# Thanksgiving break with kids in Jacksonville

> 27 Thanksgiving parades, turkey trots, break camps and things to do with kids in the Jacksonville area over Thanksgiving break 2026, each linked to the organizer’s own page with the date we last checked it.

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 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), 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/jacksonville/thanksgiving

Towns with listings: Jacksonville (11), Amelia Island (4), Fernandina Beach (3), Middleburg (3), Ponte Vedra Beach (2), Atlantic Beach (1), Ponte Vedra (1), Saint Augustine (1), St. Augustine (1).

## Quick answers

### Where is there a turkey trot for kids near Jacksonville?

7 listings, the soonest 4: [Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon at Ed Austin Regional Park](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/gobbler-5k-10k-and-half-marathon-at-ed-austin-regional-park--listing-68c83ad8298b808fc4e859d2) (Sat, Nov 21, From $30); [Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic and One Mile Turkey Trot](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/community-first-thanksgiving-distance-classic-and-one-mile-turkey-trot--listing-7d8584e2d4be651a815a3f20) (Thu, Nov 26, From $21); [First Coast Turkey Trot at Mickler's Landing](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/first-coast-turkey-trot-at-mickler-s-landing--listing-0875968430c7069ce18e7398) (Thu, Nov 26, From $30); [Omni Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/omni-turkey-trot-5k-and-kids-fun-run--listing-0bc9d675e7dc868682af5d8b) (Thu, Nov 26, From $20).

### What free Thanksgiving break events are there for kids in Jacksonville?

2 listings: [Holiday Lights Celebration at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/holiday-lights-celebration-at-the-shops-at-omni-amelia-island--listing-cad1534c459fa4e123fc396e) (Fri, Nov 27, Free); [Jacksonville Holiday River Fest and Light Boat Parade](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/jacksonville-holiday-river-fest-and-light-boat-parade--listing-8bee521e607e56ba78e93dbe) (Sat, Nov 28, Free).

## Ongoing programs

### Jacksonville (3)

- [Turkey Camp: Thanksgiving Break Camp at Bravoz](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/turkey-camp-thanksgiving-break-camp-at-bravoz--listing-e7c6071adad6231ef99ff26f) — Ongoing · Bravoz Entertainment Center · Ages 5–10 · From $50 · checked Oct 30. Indoor, screen-free break camp for elementary-age kids with trampolines, laser tag, climbing walls, a ninja course, arts and crafts and team games. Choose half day (8:30 am–2 pm)…
- [JCAtion Days Thanksgiving Break Camp at the JCA](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/jcation-days-thanksgiving-break-camp-at-the-jca--listing-f498bdcfceea7756f0c294e8) — Ongoing · Jewish Community Alliance · Ages 5–14 · From $75 · checked Oct 30. When Duval County schools are closed, kids spend the day at the Jewish Community Alliance choosing sports, STEM and art activities with JCA staff. Option A runs 7:30 am–6 pm and…
- [Turkey Camp: Thanksgiving Gymnastics Camp at Starlight Gymnastics](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/turkey-camp-thanksgiving-gymnastics-camp-at-starlight-gymnastics--listing-97d7fc709b4d82ddaecf8038) — Ongoing · Starlight Gymnastics · From $75 · checked Oct 30. A fall-themed gymnastics camp with turkey and fall games, activities and crafts while kids work on their gymnastics skills. Camp runs 9 am–3 pm, with early drop-off ($5 per half…

