7 Fun Activities to Do With Your Family Around Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to slow down, soak in autumn and holiday vibes, and spend time together (beyond just cooking and eating). Here are seven family‑friendly outings in the Philadelphia area to consider:

Apple & Pumpkin Picking at Linvilla Orchards

Head to Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA, where over 300 acres of farmland await. You can pick your own apples or pumpkins (depending on the season), take a scenic tractor or train ride, visit the farm animals, and enjoy mini‑golf, face‑painting, and more.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: It’s a great way to gather fresh produce for your holiday table, get some fresh air, and let kids run and explore.

More info: https://www.linvilla.com/ 

Cake Decorating Class with New June Bakery at Longwood Gardens

New June’s cake decorating workshops are hosted at Longwood Gardens. In this hands‑on class, you’ll learn vintage piping techniques, experiment with piping tips, and decorate a 6″ cake using accents like wafer paper butterflies, glitter, pearls, cherries, and more.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: After the holiday meal, this is a creative, relaxing, and sweet way to spend time as a family. You each decorate something you can take home (or share).

Pricing & details: The class is priced at $275 (adult rate) as listed for an upcoming session.

More info: https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/vintage-cake-decorating-class-new-june-bakery

Nature Walk on the Wissahickon Valley Trail

Explore the Wissahickon Valley Park’s network of trails. Here are a few options:

- Forbidden Drive: A wide, flat, gravel path along the creek. Excellent for easy, family‑friendly strolling.
- Orange Trail (east side, between Kitchen’s Lane and Monastery Stables): More natural, with rolling hills.
- Lavender Trail (west side): Shorter, quieter, and pedestrian-only; modest hills.
- Yellow Trail (west side): More challenging, rugged natural surface for a more adventurous walk.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: Crisp fall foliage, quiet wooded paths, and a chance to digest that big meal with a scenic stroll.

More info: https://fow.org/

Visit Shady Brook Farm & Holiday Light Show (Drive‑Through + Santa’s Village)

Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, PA, features its farm market, corn mazes, wagon rides, and more. But the standout seasonal event is the Holiday Light Show — a drive‑through experience featuring over one million lights. You can enjoy it from the comfort of your car or choose an open-air wagon ride.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: The light show typically opens just after Thanksgiving, making it a perfect kickoff to holiday magic. The drive-through format is cozy and accessible for families with small children or in colder weather.

Pricing & details:
- Cars/minivans/SUVs: $30–50 depending on date.
- Wagon rides: $15–20 per person, depending on date.
- Private wagons: $400–600 for groups.

More info: https://shadybrookfarm.com/pages/holiday-light-show

Holiday Shopping & Festive Vibes at Christmas Village (Center City, Philadelphia)

Every holiday season, Center City transforms with Christmas Village in LOVE Park and around City Hall. Wooden vendor huts offer gifts, crafts, ornaments, warm treats, and local artisans. Live entertainment, festive décor, and holiday ambiance make it a fun evening walk.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: The market often opens around Thanksgiving, providing an early festive outing to browse, sip cocoa, and soak in the holiday spirit.

More info: https://www.philachristmas.com/ 

Explore Froehlich’s Farm & Garden Center

During Thanksgiving and moving into the holiday season, Froehlich transitions from Fall festivals into holiday mode. You can shop for Christmas trees, wreaths, holiday décor, or attend special events like visits with Santa or reindeer.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: It’s an accessible, local, hands-on way to get into the holiday spirit while still enjoying farm charm. You can pick holiday greenery, browse decorations, and enjoy seasonal events in a relaxed atmosphere.

More info: https://froehlichsfarm.com/events/ 

Adventure at Hellerick’s Adventure Farm

Hellerick’s Adventure Farm offers attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, aerial challenges, climbing features, and more. It’s a lively farm‑festival environment.

Why it’s fun around Thanksgiving: It captures the whole “farm-fall” experience — suitable for families who want something interactive, outdoorsy, energetic, and filled with seasonal fun.

More info: https://hellericksfarm.com/ 

Tips for Planning & Making It a Memorable Thanksgiving Week

- Mix indoor & outdoor: Pair a chilly nature walk with the cozy cake class or an evening light drive.

- Check event dates & schedules: Some experiences open only after Thanksgiving or on select nights.

- Book ahead when required: Holiday light shows, classes, and wagon rides often sell out in advance.

- Dress in layers & bring snacks: For outdoor stops, bring warm clothing, hats, gloves, and portable treats or hot drinks.

- Capture memories: Use your phone or a camera to take candid shots. These outings often become beloved traditions.