The family's all here! Now what do we do?

The holiday season is fast approaching, a time to be surrounded by family and friends, to feel the joy of the season, ... to generally stress out!

Let Your Active City do our part to relieve your stress and encourage you to have a fun and connected holiday season. Below is our list of ideas for things to do with the family around Thanksgiving.

#1. Take a tour - Ok, I may be biased, but tours are a great way to spend a big chunk of time with friends and family and maybe even learn something new.

Oakland on the World Stage is a walking tour of Schenley Plaza, which sounds pretty tame but it actually a surprisingly interesting and information-packed tour. For example, on the tour you learn about the 1st artificial ice rink in North America, a bridge that was buried in the ground, and a hotel that housed the rich and famous of the early 20th century - all in Oakland! It’s an easy walk and fully accessible.

Another great tour option are the 27 Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning. The rooms are visited by over 15,000 people each year (no kidding) and are world-renowned. Take a tour with us and you’ll learn all the secrets of these rooms. Groups of 10 or more can also tour with University of Pittsburgh student guides, or simply wander through the rooms on their own (although there is a lot to see and a guide is highly recommended).

Both tours can be modified to run either 1 hour or 1½ hours in length. They can also be combined for a 2-hour tour experience. Call (412) 303-0566 or email info@youractivecity.comto ask questions or to set up a tour for your family and friends. More details can also be found at http://www.youractivecity.com/.

Hint 1: Combine a tour with a visit to the Carnegie Museums or Phipps Conservatory. You’ll have a full day of activities with your loved ones and no stress added!

Other great tours in the Pittsburgh area include‘Burgh Bits & Bites food tours and Sole City tours.

#2. Go to a park - I know, I know. It’s too cold, there’s no leaves, what will we do there, etc, etc. I am a huge fan of fall and winter hiking and if you’re looking for a free and fun way to spend some time out of the house – I say “Send your family to a park!”

Now that the leaves are down, you’ll see things you never noticed, before I guarantee it. Plus, this is the time when we really need to get outside and enjoy the sun (what there is of it) and crisp fall air. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed and invigorated you feel after even an hour outside. There are no crowds, parking spaces are there for the taking, and the kids can run around. It’s not really that cold anyway. Come on, give it a try. Admission is FREE.

#3. Museums - Museums abound around Pittsburgh, so you can take your pick. Both sections of the Carnegie Museum in Oakland have new exhibitions running which will please patrons of all ages. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has just opened Whales/Tohora, on loan from New Zealand’s National Museum. It is all about whales and the connection between whales and the peoples of New Zealand.

The Carnegie Museum of Art has just opened a new section – the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Galleries, which showcase some amazing pieces from the museum's decorative arts collection. These galleries include furniture from the 18th century to mid-20th century modern. Admission is good for both museums and is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $11 for kids 3-18. *Remember that the museums are closed Mondays and major holidays.

Phipps Conservatory is another great staple for all ages and interests right there in Oakland. With the winter season, it’s nice to be back among flowers and warmth. The glass art pieces scattered throughout the conservatory add a great dimension to the visit, and kids will adore the Tropical Forest. You can read my review of Phipps here. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students with ID, and $7 for kids 2-18. Phipps is closed on Thanksgiving day both otherwise open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, plus open late on Fridays until 10 pm.

Other museum possibilities are the Warhol, hosting the Shepard Fairey exhibition Supply and Demand until the end of the year, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, celebrating 50 years, or the Frick Art and Historical Center where admission to the Art Museum and Car and Carriage Museum is free.

Please search our Your Active Blog archives for further ideas and feel free to provide some suggestions of your own by commenting below. I hope every one has a happy Thanksgiving celebration!