With the season of spooks and scares behind us, it’s time to look forward to the cozy traditions and togetherness of Thanksgiving. In addition to the delicious eats, expressions of gratitude, and warmth of quality time spent with family and friends, there are a cornucopia of local Thanksgiving experiences for Main Line families to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for an active way to spend part of the holiday weekend or you’d like to start a new Thanksgiving tradition, the Main Line area offers plenty of options. So let’s get gobbling and find some Thanksgiving weekend fun.

Thanksgiving Stories, Crafting, and Creativity

If your family wants to get in to the spirit of the holiday, check out these engaging activities, story times, and creative offerings. What’s more, we’ve even featured a centerpiece class for adults who want to get their own artistic juices flowing before the relatives arrive.

Artsy Adventures – All About Thanksgiving Drop-In Event

The Playgarden, 251 Perkiomen Ave., Schwenksville
November 14, 2025, from 9:30–10:15 am

Join The Playgarden for a hands-on drop-in session where little ones ages 2–5 (with caregiver) can experience art, music, movement, play, and story time. This special Thanksgiving-themed class will feature festive crafts and songs, as well as stories celebrating the season of thanks and togetherness. The class will run from 9:30–10:15 am, with open play available until noon.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop

Pine + Quill, 23 N. Walnut St., West Chester
November 23, 2025, from 2–4 pm

Don’t let the kids have all the crafty fun. Design a welcoming Thanksgiving centerpiece in this hands-on floral workshop. Maria Campos Vera of Vera Studio will teach participants the art of fall floral arrangement, from choosing the perfect blooms to keeping them fresh all season long. No experience necessary — bring your loved ones for a creative afternoon of seasonal beauty.

Itty Bitty Arts and Crafts – Turkeys

Upper Darby Library, Sellers Branch, 76 S. State Rd., Upper Darby
November 25, 2025, from 4–5 pm

Leave the holiday treat-making to the kids! Children in kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades can get creative at the Sellers Branch of the Upper Darby Library this Thanksgiving. Decorate vanilla cupcakes to look like turkeys using candies and icing, while creating sweet memories together. Registration is required. Please include any food allergies or dietary restrictions when registering.

Thanks and Giving Event for Kids

Upper Merion Township Library, 175 W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia
November 25, 2025, from 4:30–5:30 pm

The Upper Merion Township Library welcomes elementary school children in grades K–4 to join them for an afternoon focused on gratitude and service. Participants will consider what it means to be thankful, then complete a few projects to help brighten the holidays for members of the local community. Registration for this event is required.

Thanksgiving Story Time

Phoenixville Library Community Education Room, 183 2nd Ave, Phoenixville
November 26, 2025 from 10:15–11:45 am

Gather for a Thanksgiving story time at the Phoenixville Library. Children of all ages and their caregivers can enjoy seasonal stories and songs in preparation for the holiday. There will be sessions offered at 10:15 and 11:15 am, with registration required. Walk-ins will be permitted as space allows.

Parades and Outdoor Attractions

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without an entertaining parade and some time spent outdoors. Read on for all the info you need to get a prime spot for Philadelphia’s famous Thanksgiving Day parade, and get details on some additional outdoor activities over the holiday weekend.

Craft & Mercantile Pre-Thanksgiving Holiday Night Market

Eagleview Town Center, 570 Wellington Square, Exton
November 21, 2025, from 4:30–8 pm

Bring those early-arriving holiday guests to Exton’s Craft & Mercantile Night Market and enjoy an evening of shopping and strolling under the stars. This market boasts a carefully curated roster of artisans and vendors offering everything from jewelry and pottery to gourmet dog treats. It will also feature live music by Cordelia Blue, food and drink vendors, and a s’mores station and cookie decorating for the kiddos.

