Opt Outside on Black Friday Events

Too much turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving? On Friday, instead of shopping you can choose the outside version of fun!

How about checking out one of the Opt Outside events happening near you? Of course, you can always just find a park or trail near you, but it’s also fun to get out and explore a new area and enjoy some organized fun.

Here are some different events we found happening outside on Black Friday (November 26, 2021):

Altura: Whitewater State Park
10 am – 12 pm

Join us to express gratitude to the forest. We will learn about how nature impacts our health and wellbeing and then take a slow walk through nature using our five senses to immerse in the forest. Space is limited. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.

Bloomington: Richardson Nature Center
10 – 11:30 am

Join a naturalist in our Nature Exploration Area to search for forest critters underfoot, play in the mud kitchen, and build forts and bridges. Warm up at a fire and learn more ways to explore our parks all year long. No registration required; drop-in anytime. Participants ages 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Brooklyn Park: Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
10 am – 2 pm

Opt to spend this busy shopping day outside with friends and loved ones. Hike along the Mighty Mississippi, roast marshmallows over a fire, use GPS devices for geocaching, play outdoor games and more at this free, open house-style event. Reservations recommended. Participants ages 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Clearwater: Warner Lake County Park
2 – 4 pm

Instead of standing in long lines this Black Friday, spend time laughing with loved ones in the great outdoors. CW Outfitting invites you to get out with us at Warner Lake County Park to play outside! We will have hot chocolate and snacks. You are welcome to bring outdoor activities or just stop by and say hi. Activities will depend upon the weather, but no matter what Mother Nature decides to do, we’ll be having fun in the great outdoors!

Dayton: Eastman Nature Center
1 – 3 pm

#OptOutside ! Compete against other families to build the best fire and shelter. Learn tricks of the trade, roast marshmallows and enjoy time outdoors together. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior. Participants ages 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Eagan: Lebanon Hills Regional Park
10 am – 4 pm

Stop by any of the three participating parks from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to stroll along the Ice Age Activity Trail and mingle with a variety of ancient critters. Use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches. For older paleo-adventurers, take on our annual medallion hunt.

Farmington: Whitetail Woods Regional Park
10 am – 4 pm

Stop by any of the three participating parks from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to stroll along the Ice Age Activity Trail and mingle with a variety of ancient critters. Use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches. For older paleo-adventurers, take on our annual medallion hunt.

Loretto: Camp Ihduhapi
10 am – 1 pm

Opt Outside, and join us at Camp Ihduhapi on Friday, November 26th from 10am-1pm for a day filled with all kinds of camp activities! Join us all day, or drop in for a bit. We’ll have family arts & crafts, outdoor cooking, rock climbing, hiking/scavenger hunts, and archery. Cost is $10/person. Pre-registration is preferred.

Minneapolis: Carl Kroening Interpretive Center
11 am – 2 pm

This year, choose to opt outside on Black Friday! Enjoy self-guided nature exploration with a scavenger hunt, fort building and play at the Nature Adventure course. Make art and meet animals. Go for a nature walk along the river, check out an adventure pack to observe nature on your own, then stop by the campfire to warm up. All ages and experience levels welcome to discover nature and opt outside!

Plymouth: French Regional Park
10 am – 12 pm

Learn the life-saving skills of building a fire, a shelter and wilderness safety. Equipment provided. Reservations Required. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. Participants ages 13 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. 20% discount for groups of four or more.

Victoria: Lowry Nature Center
5 am – 10 pm (also Saturday, same hours)

Opt Outside! Follow numbered posts around the Maple Trail and answer questions to clues at each stop, either by looking around or by scanning QR codes on the posts to listen for clues. Trail is 1.5 mile wood-chipped with rolling terrain. Drop in anytime. Participants ages 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

West St. Paul: Thompson County Park
10 am – 4 pm

Stop by any of the three participating parks from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to stroll along the Ice Age Activity Trail and mingle with a variety of ancient critters. Use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches. For older paleo-adventurers, take on our annual medallion hunt.