Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we can already predict exactly the hustle and bustle happening in the festivity. There’s so much to be excited to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Jose with a lineup of events and things to do with kids, from getting to eat classic dishes to spending time with family and friends. To make it even more memorable this year, why not consider trying to shake up your usual Thanksgiving plans? Explore the unique ways to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with kids in San Jose. If you’re worried about getting that holiday spirit, we have found creative ways for the whole family to enjoy!
Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and serious food preparations. Though turkey dinner, variations of tasty pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes are already part of the old family traditions, doing something non-traditional would not make your Thanksgiving holiday any less memorable. Why not take your kids on a trip to the beautiful parks and attractions in San Jose and add some fun things to do on Thanksgiving to your celebration?
Or perhaps take them to a Thanksgiving event and treat them to dinner afterward instead of roasting over the stove. San Jose’s beautiful attractions, fine dining restaurants with authentic cuisines, and exciting holiday events will surely make the Thanksgiving celebration extra unique and memorable for your kids. So, break that usual family routine, unplug, and go outside your home come November 25th!
And who knows? You might have just discovered a new Thanksgiving tradition that sticks. Scroll below and check out our top 12 Things to do on Thanksgiving Day in San Jose with Kids!
Campbell Community Center Track
1 West Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008
Phone Number: (925) 234-8598
November 18, 2023
Saturday | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
This year, DC Fitness is proud to host a 5k Turkey Trot Walk/Run! Register today to secure a spot in the 5k and help a local kitchen feed more people this holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is perfect for everyone. There will be a morning heat reserved for competitive runners or those interested in testing themselves who plan to run the whole time. There will be a late morning heat for those who aren’t sure if they want to run or plan to walk with family or friends and don’t want to compete for a time.
So, gather your family and friends, and let’s celebrate Thanksgiving while staying fit and active. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of helping feed more people in our community this holiday season. Take the opportunity to get an extra workout in, bring a friend, and know that your registration is being donated to help feed the hungry in your community!
Hiller Aviation Museum
601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos, CA 94070
Phone Number: (650) 654-0200
November 22, 2023
Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In Commemoration of arguably the greatest sitcom episode ever aired on TV, the 1978 WKRP in Cincinnati “Turkeys Away” the Hiller Aviation Museum presents the Turkey Toss. The Museum is known for presenting many events using a helicopter. Santa and the Easter Bunny both arrive by helicopter, A Witch drops pumpkins on Halloween, and even a skydiving leprechaun jumps out of a helicopter for St. Patrick’s Day.
Now, for the first time, the museum will be dropping Turkeys. No, not real turkeys because domestic Turkeys can’t fly, as illustrated in the famous WKRP episode, so they will be dropping little soft squeezable Turkeys that the kids can take home with them. There will also be a Turkey Hunt all day. Find all the Turkey’s hiding in the museum and win a prize!
Downtown San Jose
340 W Saint John St., San Jose, CA 95113
Phone Number: (408) 501-7885
November 23, 2023
Thursday | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Join the 19th Annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot – the largest Thanksgiving event race in San Jose. Their mission is to uplift and improve the quality of life for the less fortunate in Silicon Valley through the provision of funding for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and other basic necessities of life. This family-focused event welcomes participants of all fitness levels – elite runners, joggers, and walkers – to enjoy the flat and fast course that flows through downtown San Jose’s local neighborhoods and businesses.
They also have Kids Fun Zone, sponsored by Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, the best place to be with your kids on Thanksgiving morning. It is a space where children can be active and engage in fun activities, arts and crafts, and interact with local mascots. Please note that children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times. This is not a drop-off area.
976 Blossom Hills Rd., San Jose, CA 95123
Phone Number: (408) 225-1533
Nov. 23, 2023
Thursday | 10 AM – 10 PM
Experience a whole new level of fun things to do at Emerald Hills Golfland, and spend a memorable Thanksgiving with your kids in San Jose! Play your way through one of its challenging miniature golf courses. You have not played mini-golf until you’ve played at Emerald Hills. Two beautiful courses in a lush setting offer a challenge and a wacky good time!
The park also features a huge video game arcade with some of the newest and most exciting games in the area. Join the fun and play to win great prizes at their redemption counter.
1500 South 10th St., San Jose, CA CA 95112
Phone Number: (408) 279-6000
Nov. 23, 2023
Thursday | 5:15 AM – 4:45 PM
Looking for affordable family fun? Look no further than Solar4America Ice at San Jose, where lots of fun things to do and a special event await kids and the whole family on Thanksgiving Day! Bring everyone aboard to experience the Bay Area’s premier ice skating and hockey facilities. The nearly 370,000 square-feet facility accommodates ice hockey, figure skating, broomball, curling, speed skating, ice dancing, as well as public skating.
Solar4America Ice is the largest rink facility west of the Mississippi and is one of only seven rink facilities in the United States that currently operates at least four NHL-sized ice rinks. Sharks Ice is the official practice facility of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks as well as the new home to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.
Quarry Lakes Regional Park
2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CA 94536
Phone Number: (510) 750-5919
November 25, 2023
Saturday | 7:00 AM – 10:45 AM
The fun doesn’t end on Thanksgiving Day! The rarely seen Quarry Turkey will make his appearance two days after the big feast, fueled up and ready to take on all the little turkeys. Come start a new Thanksgiving weekend tradition with a fast, mostly flat half marathon, 10K or 5K. The Little Turkeys Race (about 100 yards or so) is free to all children brought with race participants.
