10 Stress Free Black Friday Activities for Families
After a relaxing day spent sitting around the dinner table with loved ones, who really wants to hit up an overcrowded mall? Stuffed with turkey and cranberry sauce, are you up for competing with other shoppers, clamoring to get the best deals? For folks with kids, this scenario is particularly unappealing.
There’s nothing more challenging than corralling kids and teens into a car at 6 a.m. – only to spend hours on your feet, fighting through crowds. This year, we suggest skipping the madness! Instead, plan for a lovely day bonding with your family and leave your stressors elsewhere.
We’re sharing a fun-packed list of ideas for both indoor and outdoor Black Friday activities the whole family can enjoy!
1. Online shopping scavenger hunt
Let’s face it – some of those Black Friday deals are too good to pass up. Enter the wonderful world of online shopping. Skip the long lines and general fuss by doing your shopping on the website(s) of your choice. Better yet, you can make a game out of it with your kids. Black Friday Scavenger Hunt, anyone? Create a shopping list and see who can find the best deals on each of the items on it. The kids can enjoy some healthy competition while your wallet reaps the benefits!
2. Head into the great outdoors
It's natural to crave some exercise after all that savory stuffing and pumpkin pie. Lace up your sneakers, fill up some water bottles, and head outdoors as a family for some fresh air! Time spent outdoors is ideal for bonding as a unit. Consider going for a hike, visiting a nearby farm, pumpkin patch, zoo or nature center. Those who celebrate Christmas can also head to a Christmas tree farm to choose and chop down a tree!
3. Explore and shop locally
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook some of the great things your town has to offer. Why not spend Black Friday re-exploring the place you call home? Spend a morning or afternoon visiting local shops, cafes and restaurants as a family. Help jumpstart your local economy by supporting small businesses. Plus, you’re bound to find at least one new local treasure you’ve somehow overlooked!
4. Have some backyard fun
The hullabaloo of Thanksgiving can leave you feeling in need of a restful day at home. Perhaps a day-trip is too much to plan so soon after the holiday. If so, why not simply spend some time outside with your kids? Give them a pack of Crayola Sidewalk Chalk and encourage them to create a festive fall collage across the driveway or sidewalk. Not only will you have a masterpiece to admire, clean-up is minimal – just add water or wait for rain!
Another fun chalk activity is our Outdoor Island-Hopping Game and our Sidewalk Chalk Challenge. Both are great ways to combine creativity with a healthy dose of exercise!
5. Leaf play
The seasonal color change of leaves is beautiful, but they also require a lot of work to rake up. While there’s the age-old joy of simply piling them all up and jumping straight into the middle, we also have a few creative ideas for them. Turn those leaves into beautiful pieces of art. Our easy Leaf Crown craft uses simple supplies like construction paper and paint. For something seriously elegant and kid-approved, check out our tutorial for a Gold Leaf Bowl.
6. Bolos Creation
Is anyone in your family a history buff or fan of hunting? You might create a Bolo, like those used by Native American boys hunting for food for their families. Making your own Bolo combines creativity and history, while keeping in the Thanksgiving spirit. You’ll only need a few simple supplies, including clay, scissors and string.
7. Friendsgiving
Part of the joy of Thanksgiving is in taking the time to slow down and express gratitude (both for your loved ones, and for dinner!). Why not let your kids experience that within their own friends circle? Allow them to host a Friendsgiving get-together. Reheat leftovers, or create fun new recipes with whatever you’ve got on hand. If they’re old enough, your kids can even be the chefs!
8. Jewelry Making
Continue that attitude of gratitude! Encourage your kids to create little keepsakes for each other, family or friends. Bracelets and necklaces are easy to bead together at almost any age. You also might consider one of the Crayola jewelry making kits to take your pieces to the next level. We have an easy-to-follow BFF Bracelet tutorial to help get your creative, jewelry-making juices flowing!
9. Thanksgiving Diorama
Did your family have a true Thanksgiving to remember? Have your kids recreate a moment from the day by crafting a diorama. Depending on their ages, you can use Crayola Model Magic or Modeling Clay to get all the details just right!
10. December Holiday Prep
Once Thanksgiving passes, the whirlwind of the December holidays is right around the bend. Get a jumpstart on your gift list by crafting our adorable Holiday Gift Tags on Black Friday. They’ll add an endearing personal touch to any gift you give this season!