Thanksgiving is just a couple days away, and that means family, good food, friends and football.
But if you’re looking to get some time to yourself, or burn off those Thanksgiving Day calories, there are some options.
Here are some free, healthy outdoor activities you can do on Thanksgiving, according to Visit Williamsburg:
Strut the streets of downtown Williamsburg
While some of Colonial Williamsburg’s attractions require tickets, it’s free to walk the public streets in the Historic Area.
Visit the Governor’s Green, Merchants Square and the various animal pastures around town. Colonial Williamsburg will also fire the noon gun in the magazine yard on Thanksgiving.
Take a hike
Many area parks will remain open for Thanksgiving.
All parks in James City County will be open, including Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Freedom Park, both of which are free. The stores and offices at both parks, however, will be closed on the holiday.
Freedom Park features two miles of multi use trails and 20 miles of mountain bike trails. Chickahominy Riverfront Park has a boat ramp, picnic areas, and a playground.
Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg will be closed.
Bike the Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail stretches from James City County to Richmond, but don’t stress if you don’t want to bike the whole trail on turkey day.
There are numerous places to park to access the trail, including at Jamestown Settlement, the James City County Marina, Jamestown High School, Chickahominy Riverfront Park and more.
Ride the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and take a drive on the Colonial Parkway
Except for the cost of gas, taking a drive is essentially free.
Drivers can get a picturesque view of the historic James River from the deck of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which is free to ride. The ferry runs from the end of Jamestown Road to Surry.
Those looking for a more land-based drive can travel to Jamestown, Williamsburg or Yorktown via the Colonial Parkway.
Take a walk through the Williamsburg Botanical Garden
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is in Freedom Park, which remains free and open during Thanksgiving. The garden includes more than 800 species of native vegetation, as well as a butterfly garden, herb garden, native garden, two wetland sites, native meadow and pine woodlands.
There are benches and a pavilion for picnics.
