Bring the whole family together for Black Friday fun—shopping included! We’ve put together a list of family activities you can do now and throughout Thanksgiving weekend, to keep the celebrations going once Thanksgiving is over. With these ideas, you’ll get all of your shopping done and make lasting family memories. After a day of giving thanks and gratitude, the last thing you’ll want to do is visit an over-crowded shopping mall or stay up late to access online deals. Instead, consider a weekend that’s packed with stress-free activities and family bonding. There’s something for everyone, including parents and kids! Put a few of these ideas on your Black Friday fun list and embrace the true spirit of the holidays: togetherness.
Skip the store and shop online all weekend long.
These days, retailers and online shops offer Black Friday deals all weekend long! Forget staying up late or visiting a jam-packed store. The whole family can stay in their pajamas, drink a cup of spiced apple cider, and shop for their favorite gifts online.
Shop on your own timeline, in between activities. You can score incredible deals on gifts, and even personalized Christmas gifts made just for you! Black Friday is the perfect time to get a head start on holiday shopping and find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Delight parent and child with a soothing Christmas lullaby like A Christmas Dream for Me. Surprise the family with a personalized Christmas puzzle, so kids can countdown to Santa’s arrival all December long! You can find these gifts and more on special discount, and enjoy them even before Christmas!
Start a new family tradition like storytime or game night.
Begin a new family reading tradition with children’s storybooks! Get cozy at home and cuddle up for reading time during nap time or bedtime. Parent and child will love making memories together as they read. You can also start a new reading tradition with your pet! Gather together to read a special storybook like How My Dog Saved Christmas that is personalized for your loving pup. This reading activity is a great way for your child and dog to bond, especially around the holidays. You can also start a game night tradition and play board games all weekend long.
Bake cookies as a family.
Enjoy fun in the kitchen and bake cookies made with love! This family activity is perfect for little ones and older children. Everyone can help out whether it’s measuring flour, mixing ingredients, or licking the bowl clean!
Video chat with extended family.
Connect with family, no matter the distance! At the holidays, it’s especially meaningful to video call relatives and tell them how much you love them. If you aren’t able to get a call through, send them an audio message or video message from the whole family. Black Friday, like Thanksgiving, can be another celebration of gratitude and thankfulness!
Go for a family walk or bike ride.
If the weather is cooperating, take the whole family on a walk or bike ride for fresh air! You can turn this activity into a nature hike, identifying different plants and animals on your way. If you live close to the beach, make that your final destination and spend a relaxing day listening to the waves. The exercise will help kids release pent-up Thanksgiving energy and improve their muscle coordination.
Put up holiday decorations.
Get a head start on holiday decorating! If you’re feeling festive, put up the Christmas tree or make handmade decorations as a family. Craft your own paper tree garland or make paper snowflakes to hang on the fireplace mantle. Turn on holiday tunes and take dance breaks in between!
Watch a movie.
Visit the movie theater or enjoy the movie theater experience at home with popcorn and candy. We also love the idea of blending your leftover pumpkin pie into milkshakes! If you’re watching at home, make Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches for everyone and cuddle up to watch a holiday film in pajamas.
Play football in the backyard.
Kick off family fun on Black Friday with a game of backyard football! You can also invite friends or neighbors to join. Capture the memories on video, and re-watch your family escapades every holiday.
Enjoy a bonfire and hot chocolate bar.
Start a bonfire and arrange a hot chocolate bar, so you can enjoy your warm drink outside! For the hot chocolate bar, you can offer a variety of chocolate: white, milk, and dark chocolate. Offer edible extras in small bowls like marshmallows, sprinkles, crushed peppermint, coconut flakes, and butterscotch chips. Kids will love playing scientist and experimenting with different hot chocolate concoctions! With cocoa in hand, enjoy a bonfire outside and spend the evening unwinding under the stars.
