# U.S. National Whitewater Center: Thanksgiving Trail Trot & Outdoor Adventure (Catawba River) > Event for families in the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia area (NC / SC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Nov 26 – Nov 28 · 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM - Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214 - Ages: All ages welcome; flat perimeter walkways and riverfront trail are stroller friendly; rugged wooded trails best for youth & adults - Price: Free admission to grounds, trails, and viewing areas; $12 daily parking per vehicle; optional race entry $35–$45; activity passes sold separately - Organizer: U.S. National Whitewater Center - Official page: https://whitewater.org/race/turkey-trot/ - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/u-s-national-whitewater-center-thanksgiving-trail-trot-and-outdoor-adv--listing-0bf9459bb2f0d9559e2c9e50 ## About Set along the Catawba River in western Mecklenburg County, the 1,300-acre U.S. National Whitewater Center offers an active outdoor Thanksgiving holiday destination. On Thanksgiving morning, the annual Turkey Trot Trail Race leads runners through hardwood woodland trails, while families and spectators cheer along the central river promenade, enjoy warm seasonal beverages around roaring riverside fire pits, and hike the scenic Catawba River trail system. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Central river plaza, Ridge Pavilion, and riverfront perimeter promenade are wide, paved concrete surfaces ideal for strollers; deep woodland trails feature natural roots and dirt. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Multiple indoor restroom facilities equipped with changing stations at the River Center and Outfitters; comfortable outdoor Adirondack chairs and riverside lawns. • Age Suitability: All ages; kids love watching kayakers tackle whitewater channels and playing on open lawns. • Sensory Tips: White noise from churning rapids provides a pleasant acoustic backdrop; vast open woodlands allow families to find peaceful isolation within minutes. ## Similar picks in Charlotte - [Levine JCC Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (5K or 1.5-mile fun run)](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/levine-jcc-thanksgiving-turkey-trot-5k-or-1-5-mile-fun-run--listing-05c1cc739b28173e701e92c5) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:45 AM · Poliakoff Pavilion, Levine Jewish Community Center · checked Oct 14. 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