Things to do With Family After Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! This year, San Diego has been graced with a gorgeous, temperate turkey day, perfect for spending this holiday weekend outside with loved ones. To take advantage of the good weather, we have compiled a list of family-friendly outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you want to work off a heavy Thanksgiving dinner later in the evening or have a relaxed family outing tomorrow, here are some of the top outdoor family activities in San Diego.

A Day at the Beach

One of the advantages of living in San Diego is the close proximity to a variety of different beaches. For casual, post-Thanksgiving outings, forego the usual surf spot, and instead check out some family-friendly beaches. For example, North Beach in Del Mar, aka "Dog Beach," is a half-mile stretch of beach open to leashed dogs during the winter months. Families can play with their dogs in the sand and shallow water of North Beach, and take a close-up look at the coastal bluffs of Del Mar.

Another great San Diego beach is the La Jolla Shores. La Jolla Shores is a one mile long beach with gentle waves and a calm atmosphere. This beach features fire pits, picnic areas, and places to play volleyball. The La Jolla Shores is a great beach for playing with the family!

Hike For Miles

For the active family that wants to walk off their early turkey dinner, San Diego has some amazing hiking spots. The Los Penasquitos Canyon trail, for example, is a gorgeous and easy hiking trail perfect for all ages. Located near Sorrento Valley, this trail is only 4.7 miles long, but it features small waterfalls and streams. Hikers should take note that the Los Penasquitos Canyon trail is not circular; the hike is 4.7 miles each way.

Another amazing San Diego hiking trail is the Razor Point trail located in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This trail is perfect for any beginning hikers or small children. Unlike the Los Penasquitos Canyon trail, Razor Point is circular, and it is only 1.3 miles. What makes this hike memorable, however, is the amazing view. Parts of the trail overlook the Pacific Ocean, which can be a true wonder to behold. Lucky hikers may even be able to see dolphins out in the distance from this trail. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve also offers two additional trails: the Guy Fleming Trail and the Beach Trail.

Play at the Park

For small children, a park is the perfect place to work off any sugary excitement. While neighborhood parks are always fun, San Diego offers some impressive public parks that are worth a visit. For example, Aviara Community Park in Carlsbad is a 24 acre park complete with both soccer and softball fields, play structures, and picnic areas. The Aviara Community Park also features some stunning covered gazebos and convenient nearby restrooms.

For anyone looking for a gorgeous view while their children play, the Moonlight State Beach Park in Encinitas is a fantastic place to visit. There is a long stretch of grass and a play structure for children, however the park also offers a beautiful view of the ocean. Moonlight State Beach Park also has easy ocean access, making it simple for kids to play in both the park and on the beach. Bring some leftover Thanksgiving snacks for a fun-filled beach-side picnic!