Outdoor Events to Work Off Your Turkey Dinner

LongIsland.com

Don't feel bad about overeating for Thanksgiving - just get outside and start walking off the pounds!

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Take a walk at one of LI's great beaches and parks, like Sunken Meadow Creek.

Photo by: Joe Marcone

After you have finished your Thanksgiving meals and can't even bear to look at the sight of the leftovers, head outside and start walking off your extra calories!  According to the weather forecast, the weekend is expected to be mild with temperatures in the low 50s and upper 40s, with a chance of rain for both days.  Keep your eye on the forecast and take a chance of one of the fun outdoor events happening this weekend.  There are multiple walks at state parks that range from 2 to 6 miles, all at a moderate pace on a flat path.  There are also some bird walks going on that are sure to be easy for families while still helping you to get some exercise.  Tackapausha Museum and Preserve is having a big holiday event that will include a live wildlife program as well as a bird walk along the preserve.  For those who missed the turkey trots on Thanksgiving, Mount Sinai High School will be hosting their trot on Saturday, and there is another charitable 5K hapening at Stillwell Woods Preserve.

Here is your guide for the best in post-Thanksgiving outdoor events:

Too Much Turkey Walk at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, NY 11769
631-581-1072
Saturday, November 28th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$4 per adult, $8 parking fee

This three mile hike heads to the hatchery and back.  Bring water and comfortable walking shoes. Reservations are required.

5th Annual Mount Sinai Turkey Trot 5K at Mount Sinai HS
110 North Country Road, Mount Sinai, NY 11766
631-806-4649
Saturday, November 28th, 8:30 AM
$30 per person day of race

The 1K Kids Fun Run begins at 8:30 AM, and registration begins at 7:30 AM.  The 5K starts at 9:00 AM.

Conscience Point to "Olde Towne"
End of North Sea Road, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-0554
Saturday, November 28th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Call ahead for cost

Meet at Conscience Point in North Sea for a moderately-paced 6-mile hike. This historic hike includes Barrel Hill, Split Rock and the Alewife Dreen.

Belmont to Babylon and Back at Belmont Lake State Park
Southern State Pkwy, Exit 38, West Babylon, NY 11703
631-360-0753
Saturday, November 28th, 9:00 AM
Call ahead for cost

Enjoy a 6-mile moderately paced flat walk, and explore the trails south of Belmont Lake during the holiday weekend; head down past Southard’s Pond, to Argyle Lake in Babylon on this family-friendly hike; appropriate for scout groups; bring water and a snack; from Exit 38, Southern State Parkway, follow signs into Belmont Lake State Park.  Meet in front of main comfort stations. Possible parking fee without Empire Pass.

Thanksgiving Weekend Tower Tour at Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses Parkway Field #5, Babylon, NY 11702
631-661-4876
Saturday, November 28th, 3:45 PM
$15 for FLIPS Members, $20 for non-members

Come on down and experience the lighthouse at night while working off some of those holiday calories. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. Reservations are required.  The sunset will take place at 4:28 PM.

Rob’s Run 5K at Stillwell Woods Preserve
72 South Woods Road, Woodbury, NY 11797
Sunday, November 29th, 9:15 AM
516-921-7650
$26 pre-registered, $30 day of the race

Take a cross country race through the trails of Stillwell Woods Preserve.  High schoolers that pre-register can get a 50% discount on the sign up cost. Every entrant will receive a free top quality merchandise giveaway.

Thank Goodness for Animals at Tackapausha Nature Preserve
2225 Washington Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783
516-571-7443
Sunday, November 29th, 1:00 PM
$5 per person

This family-friendly Thanksgiving program will include a 1:00 PM Live Wildlife Program, followed by a 2:00 PM migratory bird walk to walk off some of your Thanksgiving dinner.

Trout Pond /Clam Island Perambulation
Noyack Road, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-5432
Sunday, November 29th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Call ahead for cost

Meet at the Trout Pond Parking Lot for an easy, moderately paced 3-4 mile hike around historic Trout pond and Clam Island County Park with views of Morton Wildlife Refuge.

Bird Walk at Hempstead Lake State ParkFREE!
Parking Field #3, Southern State Parkway Exit 18S, Hempstead, NY 11570
516-467-9498
Sunday, November 29th, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Free event

Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk at Hempstead Lake State Park. All are welcome.  This walk will be canceled in the event of snow or rain.

7 in Heaven: High Lines Walk NYC Private Tour
Corner of 34th St. and 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
631-592-9804
Sunday, November 29th, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
$19 per person

Meet at the corner of 34th Street and 11th Avenue to join a group of like-minded Long Islanders through the High Line, a beautiful walking park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.  The walk will be about two miles total, so be sure to ear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes.  Register in advance for this event.