[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are some fun things to do this Thanksgiving weekend to get the family out of your house and off your couch.

The turkey’s gone and the novelty of having your relatives from out of town under your roof has worn off. You’ve already caught up with everyone and now the reality has set in that you still have a whole weekend left to get through with your relatives at your house. Instead of having everyone crowd around the TV to watch re-runs, you can take them out to enjoy all that this area has to offer. Here are some fun things to do this Thanksgiving weekend to get the family out of your house and off your couch.

Maryland Christmas Show at the Frederick Fairgrounds (Franklin Sr., Frederick, Md.) makes it easy to fit into your Thanksgiving weekend schedule since it is open all weekend long. 500 artists and craftsmen will display items including fine art, pottery, furniture, clothing, jewelry, toys and much more. Your family will love the chance to get a head start on holiday shopping with these unique gift item ideas. Marylandchristmasshow.com.

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens kicks off the Christmas season on Nov. 28 with a special holiday program that runs through Jan. 6. The fun includes Christmas decorations, a gingerbread version of Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th century dancing and a Christmas camel. The estate and grounds are open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Adult tickets are $15, (0h 47m) children tickets are $7 (0h 22m) and children five and younger are free.  Mountvernon.org.

Alexandria brings in the holiday season with its tree lighting ceremony in Historic Market Square (301 King St., Alexandria, Va.) Starting at 6 p.m. join in caroling with the community, listen to live entertainment and see Alexandria’s mayor. The kids will especially love seeing Santa Claus himself! Visitalexandriava.com.

If you want to keep the family entertained without doing much yourself then take the gang to AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center (8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md.). This theatre is known for showing art house, classic and mainstream films on its three screens. Thanksgiving weekend go see a new release such as “The Theory of Everything” or “Birdman.” You can also relive the old classics on the big screen such as “Mary Poppins” or “West Side Story.” Afi.com.

Ditch the typical Smithsonian museums and take the family to visit the National Building Museum (401 F St., N.W.). The museum’s current exhibits include “Designing for Disaster,” a preparation course on proofing your home for natural disasters such as flooding, fire, tornados and more. It has fun activities like a wind machine guests can play with to blow over miniature houses. It’s also a gold mine for the little ones. Its children section has fun activities like “Building Zone” and “Play Work Build” that have small and giant building blocks that will keep them occupied as long as you need. Adult tickets are $8 (0h 25m) and children ages 3-17 are $5 (0h 16m). Nbm.org.

If you want to show your family something more scenic than take them to the iconic Rock Creek Park (3545 Williamsburg Ln., N.W.). They can hike, bike or just casually stroll along the 5.5 mile Valley Trail. Now that fall is in full gear it’s a picture-perfect view. So everyone from your Instagram obsessed cousin who wants to snap a picture to post or your grandparents who love a peaceful walk in the park can enjoy its natural beauty.  Nps.gov/rocr.

From shopping and going to the movies to kicking off the holiday season and experiencing nature, there is something to suit every member of the family. So get the relatives out of your house for a little bit so everyone can see something new and have a great time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_empty_space mobile_height=”100px” height=”100px”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]