Since most of our little turkeys have a full week off school for Thanksgiving, it’s a great time to explore the city and make some magical memories with the family. The weather has been *cough* less than predictable, but so far, Thanksgiving Break is shaping up to be a gorgeous week, which is perfect for getting out and enjoying Austin.  After planning the family feast (or making your reservation) and considering ways to give back to the community, it’s time to get some activities on the books.  Here are some of our favorite things to do during Thanksgiving Break.

*Cover photo via ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Facebook Page 

Downtown Alliance Children’s Garden

— Go to the park
We love to get outdoors on a family hike, nature walk, or picnic, and you can’t go wrong just hopping on a bike or walking over to your nearest neighborhood park for some fresh air and active playtime.  Anywhere the kids can burn off some energy and take a break from screen time has us patting ourselves on the back.

Here are some ideas if you’re looking for places to explore:

Fortlandia, photo by Tiffany Chung

— Play in the forts at Fortlandia
daily 9 am – 5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving day
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers a great place to spend hours enjoying nature. Pack along a picnic and your sunscreen to stay and explore the whimsical forts of Fortlandia and stroll the trails to the Children’s Garden. Make your reservation to visit. Fortlandia is included with regular admission. Visit wildflower.org for more info.

Check out Thinkery for a fun place to get out with the kiddos

— Enjoy extra days of play at the Thinkery
Hours vary, check here |  closed on Thanksgiving
Austin’s children’s museum will be open for extended hours November 20 – 22 from 9 am -5 pm, with Community Hours on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 3 pm – 7 pm. Enjoy some extra time in the galleries and explore all of their hands-on STEAM exhibits and activities. (Thinkery will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will reopen for regular General Admission hours on Friday, Nov. 24) Make your reservations at thinkeryaustin.org/gettickets.

Playtime at Science Mill; photo by Jess Kilbane

— Visit the Science Mill for hands-on fun, then follow up with Lights Spectacular!  
Nov. 17—26 | Extended holiday hours – check here | Closed Thanksgiving Day
Explore Science Mill and their Spectacular Science of Light event from Nov. 17-26.  After, check out Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular—where more than 2 million lights become the “Twinkliest Town in Texas” from Nov. 24, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024!

Get the whole family moving! Photo from the TurkeyTrot Facebook page.

— Get your bodies moving in the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 23 | 9:30 am | The Long Center 
Before settling in for your Thanksgiving feast, enjoy some exercise in downtown Austin while you support Caritas of Austin in the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. Sign up for the 5-mile run, 1-mile walk, or Stepping Stone School Kids-K that begins at 9:30 am at the Long Center. Registration is open here.

Make sure he knows you’re not on the naughty list this year! Photo by Renee Dominguez.

— Give Santa your wish list.
It’s not too early to let the big guy know you’re on the good list this year! Here are some spots where you can see Santa over Thanksgiving Break (check each link for days/times): Santa’s Wonderland @ Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops, Long Center, Simon Malls, Hill Country Galleria, and Sweet Eats Fruit Farm.

Mozart’s is already aglow for their annual celebration.

— Enjoy twinkly lights and seasonal cheer at several holiday events!
Haul out the holly: it’s time for winter holiday fun! Several events are happening now and many are opening the day after Thanksgiving. Also, check out our roundup of the Best Holiday Family Events.

A Christmas Carol at ZACH; photo by Kirk Tuck

— See a special performance!  A Christmas Carol at ZACH
November 17 – December 31
Get into the holiday spirit at ZACH Theatre‘s most popular show!  This family-friendly, upbeat version of Charles Dickens’s classic is anything but traditional, with plenty of upbeat music and dancing. Ticket prices vary, and can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office at 512-476-0541 x1.

More to explore:

You can also check out our Daily Calendar for more events, and be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to get reminders about Top Picks for the weekend.  Have a fun week! Happy Thanksgiving!