You might not be celebrating Thanksgiving for one reason or another. Maybe you ended up in the area on a business trip, or you just don't have family here. Or maybe you already had your Thanksgiving meal. But after spending an hour or two eating, what else is there to do if you don't feel like watching television? Here are some attractions and activities that you can do on Thanksgiving Day in Greater Phoenix.

Activities on Thanksgiving Day 2014

1. Find a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot for either a competitive or a fun run or walk. Some require advance registration, or have reduced prices for advance registration.
2. Doing something nice for someone else may be the answer this year, and there are always volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving Day. Keep in mind that you usually have to arrange to volunteer in advance through the organization that you select. They probably won't use you if you weren't scheduled to participate.
3. The Arizona International Auto Show happens to start on Thanksgiving Day. Held at the Phoenix Convention Center, you'll be able to see hundreds of the newest cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles that will be introduced by auto manufacturers in the upcoming year. Consider using METRO Light Rail to get there.
4. JesterZ Improv has a Thanksgiving Day show this year, one show only at 6 p.m. Bring the whole family. The Thanksgiving show is a popular one and often sells out. Mesa Riverview.

1. A trip to Sea Life Arizona Aquarium in Tempe is a great way to walk off that big meal. Sea Life will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last admission at 3 p.m. On November 27, 2014 receive one free admission when one regular priced admission of equal or greater value is purchased, cannot be combined with any other discounts and cannot be applied to pre-purchased or online tickets.
2. Go for a swim at the Hamilton Aquatic Center in Chandler. The Annual Turkey Lap Swim will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2014 from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Bring a can of food for donation and swim for free.
3. Visit The Phoenix Zoo in central Phoenix. The regular daytime hours will be in force, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and regular entry fees apply. In the evening, the Phoenix Zoo presents ZooLights, the holiday lights event.
4. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium in Litchfield Park is open every year on Thanksgiving Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aquarium exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    
5. OK, it isn't Rockefeller Center, but it is an outdoor skating rink on real ice in the exciting Downtown Phoenix district. It's CitySkate, and in 2014, because we'll be hosting the NFL and football fans, downtown Phoenix will be even more fun this year. Open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
   
6. Do you enjoy hitting around a little white ball? Many golf courses are open on Thanksgiving. Even if you don't want to play a whole round of golf, the driving range might be a fun place to take the family.
7. Most, if not all, bowling alleys are open on Thanksgiving. Call your favorite lanes before you go to make sure they are open for open bowling (non-leagues) and confirm the hours.
8. There are always new movies coming out during the holidays. Find out what's playing at your local movie theater on Thanksgiving Day.
9. If 18 holes of real golf with real clubs and real greens fees isn't what you had in mind, how about some miniature golf? Golfland in Mesa is open on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. In the evening, the miniature golf course will be decorated and lit for the holidays.
10. In Scottsdale both Butterfly Wonderland (people of all ages) and the adjoining OdySea Mirror Maze (best for people about seven years old and up) are open 365 days per year.
11. If you are sure you have digested your dinner, roller coasters and ziplining might be the plan for the day at Castles 'n' Coasters in Phoenix. On Thanksgiving Day (and the day before!) take advantage of the $14.50 special (reg. $30) for rides and mini golf (tax extra). The arcade, bumper boats, go karts and mini golf open at 10 a.m. and the ride park is open from noon to 9 p.m.
12. Bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf, and, for the big boys and girls who need to perfect that swing, a golf driving range will be open on Thanksgiving Day in North Scottsdale at CrackerJax from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
13. Take your friends bowling, spend time in the electronic game arcade, watch football on big-screen TVs and more at an entertainment complex in Surprise, AZ called Uptown Alley. That's in the northwest part of the Valley.
14. Take a leisurely paddle boat or kayak trip around Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Boat rentals is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last boat must return by 2 p.m.) on Thanksgiving Day. Get a $5 discount if you arrive between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
15. Take an exciting scenic drive on the Apache Trail. This well-traveled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, and desert and lake views. It isn't for nervous drivers or passengers, though, and make sure you have a full tank of gas....
16. Go for a hike or visit a local riparian area! You don't have to spend any money to enjoy the great outdoors. South Mountain is a popular place for hiking, and, of course, lots of people will climb Camelback Mountain that morning before the feast!
     
17. Satisfy your need for speed at Octane Raceway in Scottsdale. Indoor and outdoor go karts. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     
18. Go to a show on Thursday night in Scottsdale.It's the Showstoppers Live! Holiday Spectacular at Casino Arizona. Celebrate the holiday season with the music of Elvis, Dean Martin, Reba, Natalie Cole. The show will feature tribute performers singing their renditions of holiday classics. Tickets are buy one, get one free with your Player Rewards Club™ card at Box Office only. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend.

Holiday Lights and Activities on Thanksgiving Night

1. Golfland Winter Wonderland in Mesa
2. ZooLights in Phoenix
3. Holiday lights at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
4. Rawhide's Snowy Christmas in Chandler

Don't forget to get some rest. The stores open early tomorrow for Black Friday!

Do you know of another attraction that's open on Thanksgiving Day in the Greater Phoenix area? Send me the information.

_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}