## Dated events

### Jacksonville (8)

- [Decadent Thanksgiving Desserts Baking Class at JAX Cooking Studio](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/decadent-thanksgiving-desserts-baking-class-at-jax-cooking-studio--listing-bec0d1761ae4cad795a5a2b5) — Sat, Nov 21 · 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM · JAX Cooking Studio · From $75 · checked Oct 30. A hands-on Saturday afternoon class making Thanksgiving desserts such as bourbon pumpkin pie. Every attendee needs a ticket; children under 9 must come with a ticketed adult…
- [Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon at Ed Austin Regional Park](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/gobbler-5k-10k-and-half-marathon-at-ed-austin-regional-park--listing-68c83ad8298b808fc4e859d2) — Sat, Nov 21 · 8:00 AM · Ed Austin Regional Park · All ages · From $30 · checked Oct 30. A small, low-key Thanksgiving-season lap race at Ed Austin Regional Park with 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances, all starting at 8:00 am. Kids ages 1–15 run any distance for…
- [Derek Hough: Dance For The Holidays at the Florida Theatre](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/derek-hough-dance-for-the-holidays-at-the-florida-theatre--listing-e566cf9c8f7f177c2a928f87) — Mon, Nov 23 · 8:00 PM · Florida Theatre · Paid · checked Oct 30. Derek Hough's touring holiday dance production mixes ballroom, tap, salsa and hip-hop with big stage design. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
- [Thanksgiving Meal Cooking Class at JAX Cooking Studio](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/thanksgiving-meal-cooking-class-at-jax-cooking-studio--listing-728899a02c089bf022a36fbc) — Wed, Nov 25 · 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM · JAX Cooking Studio · From $85 · checked Oct 30. A Wednesday afternoon class during school break that cooks a traditional Thanksgiving menu, from roasted turkey breast and cranberry sauce to whiskey sweet potatoes and pumpkin…
- [Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic and One Mile Turkey Trot](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/community-first-thanksgiving-distance-classic-and-one-mile-turkey-trot--listing-7d8584e2d4be651a815a3f20) — Thu, Nov 26 · 6:50 AM · Pickwick Plaza · All ages · From $21 · checked Oct 30. One of Jacksonville's biggest Thanksgiving morning traditions, with a half marathon, 5K and a one-mile out-and-back Turkey Trot that families walk or run together. Every finisher…
- [Fishweir Brewing Thanksgiving Day 5K and Kids 1K](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/fishweir-brewing-thanksgiving-day-5k-and-kids-1k--listing-749043428b97e12477ccb2e1) — Thu, Nov 26 · 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Fishweir Brewing Company · From $15 · checked Oct 24. A relaxed Thanksgiving Day race in Jacksonville's Riverside/Avondale area that starts and finishes at Fishweir Brewing Company on Edgewood Avenue. Grown-ups run or walk the 5K at…
- [Christmas Made in the South](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/christmas-made-in-the-south--listing-347ef6749f636b40f69cd5cd) — Fri, Nov 27 (+2 more dates) · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · The Prime Osborn Convention Center · With admission · checked Oct 27. Carolina Shows lists the 37th annual Christmas Made in the South at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on November 27, 28, and 29, 2026. Friday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m…
- [Jacksonville Holiday River Fest and Light Boat Parade](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/jacksonville-holiday-river-fest-and-light-boat-parade--listing-8bee521e607e56ba78e93dbe) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM · Riverfront Plaza · All ages · Free · checked Oct 24. One evening that bundles downtown Jacksonville's big holiday traditions. Holiday River Fest opens at Riverfront Plaza at 5 pm with hot cocoa, festive treats, food trucks and…

### Amelia Island (4)

- [Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island Christmas Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/ritz-carlton-amelia-island-christmas-tree-lighting--listing-8847931d92a99dcb4ef500aa) — Wed, Nov 25 · 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM · The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (Courtyard) · checked Oct 24. The annual lighting of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's 45-foot Christmas tree, held the night before Thanksgiving in the resort courtyard. The program includes live holiday…
- [Santa's Magical Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/santa-s-magical-dinner-at-the-ritz-carlton-amelia-island--listing-1c8f1aba734b7f4ddce772ef) — Wed, Nov 25 · 6:45 PM – 8:30 PM · The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island · Paid · checked Oct 30. A Nutcracker-themed holiday dinner where families tell Santa their wish lists and get a commemorative photo, with a buffet of adult and kids' favorites and a holiday dessert…
- [Build-A-Gingerbread House with a Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chef](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/build-a-gingerbread-house-with-a-ritz-carlton-pastry-chef--listing-5a9955615c03781ac1cb6dc1) — Sat, Nov 28 (+2 more dates) · 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM · The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (Cumberland Room) · Paid · checked Oct 24. A family gingerbread-house workshop at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where a resort pastry chef guides each family through building and decorating its own gingerbread house, a…
- [Nutcracker Tea with The Florida Ballet at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/nutcracker-tea-with-the-florida-ballet-at-the-ritz-carlton-amelia-isla--listing-f41c0a4c25ed181d1e729204) — Sat, Nov 28 · 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM · The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island · Paid · checked Oct 30. An afternoon tea of sandwiches, pastries and holiday cookies with a performance by The Florida Ballet, in the Talbot Ballroom. A portion of proceeds supports The Florida Ballet.