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
November 27, 2025, from 8:30 am–noon

A city with incredible historical significance, Philadelphia also lays claim to the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country. Now in its 106th year, this beloved local tradition begins at 9 am and is free and open to the public. The parade’s vibrant floats, entertaining performers, and fanciful balloons start at 19th St. and JFK Boulevard and proceed primarily down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Prime viewing spots include Logan Circle, Eakins Oval, and along the Parkway, as well as the Art Museum steps. Outside of Suburban Station and the Comcast Center are also good spots to catch all the action. Don’t forget to stay until the end to catch a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus before they head back to the North Pole.

Opt-Outside on Black Friday at McKaig Nature Education Center

889 Croton Road, Wayne
November 28, 2025, from 7 am–6 pm (special activities from 11 am–2 pm)

For families who want to skip the stores on Black Friday, McKaig Nature Education Center offers a wonderful alternative. McKaig’s 3.25 miles of leafy trails are open to the public for hiking throughout the day. From 11 am–2 pm, meet staff members at McKaig’s “Beach” at Map Marker White 21 for nature bingo, chats about the surrounding woods, and a bonfire with s’mores. This event is free, but donations to support community programming are appreciated. Registration is recommended.

Turkey Trots and Active Adventures

Looking for ways your family can participate in an active adventure over Thanksgiving weekend? We’ve got details on several local turkey trots and other ways to get the blood pumping. Many even benefit local charities and other worthy causes, spreading the joy of giving. So go ahead, get active, and make some room for that Thanksgiving feast.

Turkey Tread Family Swim

Goldfish Swim School – Oaks, 180 E. Mill Rd., Oaks
November 22, 2025, from 1–2:30 pm

Join Goldfish Swim School in Oaks for a pre-holiday weekend Thanksgiving-themed afternoon of swimming fun. This event will feature time for your family to splash around in Goldfish’s heated pool as well as an opportunity to create a turkey craft. The Turkey Tread event is free, but registration is required.

Chester County Turkey Trot

Downingtown West High School, 445 Manor Ave., Downingtown
November 27, 2025, from 7:30–10 am

Warm up those legs and head to Downingtown West High School for the Chester County Turkey Trot. This event has offerings for all ages and stamina-levels. There are two waves for the 5k run (based on expected finish time), a 2k walk, and a Kids’ Fun Run for participants ages 12 and under. The race benefits the Downingtown West cross country team and two organizations supporting cancer patients. Register here.

Delco Turkey Trot

Nether Providence Elementary School, 410 Moore Rd., Wallingford
November 27, 2025, from 8:30–11 am

If you’re looking to get active in Delaware County this Thanksgiving, sign up for the Delco 5k Turkey Trot and Little Drumstick Fun Run. The event kicks off with the 1-mile, kid-friendly race at 8:30 am (strollers welcome), followed by the 5k run at 9 am. All proceeds from this event support the Nether Providence Elementary School PTO. Race t-shirts and prizes are available.

5K Turkey Trot and Children’s Fun Run in Wayne

Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Rd., Wayne
November 27, 2025, from 8:45–11 am

Wilson Farm Park once again hosts the Seven Summits Therapy Turkey Trot in 2025. Offering both a 5k and a children’s race, with the leafy park in the backdrop, this event benefits the Wounded Warrior Project and Phoenixville White Horse Rugby. So round up the relatives, get bundled for the weather, and start trotting. Register here.

YMCA Gobble Wobble 5K

Multiple locations
November 27, 2025, from 1–2:30 pm

The most flexible of these active offerings is certainly the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s Gobble Wobble 5k. Offering in-person 5k race courses at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Haverford Y, the Spring Valley Y in Royersford and the Willow Grove Y in Abington, the Gobble Wobble covers a lot of local territory.

The Y’s Turkey Day race event even extends a virtual option to those who may be out of town or busy cooking, allowing participants to run anytime over Thanksgiving weekend. All of the race details and registration links for the various sites can be found here.

Gather Together this Thanksgiving Around the Main Line

Make the most of this Thanksgiving with your family around the Main Line. From turkey trots and parade-watching, to craft projects and Black Friday activities, discover options to start a new family tradition or to simply enjoy time together at one of these area events.

Lead photo courtesy of 6abc / WPVI-TV.

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving event we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear about it. Share it in the comments!