Exercise gratitude this season by hitting the track, exploring historical exhibits or just by enjoying the time off with your mini me’s.
Nov. 19
EHAS Executive Chef's Cook-Off Competition
Location: Luminary Hotel & Co., Downtown Fort Myers
Three executive chefs and nine junior chefs go head-to-head in a live cook-off where they are judged by a panel. Before the show, enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a live violin performance. Then, the chefs' creations are served as hors d'oeuvres for the audience to weigh in.
Nov. 21-23
Thanksgiving Break: Escape from Tut’s Tomb!
Location: IMAG History and Science Center, Fort Myers
Let your kiddos loose this Thanksgiving as they explore the national traveling exhibit, Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience. Created with the National Geographic Society, the show celebrates the 100th anniversary of discovering the Egyptian pharaoh's tomb. This three-day interactive exhibit takes campers through the recreated archaeological site, where they solve puzzles and play STEM- and history-enriching games to escape the tomb.
Nov. 21-23, 25
C’MON’s Fall Break Camp
Location: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Take a break from Thanksgiving Break and drop your kids off at Naples’ children’s museum for a four- or five-day camp experience. Kindergarteners through second graders engage in experiential learning through STEAM-based activities, like engineering rollercoasters and creating textiles. Drop-off is at 8:15 a.m., and pickup is at 5 p.m. each day.
FAMILY RACES
Nov. 24
2022 Gulf Coast Runners Thanksgiving 5K
Location: Paradise Sports Complex, Naples
In this ninth-annual event, children can compete in the main 3.1-mile race or kids’ 1K. Younger ones (ages 1 to 9) can join in the 100-yard dash. Pre-registered racers get a long-sleeve shirt and commemorative medal. Proceeds benefit St. Matthew’s House, and canned food and clothing donations are accepted at the race.
Nov. 24
Location: Florida SouthWestern College, Punta Gorda campus
Join the 24th Annual Charlotte County Habitat's Turkey Trot 2022 5K Run and Fun Walk, where all of the proceeds go to building 30 family homes for locals. You and your kid chase the bicycle-riding turkey toward the finish line for a chance to place in your age group.
Nov. 24
Location: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
The historic estate hosts its 43rd annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk; littles 6 and under are in a league of their own in the Tot Trot. The first 2,000 registrants receive a commemorative T-shirt and funds go toward the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and the Fort Myers Track Club youth scholarship.
Nov 27
18th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride
Location: Eagle Lakes Park, Naples
Whether your minis are using training or racing wheels, join them in a 5- or 10-mile bike ride or a 2.5- or 5-mile stroll through the park. Afterward, delve into a lunch catered by Jason’s Deli, with free beer for the adults, lemonade for the littles and water for everyone. Kids under 12 join for free.