Thanksgiving Day is a time to spend with family, gathering together and contemplating the many areas of your life to be grateful for. While many choose to spend the day at home, enjoying a turkey and watching the famous Thanksgiving Day parade and dog show, there are other activities your family can participate in that are fun and exciting. If you’re looking to create a new tradition this year, check out this list of things to do with your family on Thanksgiving Day in Portland.
Portland Spirit 2022 Thanksgiving Cruise
Skip the dinner prep and relax the day away on this Portland Spirit Cruise. Sail your way down the Willamette River as you enjoy the stunning Portland landscape and Milwake’s historic waterfront. Available to sailors of all ages, your family will enjoy a buffet-style dinner packed full of mouth-watering classic dishes and sumptuous desserts. There is live piano music as well as private tables for every party, making this two-hour cruise an experience your family will rave about for years! Boarding begins at 4:00 pm, with departure at 4:30 pm and return docking at 6:30 pm.
If you’re looking for a feast but prefer to stay on dry land, head on over to Cascade Grill for a full Thanksgiving meal, including all the fixings! Your family will enjoy the ambiance of celebrating the holiday surrounded by friendly faces, and you’ll enjoy spending the day relaxing instead of cooking! Cascade Grill will have its full menu available for those who don’t feel like eating holiday fare, making it a flexible option for even the pickiest eaters. Doors open at 11:00 am and close at 8:00 pm, so your family can eat their fill and enjoy spending the rest of the day together.
For those who enjoy running, there’s no better way to spend Thanksgiving than participating in the Turkey Trot. Located at the Oregon Zoo, you can bring the entire family along and navigate your way along the exciting route full of many different types of animals. Whether you’re looking to beat the clock or jog at a leisurely pace, there’s no doubt the Turkey Trot is an excellent Thanksgiving Day activity!
Are you ready to spend the day solving puzzles and deciphering clues? If you are, the One Team Scavenger Hunt is the perfect Thanksgiving Day activity for your family. All you need is your cell phone, and you’re set for the adventure of a lifetime! Perfect for all members of the family, including those with special needs and handicap accessibility, there is something for everyone, young and old. Each scavenger hunt is designed as a self-guided tour, so it doesn’t require a reservation, making it the perfect option for even last-minute fun. Try and finish your adventure as fast as possible so you can place first, or take your time and enjoy the experience. There’s no wrong way to play, and since the pricing is per team and not per person, you can have a group of any size. There’s no better way to work off your turkey coma than a One Team Scavenger Hunt!
There’s nothing better than looking at lights with the family, and no one does it better than the Oregon Zoo. Wrap up your Thanksgiving Day festivities with the Zoolights Drive, where everyone can enjoy viewing the stunning light displays. The fun begins at 5:00 pm and ends at 10:00 pm but be sure to make a reservation beforehand to guarantee your spot in line. Kids of all ages and adults will love viewing the stunning light show from the warmth of your family vehicle, making it an ideal option for those with small children. While there are some vehicle restrictions that apply, virtually everyone will have a blast seeing the zoo lit up like never before!
Boardgame Night At The 4th Wall
If your family loves board games, make your way down to the 4th Wall for a night everyone will enjoy. You can bring your favorite game of play, one of the ones provided, in this casual and relaxed, family-friendly environment. Families of all ages are welcome, and admission is free, making it the perfect way to create memories and laugh the night away.
If you’re looking to try something new this Thanksgiving Day, check out some of the fun, family-friendly activities around Portland. You’re sure to create memories your family will cherish for a lifetime!
