25+ Things To Do During Thanksgiving Break in Champaign-Urbana

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? We have no idea what to expect. 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).

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.

Local libraries

Check out books, movies and more at local libraries at Urbana Free Library, Champaign Public Library, Mahomet Public Library, Tolono Public Library, Rantoul Public Library and many more. We love our libraries! Most have normal hours (except Thanksgiving Day, that is). Some even have equipment like 3D printers you can check out, and most have board games to check out, too.

Visit a Champaign-Urbana area museum or nature center

Head over to Museum of the Grand Prairie at Lake of the Woods. Step back in time with a variety of exhibits and activities. FREE.

Visit the Anita Purves Nature Center. Go play on the playscape outside the nature center afterwards, or stroll through Busey Woods.

On the University of Illinois Campus, the Spurlock Museum takes you around the world with artifacts from every corner of the globe (closed Monday all day and Tuesday morning, but otherwise open). Krannert Art Museum is also open. It has everything from masters to modern. Both are FREE.

Pack a picnic on a nice day and drive out to Homer Lake, playing on the playscape and making the Interpretive Center part of your visit.

Venture a little further for museums like the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal or the Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur.

Be active – the kids, the family, whoever needs it!

We have a whole list of ways to be active together with your family. Need to get started? Thanksgiving break is a great time to start new habits.

Head to the bowling center! Bowling is open at Old Orchard Lanes, as well as dining (pizza for the win). Arrowhead Lanes has indoor putt-putt golf, too.

If you’re not already a member, snag guest passes for the Stephens Family YMCA. You can enjoy family swim time or family gym time. We also have the Martens Center in Champaign and the NEW Health and Wellness Center in Urbana with all kinds of great options at a very affordable day pass price.

Skating at Skateland and jumping at Elevate are options as well. Want to venture further? Drive to Iron Coyote in Bloomington-Normal.

You can go ice skating, too! The University of Illinois Ice Arena has lunch skate on Monday-Wednesday; Turkey Skate on Friday and public skate Saturday.

Don’t forget it is turkey trot season! Check out the turkey trots on our calendar for more info.

Try something new to eat

We have a list of places you can get your Thanksgiving meal, yes; but if you’re looking to switch it up and try a new dish somewhere, we have ideas for you! And here are 25+ things we think you need to eat in Champaign-Urbana.

Visit the University of Illinois campus and Campustown

The students have left campus for Thanksgiving break all week. This is a great time to visit Campustown restaurants (or special treats). 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.

Spend some time in nature

Go explore nature and get outdoors! Visit our Forest Preserves, Allerton Park, Busey Woods or any local park or trail. 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.

Kiss a reindeer

Stop by Hardy’s Reindeer ranch on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. It’s free to go to the ranch, but various attractions have a fee. Take the Reindeer tour ($12 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.

And of course, find some holiday cheer

Lights, camera, action! EVERYTHING holiday season kicks off full force. Things will be happening all week long, but truly going full throttle beginning on Friday and all weekend. Tree lightings, parades, holiday lights illuminating for the first time. We have EVERYTHING holidays you want to know right here. Kick off the holiday season with Chambanamoms at our “Twinkling Lights and Cocoa” event, presented by Christie Clinic and United Way, to wrap up Thanksgiving week.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our email newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

25 Things to Do During Thanksgiving Break in Champaign-Urbana