Delight in the free pop-up art and light displays around Broward County during IGNITE. Photo courtesy of the Broward County Cultural Division
75 Free Fun Things to Do in Miami & South Florida with Kids
Enjoy aquatic shows, aquarium tanks, even a chance to swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium. Photo courtesy of the Seaquarium
3 Days in Miami with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Bowlero birthday parties include bowling, arcade fun, and shoe rental. Photo courtesy of Bowlero
Top Indoor Birthday Party Places in Miami for Kids
Camp Lindenmere is a jam-packed Pennsylvania summer camp offering sports, circus arts, creative activities, and more. Photo courtesy of the camp
GUIDE
National Summer Camp Guide
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Tidal Cove Waterpark - Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Best Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach Hotels and Resorts for Kids and Families
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Miami with Kids
Photo courtesy of Just 4 Fun Family Fun Center
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, & West Palm Beach
Meet the horses and enjoy a free ride at Happi Farm in Davie. Photo courtesy of the farm
Meet the Animals at These 10 Great Miami and South Florida Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
The Burger Shack welcomes small children who enjoy the state-of-the-art playground, attached to the restaurant. Photo courtesy of Burger Shack at Lighthouse Cove
Restaurants in Miami Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Kayaking is one of the many outdoor activities available at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
  VIDEO
West Palm Beach with Kids: 50 Things To Do in West Palm Beach, Florida
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables features 820,000 gallons of water fed from an underground aquifer. Photo courtesy of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
12 Great Public Pools for Kids and Families in Miami & South Florida
Photo courtesy of Ocquatics Swim School
Swimming Lessons for Miami Kids: 10 Best Swim Schools in South Florida
Enjoy great outdoor music at The Lawn at Dania Pointe during Family Sundays. Photo courtesy of the venue
Free Summer Concerts and the Best Outdoor Music Festivals for Families in Miami and South Florida
Get close to underwater creatures at the Frost Science Museum's massive aquarium. Photo by Jackie Jones
Frost Science Museum: Miami's Must-See Family Attraction
Kidmoto car service addresses the all-too-common challenge of getting families with young kids to the airport safely.
Kidmoto’s Airport Car Service Offers Safety & Comfort with Up To Five Car Seats
Let your imagination soar at the
Best Playgrounds in Miami & South Florida
Get to know your baby during the My Grownup and Me classes at Baby Stars! Photo courtesy of Baby Stars
15 Best Mommy-and-Me Classes in Miami for Kids
Get up-close with crocodiles at Zoo Miami. Photo by Ron Magill for Zoo Miami
55 Fun Things To Do around Miami with Kids Before They Grow Up
Zoo Tampa has lush tropical exhibits that will leave visitors in awe. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Tampa with Kids: 20 Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter
St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Anclote Key, made up of four islands off the Gulf Coast's Tarpon Springs, is a popular gathering place for boaters. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Best Sandbars Near Orlando and Central Florida for Families Interested in Adventure
Go snorkeling in the stunning water at Tranquility Bay Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
30 Things To Do in the Florida Keys with Kids (Besides Key West )
Photo by Jackie Jones
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek: Why Kids Love this South Florida Bug Zoo
These gentle giants love the warm waters at Blue Springs in Central Florida. Photo by the author
Best Places to See Manatees in Orlando & Central Florida
All Aboard South Florida's New Train: Riding the Brightline to Miami
There are more than just lions at Lion Country Safari.
Lion Country Safari: Drive-thru Zoo with Wildlife, Water Rides, & More in South Florida
Flying teams take to the skies during the Fort Lauderdale Air Show this weekend. Photo courtesy of the event
Air Show, Star Wars, Maker Faire, and More Great Things to Do in Miami this Weekend with Kids

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Miami: Holiday Lights, Turkey Trots, and More Great Things To Do

Enjoy holiday illuminations at Christmas Lights in the Acres. Photo courtesy of the event
Enjoy holiday illuminations at Christmas Lights in the Acres. Photo courtesy of the event
11/26/24 - By Lindsey Scannell

Looking for the best things to do in Miami and South Florida this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's Thanksgiving weekend, and we are packing on the fun (and maybe a few pounds) in Miami and South Florida. 

