Buy Nothing Day was created as a way to protest the consumerism of Black Friday. This movement has been joined by the #optoutside movement, which was created by REI, who chooses to close on Black Friday so its customers can go outside instead of shopping. Others have renamed the day Green Friday to encourage socially uplifting activities over consumerism. For this year, at least, #optoutside appears to be the winner. Whatever you want to call the day after Thanksgiving (November 24th in 2023), we can help you make it a family fun day with Black Friday alternatives. We’ve come up with some ideas for spending the day together that do not require shopping. If you want to skip the Black Friday sales and hold off for the Cyber Monday discounts this holiday season, peruse this list:
There might be last-minute events announced this year, and we plan to keep adding right up to the end. So, check back often.
Give Back on Black Friday
Volunteer @ Feed My Starving Children
Addresses:
- 401 93rd Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
- 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan, MN 55121
- 18732 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Time: Various Time Slots
Description: I have had so much fun packing meals with my coworkers, that I want to get back with my family sometimes soon. I’ve been told that November and December are FMSC’s busiest months. If you want to volunteer on Black Friday, register early.
Best Buy of the Season: If you want to shop, FMSC sells sustainable products that spotlight makers around the planet. Purchases help the mission of feeding God’s children.
Cost/Registration: Donations Accepted. Register Here.
DIY Activity Recommendations:
The best deals may be the less tangible rewards you find from spending an afternoon exploring a park or nature center on your own. Visit these parks free and create some do-it-yourself fun.
Dodge Nature Center
Address: 365 Marie Avenue West St. Paul, MN 55118
Time: Daylight Hours
Description: The trails are open to the public during daylight hours. Find maps for all four properties and visitor information here.
Cost/Registration: FREE/Drop-In.
Free Entrance Day @ Washington County Parks
Washington County Parks Include:
Big Marine Park Reserve
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Square Lake Park
Pine Point Park
Lake Elmo Park
Cottage Grove Park
and
Point Douglas Park.
Time: 9am to 7pm
Description: One of two special free entrance days in 2023, visitors do not need to pay the vehicle fee when visiting any of Washington County’s parks on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Cost/Registration: FREE/Drop-In.
Free Park Friday @ Minnesota State Parks
Address: 9 Twin Cities Metro-Area Minnesota State Parks
Time: 8am to 10pm
Description: Entrance to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are free on the Friday after Thanksgiving! Watch for special events announced towards mid-November. Activities usually include free naturalist programs. You can also take a hike, relax in the woods with some good reads, or (possibly) take in a free wild turkey sighting.
Cost/Registration: FREE/Drop-In.
#Opt Outside – Black Friday Alternatives
Dress for the weather, leave the mall madness behind, and get outdoors with these outdoor park programs that require no purchases and focus on getting in touch with the planet we live on:
OPT OUTSIDE @ Anoka County Parks
Address: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Bunker Hills Park, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55034
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Boulevard Northwest, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Islands of Peace County Park, 200 Charles St. NE Fridley, MN 55432
Kordiak County Park, 1845 49th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Locke County Park, 840 71st Avenue NE Fridley, MN 55432
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, 7373 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Rum River Central Regional Park, 17955 Roanoke St NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
And More…
Time: 6:00 am – 1/2 hour after sunset
Description: Enjoy a day out and experience nature with free vehicle entry into Anoka County Parks.
Cost/Registration: FREE/Drop-In.
Opt Outside With Dakota Parks
Address: Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123
Dakota Parks annual open house-style, free family event is at Lebanon Hills this year. Activities include the Water is Life Activity Trail, Protecting Our Waters Geocaching and Medallion Hunt. This year, there is a food truck on site for on-the-go meals. Drop in 10am-4pm. FREE.
Opt Outside with North Mississippi Regional Park
Address: Carl Kroening Nature Center, 4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN, US 55430
Families can explore the park in a self-guided nature scavenger hunt, build forts, play on the nature adventure course, make art, meet animals and/or check out an adventure pack. There will be a campfire when you need to warm up. FREE, but registration required.
Indoor “Black Friday Deals”
You don’t have to go outside to get a boost of family fun. We usually see promotions from community centers and organizations pop up closer to Thanksgiving day, so we will keep adding to this list as new offers pop into our inbox:
Night Trains
Address: Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114
Time: 3pm-7pm (Saturday Also).
Description: Pre-purchased tickets for Night Trains are highly recommended.
Cost/Registration: $15/pp.
Black Friday Annual Membership Deal
Now through midnight on Monday, November 27, 2023, TCMRM is offering a $30 discount on an annual household membership. Household memberships are normally $129, but are only $99 with promo code: TRAIN24. Apply online here. A family of 4 would pay for this membership with one visit to Night Trains and one regular day-time visit.
Visit a Museum for Some Inspiration
Mia
Address: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Time: 8am-5pm
Description: Black Friday Doorbuster 8-10am: FREE tickets to “In Our Hands: Native Photography, 1890 to Now” – first come, first served. FREE coffee and treats in the museum’s lobby.
Regular Mia Hours 10am-5pm: Public tours are offered from 1pm-2pm.
Cost/Registration: FREE.
Minnesota History Center
Address: 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
Time: 10am-3pm
Description: Participate in a Thanksgiving Break History Hijinx with special fun family activities.
Cost/Registration: Pre-purchased, timed tickets are required. Admission $8-$12/pp.
A final note. Some of the metro libraries, museums and recreation centers are closed for the holiday. We always recommend calling ahead if you are planning an outing on this or any other holiday weekend. But, remember all metro libraries are open 24/7 and 365 days a year for “online shopping”. Find digital books and movies you can read or watch on your home electronics for instant gratification.
Related:
- Ideas for Avid Christmas Shoppers: For families who love the tradition of beginning the holiday shopping season and buying gifts on Thanksgiving weekend, we haven’t forgotten you. We have a list of local retailers celebrating Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday and Indie First Day here.
- Our Favorite Uses for Thanksgiving Leftovers can be found here.
- This weekend often begins the sales holiday for memberships and experience gifts. If you’ve been considering a special museum membership during the past year, now is the time to check for the best deals.
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