Thanksgiving is almost here! Before gathering around the table, there’s plenty to do with the whole family. Here are a few of our top picks.
Thanksgiving is almost here! Before gathering around the table, there’s plenty to do with the whole family. Here are a few of our top picks.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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Ameren’s Thanks-for-Giving Parade
Don’t sleep in too late Thanksgiving morning! The 40th Annual Thanks-For-Giving Parade steps off at 9 a.m. sharp. Enjoy floats, dancers, marching bands, and more, and contribute donations to the St. Louis Area Food Bank. A certain jolly old elf will be in attendance, as well.
St. Louis Turkey Trot 5K/8K Run & Walk
You choose just how far you want to go on this Thursday morning run through Forest Park—kids have their own race categories, too. Choose between a long-sleeve T-shirt or a fleece hoodie, and try not to spoil your dinner on the Strange Donuts at the finish line. Packet pickup runs from 7–8 a.m., the kids dash is at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K and 8K start at 8 a.m.
Chesterfield Turkey Trot and Fun Run
It’s the 25th year running for the Chesterfield Turkey Trot and Fun Run, which makes it a certified West County tradition. The run will traverse the grounds of the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex, with a 5K run/walk starting at 8:30 a.m. and a Kids Fun Run starting at 9:30 a.m. Age groups for the 5K start at 12 and under.
Kirkwood Webster Turkey Day Run
If you tend to procrastinate, or you’d rather join from the comfort of your own home, the 42st Annual Webster Turkey Day Run is for you. Participants can register up until the big day. You can choose to join the other runners in Downtown Kirkwood or participate virtually from anywhere you like. Choose a 3- or 6-mile course. In-person races start at 7:30 a.m. for the 3 mile and 8:10 a.m. for the 6 mile.
Santa and Mrs. Claus come to Belleville, Illinois, the day after Thanksgiving—and isn’t a parade more fun than braving the Black Friday crowds? Belleville’s parade, sponsored by the Optimist Club, dates back to 1952 and features floats, marching bands, and dance groups. It runs from 10 a.m. to noon.
Bring the whole family to St. Charles for Turkey Trot STL, which encourages everyone to “Run. Gobble. Nap.” The family-friendly event starts at the St. Charles Family Area, with doughnuts from Donut King at the finish line. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee will have coffee and hot chocolate for sale, too. The 5k race starts at 8 a.m., and a half mile Kids Fun Run will commence at 9:10 a.m. Or, register for the virtual 5k to join in from the location of your choice.
Run Arnold’s easy, flat course along the Meramec River, starting at the Arnold City Park. If you keep an eye peeled, you might see some fascinating wildlife while you’re hoofing it. Kids in strollers are welcome. The run starts at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Kids can participate in a free, shorter run at 9 a.m., and virtual options are also available.
The Wentzville Wobble is a slightly different take on the typical Thanksgiving Day run. This casual, one mile race through Heartland Park is open to runners, walkers, and strollers, making it accommodating for the whole family. The race starts at 8 a.m. and entry includes a custom, long-sleeved tee.
In its 11th year, Olivette’s chip-timed race expects over 2,000 participants. It starts at Stacy Park and takes the scenic route down Old Bonhomme Road. Strollers and well-behaved pups are welcome, and there’s a kids’ fun run, as well. The race begins at 8 a.m., with the fun run starting at 8:50 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
Trot across those lovely Wildwood bridges for the Wildwood Turkey Trot. The whole family can run a 5K or a 10K, or kids can join a free quarter-mile dash. The prizes alone are worth getting up for, with long sleeve tees and neck buffs given for registering and Trottinator medals, donuts, hot chocolate, and more awarded at the finish line. The race begins at 8:30 a.m.
