I dare you to not go shopping this Black Friday.  Instead of looking for good deals, use this day off for some fun family fun in nature.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday and time to get together with family.  One of the nice parts about this holidays is the long weekend to be with your family.  There may be a lot of good deals this Friday, but it is an incredibly stressful and busy time.  Rather than spend the day after Thanksgiving fighting crowds at the mall, spend some time out in nature with your family.

5 Non-Shopping Family Activities This Black Friday

My overall goal with this is to get more people outside in nature on this day and less inside shopping.  There is something so great about getting outside and reconnecting with the natural world.  Not only is it good for you, but it’s a great way to spend time together as a family.

It may be cold or windy, but you will still see some amazing things.  If you pay attention you will likely see some cool birds or other wildlife.  It’s easier to see animals in the fall/winter after the leaves have fallen off the trees.

Go Climb A Tree –  I know this sounds pretty basic, but give it a try.  Go to your local park or the forest outside of your town.  Walk around and look for a nice tree to climb.  Climb up, relax, and get a new perspective on life for a bit.

Visit a State Park – State parks are always fun to explore.  Generally, they are not as big or glamorous as National Parks, but they are still nice.  Some state parks are just as cool.

On Black Friday some state parks offer free admission.  In the past, some have even given discounts on camping and park fees.  Check with your local state park to see what discounts may apply.

Whatever you choose to do, remember the goal is to get outside with your family and have fun in a way that doesn’t involve shopping.

Visit a National Park – There are many National Parks in the Rocky Mountains.  On this year’s black Friday, get out and go explore your closest park.  I know it is a bit cold now, but it’s still a good time to explore.

Here are some of my favorite Rocky Mountain National Parks.   Or check out these 3 Rocky Mountain National Monuments that are pretty great too.

Go Fishing – I know that it may be little bit cold at this time of year to go fishing.  But, for some of you that don’t mind a little cold and chilly fingers this is for you.  Try fishing in your local river, lake, or pond.

Go For a Hike – Ask my wife or kids and they will tell you this is my solution for everything.  I love hiking, especially with my family.  I feel that there is nothing quite as great as spending the day in the mountains with my family.

I strongly suggest spending Black Friday going for a hike with your family.  You can drive up to the mountains, or go for a short walk somewhere near your house in a local regional park.

Here are some tips on fall hiking with kids or some other tips on winter hiking with kids (in case there is already snow where you live).

Weird Black Friday Fact – Not Just In The USA

I thought that Black Friday was only ‘celebrated’ in the US.  I mean it comes the day after Thanksgiving, which is a US holiday.

Well, it turns out that it’s beginning to be ‘celebrated’ in other countries too.  The reasons for this is just so that those businesses can sell some of their products.  Honestly, I’m not sure if the fact that it’s spreading to other countries in the world is a good thing or not…