### Fernandina Beach (3)

- [Omni Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/omni-turkey-trot-5k-and-kids-fun-run--listing-0bc9d675e7dc868682af5d8b) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · Omni Amelia Island Resort, Racquet Park, Fernandina Beach · All ages · From $20 · checked Oct 24. A chip-timed Thanksgiving 5K through the tree-canopied grounds of the Omni Amelia Island Resort, starting and finishing at Racquet Park next to the Nona Mia restaurant. Running…
- [Black Friday Pajama Party and Tree Lighting — Fernandina Beach](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/black-friday-pajama-party-and-tree-lighting-fernandina-beach--listing-ae7f7bfbaa22776e8deda400) — Fri, Nov 27 · 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach · checked Oct 27. Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach turns Black Friday into a pajama party from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sidewalk sales and miniature golf on South Second Street open the day, Santa…
- [Holiday Lights Celebration at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/holiday-lights-celebration-at-the-shops-at-omni-amelia-island--listing-cad1534c459fa4e123fc396e) — Fri, Nov 27 · 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM · The Shops at Omni Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach · Free · checked Oct 27. The Shops at Omni Amelia Island welcome Santa with a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and an evening of family activities around the shopping village: train rides, a bounce house, crafts…

### Middleburg (3)

- [Homeschool Adventures - Thanksgiving](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/homeschool-adventures-thanksgiving--listing-e1717a72dbadbb0d3c6a1027) — Fri, Nov 13 · 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · Middleburg-Clay Hill Library · Ages 5–11 · checked Oct 30. Self-directed learning stations about Thanksgiving for homeschooled kids, with time to socialize and use the library's resources. Recommended for ages 5–11; families welcome.
- [America 250: Creation Lab - Moving Mayflower Craft](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/america-250-creation-lab-moving-mayflower-craft--listing-efa42af8954c989b54a68d07) — Thu, Nov 19 · 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Middleburg-Clay Hill Library · Ages 5–11 · checked Oct 30. School-age kids make a moving Mayflower craft in the library's monthly Creation Lab, exploring different art concepts and media. For ages 5–11.
- [Baby Storytime - Thanksgiving (Middleburg-Clay Hill Library)](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/baby-storytime-thanksgiving-middleburg-clay-hill-library--listing-9c9ac5afdb6237ae6f66c335) — Tue, Nov 24 · 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · Middleburg-Clay Hill Library · Up to 2 · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving-themed lap-sit storytime with songs and bounces for babies 2 and under and their grown-ups.

### Other towns in the Jacksonville area (6)

- [Thankful Turkey Half Marathon & 5K at Nocatee](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/thankful-turkey-half-marathon-and-5k-at-nocatee--listing-b3a58b76f04cdfc99c284c55) — Sun, Nov 22 · 7:00 AM · Nocatee (field next to Nocatee Splash Water Park), Ponte Vedra · All ages · From $25 · checked Oct 30. A pre-Thanksgiving half marathon and 5K on the Nocatee Greenway Trails, starting and finishing in the field next to Nocatee Splash Water Park. The half starts at 7:00 am and the…
- [First Coast Turkey Trot at Mickler's Landing](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/first-coast-turkey-trot-at-mickler-s-landing--listing-0875968430c7069ce18e7398) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM · Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park, Ponte Vedra Beach · All ages · From $30 · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving-morning 5K and 1-mile fun run on the beach road at Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park in Ponte Vedra Beach. Kids and adults in each distance run at the same time…
- [Psych Ed Connections Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run at Nocatee](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/psych-ed-connections-thanksgiving-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run-at-noca--listing-bd054c9009348ec443779467) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM · Nocatee Splash parking lot, Ponte Vedra Beach · From $20 · checked Oct 24. The 11th annual Thanksgiving morning race in Nocatee offers a 5K, a 10K and a 1K Kids Fun Run. The kids' run goes first at 7:30 am, and every child who finishes gets a medal and…
- [Shut Up and Run 5K on Thanksgiving Morning](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/shut-up-and-run-5k-on-thanksgiving-morning--listing-28c826b1857357aecf648b2c) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM · Treaty Park, St. Augustine · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. A 23-year St. Augustine Thanksgiving morning 5K at Treaty Park, with awards that include a 13-and-under division. Packet pickup is Wednesday, Nov 25, 3–6 pm at Service Pros USA…
- [UF Health Jacksonville's Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/uf-health-jacksonville-s-turkey-trot-5k-and-1-mile-fun-run--listing-a42625a594d17605e979dfd5) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM · Dune House Hotel & Spa, Atlantic Beach · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. Thousands of runners and walkers start Thanksgiving morning at the oceanfront in Atlantic Beach. The 5K goes off in pace waves from 7:30 am, with a sensory-friendly 5K start at…
- [Black Friday Run Off the Turkey 5K and Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/black-friday-run-off-the-turkey-5k-and-fun-run--listing-8cf965447dfd0282b03beb7b) — Fri, Nov 27 · 9:00 AM · John's Creek Amenity Center, Saint Augustine · All ages · From $18 · checked Oct 24. The day after Thanksgiving, the St. Johns Creek neighborhood hosts a chip-timed 5K and a 1-mile fun run or walk starting and finishing at the John's Creek Amenity Center. Kids 10…

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