Before the big feast, families can enjoy kid-friendly turkey trots and fun runs throughout the region. Afterward, take in community Christmas events in Lake Worth, Plantation Acres, and Stuart. It soon will be the season of holiday lights, so make sure you check our rundown of must-do holiday events in the region.

Still hoping to head out for Thanksgiving dinner? While there is still time, glimpse our list of kid-friendly restaurants open on the holiday. 

Want more ideas for the Thanksgiving holiday break? Check out our Christmas Events and Holiday Activities Guide and get the details about all the fun happenings in the area this holiday season. 

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Mommy Poppins.

More Things To Do in Miami this Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get your pre-dinner steps in at Turkey Trot Miami. Photo courtesy of the event
Get your pre-dinner steps in at Turkey Trot Miami. Photo courtesy of the event

Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Miami and South Florida

Turkey Trot Miami

Miami
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28
Turkey Trot Miami offers family fun for all runners, joggers, and walkers with a distance for every age and pace. The 5K, 10K, and Thanksgiving-themed finish festival are all centrally located within Tropical Park. Even the tiniest of turkeys can race. Register your little ones (ages 2-9) to take to their own course this Thanksgiving. READ MORE

Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot

Fort Lauderdale
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28
The Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot is a Broward County tradition, attracting more than 3,300 participants annually, including runners, joggers, and walkers. ​ Featuring a 5k run/walk race, the course runs along beautiful and scenic A1A, Fort Lauderdale’s iconic beach road. READ MORE

Town of Palm Beach United Way Turkey Trot 5K

Palm Beach
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28
The turkey trot is an annual race on the island of Palm Beach. This fun, healthy, and family-friendly event includes a chip-timed 5K race and a Kids Drumstick Dash. The event also features music, children's activities, raffle prizes, and snacks and beverages. READ MORE

Tamarac Turkey Trot 5K

Tamarac
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28
Registration is open for one of South Florida’s most cherished Thanksgiving Day traditions—the 44th annual Tamarac Turkey Trot 5K Run. Since its inception in 1980, this Thanksgiving morning race has been a tradition for Tamarac residents, neighbors and friends, who gather to kick off their holiday weekend with fun and fitness. READ MORE

Christmas at Stuart Main Street

Stuart—FREE
Friday, November 29
This much-loved family event features the annual lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree, as well as other fun activities for the whole family such as arts and crafts, face painting, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot Miami

Key Biscayne
Saturday, November 30
Kick off your Thanksgiving weekend with a fun and festive run at the Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot in Key Biscayne. This small-group run, limited to 15-20 participants per wave, offers a relaxed environment for all ages and paces. READ MORE

Jingle Bell Jam at The Kravis Center

West Palm Beach
Saturday, November 30
Celebrate the holiday season with the third Annual Lopez Music Lab Recital, Jingle Bell Jam. The studio is dedicated to nurturing young talent and inspiring a love of music, and this year’s recital will showcase students’ hard work and creativity. Watch as they perform festive holiday classics with fun twists, showcasing their skills in piano, drums, guitar, voice, and more. READ MORE

Lake Worth Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

Lake Worth—FREE
Saturday, November 30
Visit the Lake Worth Beach Cultural Plaza for the annual tree lighting ceremony that kicks off the holiday season. READ MORE

Christmas Lights in the Acres

Plantation Acres—OPENING WEEKEND
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
This drive-thru holiday lights show entertains each year with a dazzling display of Christmas lights to tour through. READ MORE

Miami Children’s Museum Tropical Winter Wonderland

Miami—OPENING WEEKEND
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
Glide and twirl in your socks on the outdoor sock skating rink while learning about the characteristics and qualities of snow. READ MORE

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at The Kravis Center

Miami
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. READ MORE

Luminosa: A Festival of Lights

Miami
Thursday, November 28-Sunday, December 1
Be transported to Luminosa, a lush jungle illuminated with breathtaking and larger-than-life lanterns. Traverse through hundreds of artistic lanterns highlighting the spirit of Miami with an ambiance and vibe found nowhere else in the world. READ MORE

Symphony in Lights Holiday Celebration

Hallandale Beach—OPENING WEEKEND
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
Ring in the holidays at Gulfstream Park Village. Families are invited to see the seasonal lights display in the open-air lifestyle center. The property will be illuminated in more than 250,000 LED lights, all set to the sounds of holiday favorites and popular music from yesterday and today. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: