20 Family Outings to Steer Clear of Black Friday Madness

Black Friday deals are tempting, but the frenzy and sheer madness might not be worth it. If you're skipping the malls and big-box stores for the first time, but not sure what to do, consider these low-key family outings.

Take a walk in your neighborhood. Dress for the weather and take in a few (or more blocks). Make sure the whole family comes with you. Once you're back, settle in for tea, cocoa and together time.

Go to Grandma's, Grandpa's, Aunt Lisa's or the neighbors to bake cookies. Couldn't score an invite? Ask Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Lisa or the neighbors to come and make cookies at your place.

Sleep in on Black Friday, then head out for brunch. Take your time ordering, take even more time eating. Make it slow. Ask for more coffee.

If you live in a milder climate, your local theme park might still be open. If so, spend the day there. The crowds will be thinner and you'll love kicking back.

There's nothing like the beach in late fall/winter—the waves and the cold, wet air. Go for a short walk, then head to a cafe for coffee and pie. Make a day of it.

Ask your neighbors if they'd be up for a board game. Bring your haul and some leftovers to their house, and start rolling the dice.

There's gotta be snow somewhere, right? Check weather reports, bundle up, grab the sleds and head out. Even if it's just a little snow, you'll love the family adventure.

Head to the ice-skating rink. If there's no ice skating in your area, search for the nearest roller-skating rink. Sure, it's been years. No, you won't be good. But go anyway. Take lots of videos.

It might not be too late to sign up for a Black Friday 5K race. If it is, map out 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in your area, and get everyone together to run it. Hand out makeshift trophies. Go out for a late lunch/brunch when everyone has crossed the finish line.

Pack everyone in the car and head to the movie theater. Splurge on popcorn and drinks. Make it your Black Friday tradition.

Put together a big donation box for the local food bank. They're notoriously low this time of year and need the help. Don't forget women's hygiene supplies, such as pads and tampons, and also diapers and wipes for those with small children. Let everyone fill your shopping cart, so they know they contributed to something good.

Ask the food bank if you can help shelve, sort or hand out items. If not on Black Friday, then sometime during December or after. Maybe this will be your family's thing.

Get outside and play football. If you're lucky, you've got neighbors who are itching to do something besides shop, too. Organize a gentle football game that involves people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Keep score or don't. Mix up teams or don't. But have fun. That's not optional.

Black Friday is a great time to get your Christmas tree. Take your time, be choosy, let everyone in the family weigh in. This will take forever, but that's the point. It's family time with a goal in mind.

After you set up the Christmas tree, why not go ahead and hang up the Christmas lights? Sure, Thanksgiving (and, therefore, Black Friday) is early this year. But who doesn't love the look of neighborhood lights this time of year? As long as you're putting in the effort, you might as well squeeze in as much time with them as you can.

Find your nearest campground and pay for a space. Forget the tents and sleeping bags—this is just so you can set up camping chairs, snuggle under blankets and start a fire for roasting marshmallows. Stay long enough to see a few stars. (It gets dark early, so you won't have to wait all night.) Then head back home to go to bed. This will be your forever tradition, we promise.

Instead of shopping on Black Friday, put on your favorite outfits and scout out this year's Christmas/New Year's card location. Set up the shot and—boom!—you're done. Go out for coffee/drinks/pie when you're done.

Find out what's going on in your city or town on Black Friday and pick your top three events. Maybe the Christmas tree downtown will be lit. Maybe there's a holiday parade. Or maybe there's a neighborhood or old street decorated for the season, a pancake dinner fundraiser or some other community event. Take part in that.

You never seem to have time to go to the great museums in your town. Black Friday is the day to do it.

Pack up some snacks and overnight bags, and head out on a mini road trip. Print out a map of your region, close your eyes and point. Find the nearest town or points of interest, and hit the open road. Time with family is the best way to spend Black Friday weekend.