Worried about boredom over Thanksgiving break in Champaign-Urbana? We’re here to HELP!
Staying in town for the holidays? Things can be crazy here in Champaign-Urbana. The weather is a crap shoot. Maybe your family has been just a little too close the past few days, or maybe you’ve been on the road (or you’re going to be on the road). Thanksgiving becomes a distant memory and all things Christmas are everywhere you look.
You may be thinking: I have these kids at home, school is out … what to do? Well, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and have fun in the Champaign-Urbana area — and keep kids active, too.
Places to visit during Thanksgiving Week
What: Check out books, movies and more at local libraries
Where: Urbana Free Library; Champaign Public Library; Mahomet Public Library; Tolono Public Library; Rantoul Public Library and many more
When: (almost) anytime (except Thanksgiving Day, that is)
How Much: Free. Pick out some new books or movies to keep your time at home interesting for your kids. Some even have equipment like 3D printers you can check out (we’re looking at you, Urbana!)
What: Explore local museums
Where: Mahomet, Urbana, Champaign, Homer
When: Well, that depends!
How Much: Everything listed here is free.
- Spurlock Museum is closed Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving
- Museum of the Grand Prairie is open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
- Krannert Art Museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday; sign up for a free timed ticket here.
- The Homer Lake Interpretive Center is open Tuesday and Wednesday. Simply drop in between 1-5 p.m. Visit the playscape for some nature fun while you’re there or explore the rest of Homer Lake.
What: Try a new dessert
Where: We have a list of places you can get your Thanksgiving meal, yes; but if you’re looking to switch it up and go for one of Champaign-Urbana’s most unique desserts, we have ideas for you.
When: Depends
How Much: Varies, depending on restaurant and its current offers of course.
What: Go swimming
Where: Stephens Family YMCA or the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
When: Times vary daily; get the Y schedule here (filter by aquatics) and the UIAC schedule here
How Much: Guest passes are $5 daily at the Y or $15 per family; $6 per person (ages 4 and up) at UIAC
What: Go bowling
Where: Several places, like Old Orchard Lanes
When: Most bowling alleys are open
How Much: Varies. Another way to stay active and have fun with the kiddos.
What: Ice skating
Where: University of Illinois Ice Arena
When: Lunch skate on Tuesday; Turkey Skate on Friday; public skate Saturday
How Much: $6 admission, $3 skate rental
What: Run or walk a turkey trot
Where: Urbana and Mahomet, to name a few
When: Thanksgiving morning
How much: It depends. Check out the turkey trots on our calendar for more info.
What: Visit the University of Illinois campus and Campustown
Where: see above
When: Anytime — students have left campus for Thanksgiving break all week
How Much: Depends where you go, of course. The students are gone! The students are gone! The students are gone! This is a great time to visit Campustown restaurants (or special treats), especially now that Green Street is more accessible. Shop at Campustown retailers. If the weather holds, walk around and see all the neat architecture and history. There’s even a self-guided tour.
What: Go explore nature and get outdoors.
Where: Forest Preserves, Allerton Park, Busey Woods, any local park or trail
When: any time (during the daylight hours)
How much: FREE! From what we’ve seen, the forecast won’t be too terribly cold over Thanksgiving week. There’s something about bundling up, getting out into that cool, crisp air, and going out on an adventure.
What: Kiss a reindeer
Where: Hardy’s Reindeer ranch
When: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
How much: It’s free to go to the ranch, but various attractions have a fee. Take the Reindeer tour ($6 per person) and surround yourself with these magical animals of the North. You’ll be given a treat to feed them then you can even give them a ‘reindeer kiss’ — if you’re brave. It’s a great photo opportunity. Cut down your tree while you’re there, too!
What: Holiday photos with a goat
Where: Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
When: Friday, 1-4 p.m.
How much: This is happening during their sip and shop event. Get some shopping down and say cheese with a goat!
What: Lights, camera, action! EVERYTHING holiday season kicks off full force
Where: All over
When: All week long, but truly going full throttle beginning on Friday and all weekend long
How much: Depends on what you choose – tree lightings, parades, holiday lights illuminating for the first time. We have EVERYTHING holidays you want to know right here.
Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Eat on Christmas in Champaign-Urbana
- Meals with Santa Claus in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Find Santa Claus in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- 50+ Experience Gift Ideas for Kids in Champaign-Urbana
- Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Live Nativity Displays in Champaign-Urbana
- Holiday Lights at the Zoo: Where to Drive From Champaign-Urbana
- How to Chop Down Your Own Christmas Tree in the Shawnee National Forest – For $5 (or Less)
- Home for the Holidays: Shopping and Eating Locally in Champaign-Urbana
- Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods to Illuminate during Holidays for First Time
- 8+ Great Places to See Holiday Lights in Central Illinois
- All Aboard: Polar Express Fun (Beyond the Train) in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities
- Where to Buy a Live Christmas Tree Near Champaign-Urbana
- Christmas Parades near Champaign-Urbana
- German Christmas Market Returns to Riggs Beer Company in Urbana
- What You Need to Know About the Walk-Through Holiday Lights at Allerton Park
