Thanksgiving break is almost here! Take advantage of the family time with activities everyone will enjoy. From community events to cooking with the kids, here are a few ideas.

Celebrate at Community Events

Check online community calendars for local activities. In Carroll County, the Spirit of Christmas Annual Carroll County Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. See the Carroll County Convention and Visitors Bureau Facebook page and website for more Thanksgiving weekend activities.

Mahoning County’s Arms Family Museum is featuring its Memories of Christmas Past exhibit. Though closed on Thanksgiving Day, it will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Check the calendar at Memories of Christmas Past for open hours through Dec. 31.

In Stark County, Thanksgiving weekend events include a Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display at Stadium Park in Canton, Holiday Market at Oakwood Square Plaza in Plain Township, Winter Wonderfest at Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market and more. Canton Palace Theater is showing holiday movies. Look for details on these and other activities on the Visit Canton website.

Orrville in Wayne County is holding its annual Home for the Holidays event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. During Home for the Holidays, families can view ice sculptures, see Santa Claus and enjoy activities, snacks and more. See Visit Wayne County for a listing of other upcoming events in the county. Berlin in Holmes County holds a live Nativity parade the evening of Nov. 29.

In Tuscarawas County, the YMCA’s Turkey Trot 5K run/walk in Dover at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day accepts participants until registration closes at 8:15 a.m. Participants pay a registration fee, but friends and family can watch the race for free. See the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau website for additional Thanksgiving weekend activities.

Involve Everyone in Holiday Break Cooking

For Thanksgiving dinner, engage your children in planning the menu, then let them help get the meal ready. Put them in charge of setting out silverware or place cards or assign them to make a dish that matches their skill level.

For the rest of Thanksgiving break, plan meals that are fun and nutritious. For example, consider putting out bowls of healthy toppings for pizzas and letting everyone create their own. You could do the same with tacos, enchiladas, pancakes or grilled sandwiches.

Play Games

Brainstorm with your kids for Thanksgiving games the whole family can enjoy, such as creating your own “heads up” game with Thanksgiving-themed words.

Break out traditional board games, letting each person choose their favorite games. Get creative, too. Design a selfie scavenger hunt, play charades or create your own Thanksgiving-themed categories for popular board games such as Scattergories or Pictionary.

Visit Your Local Parks

Most neighborhood and city parks are free. Most counties and cities have websites advertising free or low-cost community events at the parks.

Don’t forget nearby national and state parks, which can offer budget-friendly activities in beautiful settings. Even as the days grow shorter and colder, you can dress for the season and take a nature walk or hike, play Frisbee or tag or fly kites.

Check Out Your Public Library – In Person and Online

Public libraries offer activities for children, including storytelling, arts and crafts and music performances. Many host book clubs for adults where everyone is welcome. Even if your local library is not offering programs over Thanksgiving weekend, your family can browse for books together and check them out for free with a library card.

Some libraries let you check out free passes to museums and other local sites using your library card. Contact your local library to find out whether they have activity passes and how to reserve them.

Many libraries offer free online streaming of movies, TV shows and music for cardholders. Explore your local library’s website for options.

Start Decorating

Get out your Christmas, holiday or winter decorations and enlist the whole family’s help in putting them up. Search the internet and visit a local craft store for ideas for decorations the family can make together. Good Housekeeping has plenty of affordable ideas. Just make sure that whatever you choose is age appropriate and safe for the whole family.