center in Chandler. The Annual Turkey Lap Swim will be held on Thursday, November 24, 2011 from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Charge $2.25 per person or bring a can of food for donation and swim for free.
- Visit The Phoenix Zoo in central Phoenix. The regular daytime hours will be in force, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and regular entry fees apply. In the evening, the Phoenix Zoo presents ZooLights, the holiday lights event.
- A trip to Sea Life Arizona Aquarium in Tempe is a great way to walk off that big meal. Sea Life will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m. In 2011 everyone is admitted at the children's price if you pay upon arrival. Not applicable to pre-purchased or online ticket sales. Special pricing cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers.
- Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium in Litchfield Park is open every year on Thanksgiving Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aquarium exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Do you enjoy hitting around a little white ball? Many golf courses are open on Thanksgiving. Even if you don't want to play a whole round of golf, the driving range might be a fun place to take the family.
- Most, if not all, bowling alleys are open on Thanksgiving. Call your favorite lanes before you go to make sure they are open for open bowling (non leagues) and confirm the hours.
- There are always new movies coming out during the holidays. Find out what's playing at your local movie theater on Thanksgiving Day.
- If 18 holes of real golf with real clubs and real greens fees isn't what you had in mind, how about some miniature golf? Golfland in Mesa is open on Thanksgiving Day from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. In the evening, the miniature golf course will be decorated and lit for the holidays.
- If you are sure you have digested your dinner, roller coasters and ziplining might be the plan for the day at Castles 'n' Coasters in Phoenix. The ride park is open on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 11 p.m.
- Bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf, and, for the big boys and girls who need to perfect that swing, a golf driving range will be open on Thanksgiving Day in North Scottsdale at CrackerJax.
- Find a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot for either a competitive or a fun run or walk.
- Take a leisurely paddle boat or kayak trip around Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Boat rentals is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
- Take an exciting scenic drive on the Apache Trail. This well-traveled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, and desert and lake views. It isn't for nervous drivers or passengers, though, and make sure you have a full tank of gas....
- Go for a hike or visit a local riparian area! You don't have to spend any money to enjoy the great outdoors. South Mountain is a popular place for hiking, and, of course, lots of people will climb Camelback Mountain that morning before the feast!
Holiday Lights on Thanksgiving Night
- Arizona Celebration of Lights in Glendale
- Golfland Winter Wonderland in Mesa
- Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens Christmas Lights
- ZooLights in Phoenix
Don't forget to get some rest. The stores open early tomorrow for Black Friday!
Do you know of another attraction that's open on Thanksgiving Day in the Greater Phoenix area? Send me the information.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
