MINI


Things to do With Kids for Thanksgiving in Southwest Florida

Exercise gratitude this season by hitting the track, exploring historical exhibits or just by enjoying the time off with your mini me’s.

BY November 10, 2022
Kid holding paper garland with text Give thanks. Children decorating living room for celebrating Thanksgiving day.
(iStock Photo/ Credit Zulfiska)

ACTIVITIES 

 

Nov. 19

EHAS Executive Chef’s Cook-Off Competition

Location: Luminary Hotel & Co., Downtown Fort Myers

Three executive chefs and nine junior chefs go head-to-head in a live cook-off where they are judged by a panel. Before the show, enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a live violin performance. Then, the chefs’ creations are served as hors d’oeuvres for the audience to weigh in. 

Get Tickets

 

Nov. 21-23

Thanksgiving Break: Escape from Tut’s Tomb!

Location: IMAG History and Science Center, Fort Myers

Let your kiddos loose this Thanksgiving as they explore the national traveling exhibit, Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience. Created with the National Geographic Society, the show celebrates the 100th anniversary of discovering the Egyptian pharaoh’s tomb. This three-day interactive exhibit takes campers through the recreated archaeological site, where they solve puzzles and play STEM- and history-enriching games to escape the tomb.

Get Tickets

 

Nov. 21-23, 25

C’MON’s Fall Break Camp

Location: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

Take a break from Thanksgiving Break and drop your kids off at Naples’ children’s museum for a four- or five-day camp experience. Kindergarteners through second graders engage in experiential learning through STEAM-based activities, like engineering rollercoasters and creating textiles. Drop-off is at 8:15 a.m., and pickup is at 5 p.m. each day. 

Register Here

 

FAMILY RACES 

 

Nov. 24

2022 Gulf Coast Runners Thanksgiving 5K

Location: Paradise Sports Complex, Naples

In this ninth-annual event, children can compete in the main 3.1-mile race or kids’ 1K. Younger ones (ages 1 to 9) can join in the 100-yard dash. Pre-registered racers get a long-sleeve shirt and commemorative medal. Proceeds benefit St. Matthew’s House, and canned food and clothing donations are accepted at the race. 

Register Here

 

Nov. 24

Location: Florida SouthWestern College, Punta Gorda campus

Join the 24th Annual Charlotte County Habitat’s Turkey Trot 2022 5K Run and Fun Walk, where all of the proceeds go to building 30 family homes for locals. You and your kid chase the bicycle-riding turkey toward the finish line for a chance to place in your age group. 

Register Here

 

Nov. 24

Location: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers

The historic estate hosts its 43rd annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk; littles 6 and under are in a league of their own in the Tot Trot. The first 2,000 registrants receive a commemorative T-shirt and funds go toward the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and the Fort Myers Track Club youth scholarship.

Register Here

 

Nov 27

18th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride

Location: Eagle Lakes Park, Naples

Whether your minis are using training or racing wheels, join them in a 5- or 10-mile bike ride or a 2.5- or 5-mile stroll through the park. Afterward, delve into a lunch catered by Jason’s Deli, with free beer for the adults, lemonade for the littles and water for everyone. Kids under 12 join for free. 

Register Here

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