Fun, Healthy Activities for This Thanksgiving Weekend

Many families have wonderful traditions for the holidays and in particular Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving, how about starting a new family tradition? Here are some ideas for fun healthy activities you can do with your family this Thanksgiving weekend.

Take a walk in your neighborhood. Have the children search for and collect Fall leaves. Bring a camera and take photographs of the beautiful color changes in the area. When you get home press and preserve the collected leaves and start an album.

Alternatively, you can find an area nearby, such as a national park where you can go hiking. Again, the children can collect leaves and take photos. Bring a picnic basket and you can have a quick snack. You can also pitch a tent and campout at a nearby campground.

One tradition my family enjoys is going apple and pumpkin picking. Not only is it great exercise, as we walk through orchards, but fun too. And what healthier food to snack on, than apples, which we test through out our orchard walk.

Of course, the fall is the time to clean up your yard, and rake all those falling leaves. Gather all the leaves and let the children jump in them and then have them help rake and bag. You can also start a traditional game in your backyard. An invigorating brisk game of soccer, basketball or football will get the blood pumping on a chilly day.

Do you live near New York City? Take a trip and plan on watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Walking through the long New York City streets is great exercise and watching the parade a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.

For those that would rather stay warm and skip outdoor activities, you still can start fun and healthy traditions with your families, even indoors.

Gather the family and have some fun at your local ice skating or roller skating rinks or start an annual family bowling tournament. Also, this weekend is a great opportunity to explore some of the nearby museums.

And finally, you can help your family learn the meaning and history of Thanksgiving, by putting on a fun play.