Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Sometimes events associated with this traditional holiday are overlooked because of Christmas. Parents can instill a lifetime of Thanksgiving Day memories through participation with their young ones in area events.  Did you know there are a lot of fun things to do in Houston with your preschooler to honor Thanksgiving? 

Begin Thanksgiving Day with invigorating exercise by participating in Houston's annual Turkey Trot fun run.  The run/walk, which includes a Kids' K, begins at 8:00 a.m. in Uptown Park at the corner of 610 and Post Oak Boulevard.  The proceeds go to Sheltering Arms Senior Services.  While you walk or jog with your child plan a time to visit a nursing home during the holidays and follow through.  This season can be very lonely for the elderly.

After the Turkey Trot, make plans to watch the HEB Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Houston.  This  biggest holiday parade in Texas is as good as the Macy's day parade.  Floats, huge hot-air balloons, bands and cheerleaders will be marching.  Celebrity guests will make appearances also.  The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. in front of Minute Maid Park at the Jackson and Texas intersection and will travel throughout the east side of downtown Houston for twenty blocks.

While you are downtown, visit the Children's Museum, where Thanksgiving with Santa will be occurring.  Children can make their own floats and march down the hall in the indoor parade as the say hello to Santa Claus.  The museum has organized many ongoing Thanksgiving-related crafts to create, too. 

So get your turkey in the oven and have some Thanksgiving holiday fun with your little ones.  Not only will grateful memories be made, but there will be less guilt after the big Thanksgiving feast knowing you were active prior to the meal.  Happy Thanksgiving!