Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the best things in life — good food, family gatherings, and the start of the joyous holiday season. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you may wonder how you want to spend the week with your family apart from the traditional dinner feast. There’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids during Thanksgiving Day in Fresno, from festive events to enchanting holiday cheer!
Thanksgiving in Fresno is an unforgettable experience for kids and the whole family, as there are so many things to do and events to participate in that get everyone in high spirits. It’s that time of year when fall festivities, holiday cheers, and family food feasts kick it all off this November. Get your body moving in the morning with Fresno’s Annual Turkey Trot and help feed the homeless. The entire family can experience the magical holiday light displays and plenty of kid-friendly activities at night.
Are you looking to make the most out of your Thanksgiving celebration? This year, go out and do something unique with the whole family instead of just having another traditional Thanksgiving dinner at home. There are so many ways to celebrate this momentous holiday than you ever thought. From running to volunteering events, enjoying delicious buffets to watching holiday light shows and parades, get gobbled and wobbled with our list of fun things to do with kids on Thanksgiving Day in Fresno!
Lake Yosemite
5714 N Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95340
Phone Number: (209) 795-7832
November 23, 2024
Saturday | 8:15 am – 3:40 pm
The Merced Running Club would like to invite you, your family, and your friends to another fun-filled running event: the Merced Turkey Trot. This long-time tradition in Merced will again be held at Lake Yosemite, next to UC Merced. All 2 and 5 Mile participants will be chip-timed—a big thank you to On Your Mark Events for their timing services.
They will again offer a Kids 1K that starts at 8:15 a.m., a 2-mile Run/Walk, and a 5-mile Run. Bring a new unwrapped toy and receive a raffle ticket. Prizes will be awarded after the race. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Toys for Tots, Merced County Chapter. Thank you to all MRC members for their continued support and endorsement of our sport.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
894 West Belmont Ave., Fresno, California 93728
Phone Number: (559) 498-5910
November 23-24, 26-27, 29-30, 2024
December 1, 5, 7-8, 12-15, 19-23, 26-30, 2024
January 2-5, 10-11, 17-18, 24, 31, 2025
February 1, 2025
Select Days | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Experience the Zoo in a new light with hundreds of uniquely designed, handmade lanterns glowing throughout the Zoo. Let the nature, interactive, and cultural lanterns illuminate your night as you enjoy this spectacular event.
Each igloo accommodates up to six guests and includes one small charcuterie board to share and one drink ticket per person (non-alcoholic for those under 21). Additionally, guests will have access to a dedicated bar exclusively for the igloo area to purchase more drinks.
Valley View Ranch
18808 Ave., 24 1/2, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Phone Number: (209) 996-8890
November 23 – 24, 2024
Saturday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
It’s Fall, you all, so join us for a get-together one last time before the cold weather rolls in and we are locked up in our homes, dreaming of riding. CGA D2 Deuces Wild will be having a potluck-style Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday Night (turkey provided) and would love to have everyone bring something to share and join in on the fun!
Join District 2 for a fun weekend of Gymkhana, Horses, Camping, and Friends. Don’t forget the awards, too. Both Saturday and Sunday are individual shows, which means awards and ribbons each day. Come camp for the weekend and ride for two days!
Kids Discovery Station
350 W Yosemite Ave., Merced, CA 95348
Phone Number: (209) 580-4070
November 25 – 27, 2024
Monday | 8:30 am – 3:40 pm
There are many events and fun things to do with kids on Thanksgiving in Fresno and nearby areas, such as Kids Discovery Station, which will have a Thanksgiving Intersession Camp. Daily sign ups for a full-day camp with fun and educational activities, crafts, and games.
There will be free museum admission for the participating child and an accompanying adult on the day of the camp registration. An adult does not have to be present for the duration of the camp. There will be Take-Home projects to share, and children are welcome to bring nut-free snacks.
Romain Park
745 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93702
Phone Number: (559) 621-7529
November 25, 2024
Monday | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Get crafty with everyone at Fall A Palooza. Engage in Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts, including pinecone turkeys, pony bead pumpkins, construction paper scarecrows, and painted turkey wood cutouts.
