Thanksgiving is one of the few days a year when the whole family is in one place. A walk together is a simple way to make the most of it. It's free, everyone can come and you don't need a plan beyond a time and a route.
This guide covers why a Thanksgiving walk works, when to go, walk ideas for every age, a gratitude walk, how to make it a tradition, how to walk for a cause and what to do if it's cold, dark or wet. Thanksgiving this year is Thursday, November 26.
Why a Thanksgiving walk works
A walk gives the day a little breathing room.
- Time together. Side by side, people talk. Cousins catch up, and grandparents and grandkids find their own pace.
- Fresh air. A busy kitchen and a full house can feel a lot. Ten steps outside, things get calmer.
- A break for the cooks. Whoever has been in the kitchen since dawn gets a turn to step away.
- Everyone can join. No sign-ups, no gear, no skill level. Strollers, dogs and slow walkers all welcome.
When to go
There's no wrong time. Pick the one that fits your day.
- The morning walk. Head out before the cooking starts, or while the turkey is in the oven. It's quiet, the light is soft and it sets a calm tone for the day.
- The after-dinner stroll. Once the plates are cleared and before dessert, take a slow loop around the neighborhood. Keep it gentle and short, and let everyone set their own pace.
- The day-after walk. On Friday, pack leftovers, water and a thermos in a backpack and head to a park or trail. It's a nice way to keep the family time going once the big day is over.
Walk ideas for the whole family
Choose a route with an easy way to cut it short, so little legs and tired feet can head home early.
- A loop around the block. Easy for everyone, with the house never far away.
- A neighborhood leaf walk. Kids collect the best leaves, then press them or use them as place cards for the table.
- A park with a playground. The kids play while the adults walk a loop and keep an eye on them.
- A "best front porch" vote. Everyone picks a favorite pumpkin display or decorated porch, and you vote on the way home.
- A scavenger hunt. Make a short list before you leave: a pinecone, a red leaf, a dog, a turkey decoration, a bird.
- A walk-and-talk with one person. Pair up with someone you don't see often, like an aunt, a teenager or a new in-law.
A gratitude walk
A gratitude walk is a walk where you notice and share what you're thankful for. It fits Thanksgiving perfectly.
- Corner by corner. At each corner or bench, one person names something they're thankful for. Take turns, and let the kids go first.
- A quiet stretch. Walk for a few minutes without talking. Notice the sounds, the air and the people beside you. Share your thoughts at the end.
- One word each. For a big group, ask everyone for one word that sums up their year, and share them at the turnaround point.
Make it a tradition
The best traditions are small enough to keep.
- Walk the same route every year. Over time it becomes "our Thanksgiving walk."
- Pick a photo spot. Take a group picture in the same place each year and watch the family grow.
- Send the plan ahead. A short message a week before ("Walk at 10, leaving from the front door") means people come dressed for it.
- Invite a neighbor, especially someone who might be on their own this year.
- Keep it going. If you enjoy it, ask a friend or two to keep walking with you once a week. Walking with friends has a message you can copy, and start a walking group explains how to grow it.
Walk for a cause
Thanksgiving is a natural day to give back, and a walk is an easy way to do it together.
- A food drive walk. Ask everyone to bring a can or a box of food, and drop it at your local food bank or a collection box on the way. Check with them first to see what they need most and when they're open.
- A family pledge. Ask relatives to donate a small amount to a cause you care about for each person who walks, or for each lap of the park.
- Plan a bigger walk. If your family enjoys it, plan a charity walk for the spring. Walking for a cause explains how they work, walkathon fundraiser ideas helps you plan one and how to ask for donations has messages you can copy.
Bring a pack if you like
A backpack makes a day-after walk easier: snacks, water, a thermos, an extra layer and a bag for anything the kids collect.
A pack with a little weight in it is also a gentle first carry. Walking with weight on your back is called rucking, and what is rucking explains the basics. If you'd like to try it, how to start rucking shows how to set up a pack you already own. Start lighter than you think, especially on a family walk at a slower pace with lots of stops.
Before you start walking with weight, talk to your doctor or physical therapist first if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia; bone, joint, heart or pelvic floor concerns; or if you're pregnant or postpartum. On any walk, stop and rest if you feel sharp pain, pain that changes how you walk, pelvic heaviness, dizziness or chest discomfort.
Cold, dark or wet?
Late November can be chilly, and it gets dark early.
- Cold: dress in layers you can open or take off, and bring hats and gloves for the kids. Walking in cold weather covers what to wear and how to stay safe on icy paths.
- Dark: for an after-dinner walk, bring a small light and wear something bright or reflective. Walking at night covers lights, routes and being seen.
- Rainy or icy: walk indoors instead. Mall walking covers indoor places to walk.
Your next step
If the Thanksgiving walk leaves you wanting more, January is a great time to make walking a habit. Our free 4-week plan starts with a group on January 4 and builds up gently, with walks you can do alone, with a friend or with the family. For more beginner guides, visit Start Here.