A few years ago, REI decided to opt out of Black Friday, closing all retail stores on the day after Thanksgiving and giving employees a paid day of vacation so they could go outside and play instead. They called the movement #OptOutside and encouraged their customers to do the same. When you #OptOutside on Black Friday, you’re choosing your health and wellbeing over conspicuous consumption. That’s a choice that’s good for people and the planet.
Today, there are dozens of organized events around the country to help you stretch your legs outside in nature instead of inside at the mall. From charitable fun runs in North Carolina, to free state park access in Colorado, free fishing in Oregon, free guided hikes in Tennessee and a prized photography contest in Virginia, we discovered great reasons to embrace the outdoors on Black Friday.
Here are 10 ways to #OptOutside on Black Friday 2018.
1. Save money with activity and restaurant discounts at Florida State Parks
The great state of Florida offers an abundance of outdoor activities to get you moving on Black Friday. Florida State Parks are sweetening the deal with discounts on rentals, restaurants and merchandise. Head to Rainbow Springs State Park to enjoy a 10 percent discount on watercraft rentals. At Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, guests are gifted with a 15 percent discount at the restaurant that also extends to merchandise at The Lodge. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while you opt outside at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where they’re offering 10 percent off retail merchandise at Gift Locker. These Florida State Park deals, and more, are offered on Black Friday. Learn more.
2. Run off that Thanksgiving meal at the Black Friday Dash
Where: Wilmington, North Carolina
Avoid the shopping crowds, sleep in and then lace up your running shoes for this timed 5K run in Wilmington called the Black Friday Dash. Not only is the run a great way to burn a few extra calories (and after Thanksgiving we could all use a little of that!) but it also supports a good cause. Funds raised from the race will go to help the victims of Hurricane Florence, which had a major impact on the residents and businesses of Wilmington in 2018. Learn more.
3. Take to the hills on a (discounted) toboggan
Where: Indiana State Parks
On the day after Thanksgiving, Indiana State Parks are offering their own Black Friday discount. In addition to free admission to any Indiana State Park or reservoir and a 20% discount at all Indiana State Park Inns, Pokagon State Park is also offering a discount on toboggan rentals at their refrigerated Toboggan Run. Round up your family and enjoy a winter thrill ride. Learn more.
4. Camp out under the stars (instead of at the mall)
Where: Find a campground near you
We’ve all seen the news clips of impatient shoppers camping out at stores waiting for the doors to open on Black Friday. But #OptOutside encourages a different kind of campout, the way nature intended. Instead of camping out in front of a big box store awaiting your turn to snag a sale item, why not pitch a tent, light a bonfire, gather your family and friends and eat those turkey day leftovers in the natural wonder of your own backyard? Don’t forget these cold weather camping hacks.
5. Learn important survival skills at Petit Jean Mountain Rendezvous
Where: Conway County, Arkansas
Black Friday will feel like a world away during the Petit Jean Mountain Rendezvous in Arkansas’ Petit Jean State Park. Visitors will take a step back in time into the 1800s to find out how people dressed and lived when much of Arkansas was still wild and unsettled. Bring the family to experience a primitive camp, learn survival skills and witness demonstrations such as muzzleloading and tomahawk throwing. Now doesn’t that sound more exciting than buying a new TV? Learn more.
6. Grab some fresh air in the mountains
Where: Colorado State Parks
Colorado is encouraging residents to “turn Black Friday into a blue skies Friday, a green trees Friday, a white snow Friday… a Fresh Air Friday!” On the day after Thanksgiving, there is free access to all 41 Colorado state parks to celebrate Fresh Air Friday. Go hiking or skiing, or take a stroll in any of Colorado’s state parks and spend the day in nature instead of shopping ‘til you drop. Learn more.
7. Go fishing with friends for free
Where: Oregon
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wants you to start a new Black Friday tradition, encouraging you to share your love of fishing with friends and family by offering free fishing on Black Friday. Oregon residents and visitors can go fishing, clamming or crabbing without a license or tags (fishing regulations and bag limits still apply). So this Thanksgiving weekend, ditch the shopping bag and pick up your fishing pole for a fun and free day casting your reel. Learn more.
8. Flex your photography muscles for a chance to win big
Where: Virginia State Parks
This holiday season Virginia State Parks encourages visitors to #OptOutside by hosting an annual Black Friday photography contest. When you visit a Virginia State Park Nov. 22-25, take pictures of what you see and experience and submit up to five photos for the chance to win a $500 Virginia State Parks gift certificate. Not only is this a great excuse to get outside on Black Friday but it’s also a fun way to test your photography skills in the great outdoors. Learn more.
9. Learn from a ranger during a free guided hike
Where: Tennessee State Parks
The state of Tennessee encourages you to #OptOutside on Black Friday by hosting a series of free Black Friday guided hikes and runs at their state parks. Try out the Giving Thanks Sunset Hike at Harrison Bay State Park or the strenuous Hefty Holiday Hike at Norris Dam State Park. No matter which hike you choose there are events for all ages and ability levels. Learn more.
10. Create Your Own #OptOutside Event
Where: Find outdoor adventure inspiration near you
You don’t need to participate in an organized event to #OptOutside—you can create your own! Gather your friends and family the day after Thanksgiving and hit the hiking trails, go for a bike ride or take a walk on the beach. Enjoy quality time with the ones you love most in the places that make you feel most alive—and do it all without spending a dime. We recommend these fall experiences at state parks.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!