Woodward Park Mountain View Shelter
7775 N Friant Rd., Fresno, CA 93720
E-mail: ironglenn@sbcglobal.net
November 28, 2024
Thursday | 6:00 am – 9:00 am
Fresno’s annual Turkey Trot is a great way to spend family bonding time, get fresh air, exercise, and do something with your local community. Held in Woodward Park and benefitting the Fresno Food Bank, the Turkey Trot takes place early in the morning, so you can take the whole family, get some air for a great cause, and still make it back in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
Kids 0-4 may attend free (with no shirt or medal) when accompanied by a parent. For 25 years, the running community has supported the hungry of Fresno through registrations and donations at the Fresno Turkey Trot. What a great way to start your Thanksgiving. Run or walk on Thanksgiving morning, and then eat your Thanksgiving feast guilt-free!
Centennial Plaza
Pollasky Ave. & Bullard Ave., Clovis, CA 93612
Phone Number: (559) 301-5234
November 28, 2024
Thursday | 7:00 am – 9:00 am
What a great way to start your Thanksgiving. Trot over to Clovis on Thanksgiving morning, run or wobble the 5k or 2-mile Pollasky course, and then eat your Thanksgiving feast guilt-free. They offer all participants a long-sleeve Thanksgiving shirt and a Finisher’s Medallion.
Be sure to join us for the costume, most prominent family, and Talk Turkey contests. Let’s hear your Gobble and see your Wobble! A custom Country, Turkey Day medallion awaits you as you finish! The Clovis Turkey Day Run is the second Classic Holiday Run Series race. You are invited to join in on the fun!
The Hyde
3200 West Mineral King Ave., Visalia, CA 93291
Phone Number: (559) 372-9822
November 28, 2024
Thursday | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join everyone for a special Thanksgiving Brunch on Thanksgiving Day, where classic brunch favorites meet traditional Thanksgiving flavors in Fresno and nearby areas. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious feast in a warm, festive atmosphere.
They’ll have live music, a fantastic photo opportunity for a family portrait, and festive drinks for everyone of all ages. Their thoughtfully crafted menu will feature a delightful mix of brunch staples and traditional Thanksgiving dishes. There’s something for everyone!
Elbow Room Bar & Grill
731 W. San Jose Ave., Fresno, CA 93704
Phone Number: (559) 227-1234
November 28, 2024
Thursday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Your favorite neighborhood restaurant is making Thanksgiving a breeze! Imagine visiting your favorite San Francisco-style steakhouse. Place it in the heart of California and bring your kids and the whole family for a delicious and bountiful Thanksgiving dinner, and you’ll experience The Elbow Room.
The Elbow Room is a famous hangout for locals, business people, and travelers alike. It features a comfy ambiance and great casual dining. The mission of the Elbow Room is to continue to be the finest casual dining restaurant in Fresno, known for providing unequaled personal service to each and every guest.
Campagnia Bistro
1185 East Champlain Dr., Fresno, CA 93720
Phone Number: (559) 433-3300
November 28, 2024
Thursday | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Gather with family and celebrate Thanksgiving in Fresno at Campagnia Bistro. Enjoy a delicious buffet with prime rib, seafood, and more in a warm, festive atmosphere!
Campagnia Bistro is located at the corner of Champlain and Perrin in the heart of the upscale Woodward Park area in north Fresno. It offers an eclectic menu of California Bistro Cuisine prepared by award-winning Chef Floro Bugnosen.
Thanksgiving is a part of our tradition that holds a special place in our hearts, and everyone looks forward to it every year. Traverse across Fresno with an action-packed itinerary for things to do during Thanksgiving Day, and you’ll find a wide range of fun events and turkey-terrific activities for kids and the whole family to enjoy. No matter what Thanksgiving getaway you choose to have, this list has everything you need to make your Thanksgiving festivities even more meaningful!
Fresno 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 Fresno with kids. Still lookng for more activities for kids in Fresno? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended seasonal blog posts.
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