Once again, they are also holding a food drive benefiting Alameda County Food Bank and are encouraging all participants (including little turkeys) to bring at least one canned good on race morning. The course is mostly dirt fire trails with a very small portion of pavement at the beginning and end. Thanksgiving-themed costumes (for children and adults) are highly encouraged!
Signia by Hilton San Jose
170 South Market St., San Jose, CA 95113
Phone Number: (408) 998-1900
November 23, 2023
Thursday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join Signia for its annual Thanksgiving Day Brunch featuring a spectacular and delicious array of holiday classics. The one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving buffet is created by the renowned culinary team at Signia by Hilton San Jose and offers seasonal favorites for the entire family. Leave the cooking to them and make memories that last a lifetime.
The Thanksgiving Feast Buffet features Antipasti & Charcuterie, Omelet Station with breakfast sides, expansive cheese display, array of vegetables and salads, raw bar, sushi & sashimi, carving stations, and assorted pastas. The traditional Thanksgiving mains and sides includes Roasted Turkey, Scottish Salmon, Prime Rib and Maple Glazed Pork Loin.
Silicon Valley Capital Club
50 West San Fernando St., 1700, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone Number: (408) 971-9300
November 23, 2023
Thursday | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy Executive Chef Roger’s elegant Thanksgiving Feast featuring traditional brined Turkey and all the fixin’s, a Seafood display, cheese & charcuterie, a selection of salads and fresh bread, and, of course – desserts. Leaving the prepping, cooking, and cleaning up to them. Make it a new family tradition and join everyone for a holiday gathering in the heart of downtown, set against breathtaking 360-degree city skyline views.
A full bar will be available, as well as a premium sommelier-curated wine list and cocktails. The Capital Club is the valley’s premier private business and social club where community leaders connect, work, host, and play. From atop the 50 West building, they offer breathtaking views, contemporary décor, and accents of San Jose’s history.
377 Santana Row, #1090, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone number: (408) 244-7001
Nov. 23, 2023
Thursday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Enjoy a special menu including all the traditional favorites available only on Thanksgiving with the Full Churrasco Experience. Dinner Price will be featured all day, with special holiday dishes, such as Roasted Turkey, Sweet Potato Casserole, Turkey au jus, and Cranberry Relish. Children 6 and under are complimentary, and Children 7 to 12 are half-price. The restaurant showcases a beautiful dining room with seating for 250 guests, several private and semi-private dining areas, outdoor seating, and a lively bar.
Fogo de Chão® is an internationally renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what’s next at every turn. Fogo® elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco – roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame – into a cultural dining experience of discovery. The restaurant’s interior reflects a mixture of Northern California and modern Brazilian design.
377 Santana Row, #1100, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone number: (408) 984-3500
Nov. 23, 2023
Thursday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Relax and enjoy the warmth and joy of the Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family this year as chefs take care of all the cooking. Each of their friendly and vibrant Left Bank Brasseries will be serving a hearty 4-course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving meal perfect for your festive celebration.
A special kids menu will also be available to those 12 and under – a 2-course Prix Fixe for $15.00. Left Bank Brasseries is known for simple, seasonally changing French-inspired cuisine from Chef Roland Passot.
3060 Olsen Dr., Ste 50, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone number: (408) 800-0048
Nov. 23, 2023
Thursday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year to celebrate with your kids and the whole family at the Santa Row in San Jose! Meso serves the below Mediterranean-inspired holiday menu prix fixe, in addition to a reduced regular menu. Their menu draws from the most iconic flavors and ingredients of the Mediterranean Basin.
Relax and enjoy the beauty of family as they attend to every detail to make your holiday dining extra special. At Meso, life is centered around the table, and meals bring people together from near and far to reinvigorate connection, conversation, and community.
200 S. First St., Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone number: (408) 971-1700
Nov. 23, 2023
Thursday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Join Scott’s Seafood for Thanksgiving and bring your family for a home-cooked turkey dinner. A San Jose seafood staple, Scott’s is well-known for not only the freshness and quality of its seafood but also its emphasis on sustainable, healthy food options. They will serve a 3-course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving meal for $53.00 per person and $18 per child under 12, exclusive of tax or gratuity. A limited a la carte menu will also be available.
Since 1976, Scott’s Seafood has been one of the most widely acclaimed dinner destinations in the Bay Area. You can find its location in downtown San Jose, where you can have the best venue to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with your kids and the whole family.
Thanksgiving holiday is a perfect occasion to build a stronger connection with your loved ones and extended family over a shared activity. There’s no shortage of entertaining things to do with kids as we kick off the holiday season with Thanksgiving Day in San Jose. Make this holiday an opportunity to explore the hidden gems of San Jose and celebrate Thanksgiving as you create beautiful memories with your kids and everyone in the family!
So, take your family to some of the most beautiful attractions or any kid-friendly events from our list, and then treat them to a fancy restaurant for a Thanksgiving dinner.
San Jose offers so many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Jose with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in San Francisco? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended seasonal blog posts.
Activities to do with Kids during Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Tradition Makeover
15 Things to Do on Thanksgiving Day in San Francisco with Kids
Things to do on Thanksgiving in Sacramento with Kids
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