Nov 8, 2018

After finishing a Texas-sized Thanksgiving feast and fighting your way through the Black Friday crowds for some holiday deals, it’s time to work a bit of weight off before the holiday season gets into full swing. If you maybe had one too many pieces of pecan pie this year, don’t worry, we’ve compiled a guide of the most fun ways to work off your Thanksgiving feast.

Prepare Your Metabolism at the Turkey Trot

Having an active lifestyle can give your metabolism enough of a boost to kick Thanksgiving in the stuffing before you even eat the meal! Try running in the Turkey Trot. The San Antonio Food Bank puts on this annual 5k and takes place on Thanksgiving morning. Not only will you be doing your body good, but the food bank will donate a turkey to a family in need for every single registration!

Registration starts at $30 per runner or walker and increases slightly as the event approaches. The run begins at 6:30 a.m. with awards at 9:30, giving you enough time to get home for more Thanksgiving action, whether you’re playing football outside or watching the parade.

Take a Stroll Through Phil Hardberger Park

This newer location has plenty of available activities to help melt a few pounds off after the big meal. The park itself spans 311-acres and it features several walking trails, a large playground structure for children, basketball courts, and a dog park. There’s no better way to spend the day after Thanksgiving than taking a walk to see some of the interesting art installations throughout the park.

Check Out Some of the Top Hiking Trails in San Antonio

If you’re looking to venture out of the city and experience a bit of nature, be sure to hit one of these top spots for a post-Thanksgiving hike. Crownridge Canyon features a 1.9-mile hike that features plenty of interesting scenery. You’ll cross through a forested canyon, canopy bridge overlook, and you may catch a glimpse of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

If you’re looking for a longer trail, be sure to head over to Mission Reach, which starts just south of downtown San Antonio. This 8-mile stretch of the San Antonio River Walk passes by four historical Mission sites. The trail is also open to bikes.

Take a Guided Bike Tour of Historic Downtown San Antonio

The San Antonio Bike Tours company offers several different area bike tours ranging from two-to-six hours. On the tours, you’ll travel on specialized bikes that allow you to better take in your surroundings. Depending on the tour option you choose, you’ll stop by some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

There are plenty of ways to work off a few extra calories after Thanksgiving in the San Antonio area. No matter what outdoor activities you enjoy, there’s something to do, even if it’s just heading down to the River Walk and doing some window shopping.

Image by StuSeeger is licensed under CC BY 2.0