Thanksgiving In Miami: A MapQuest Guide

MapQuest | By Barbie Carpenter | Posted: 10/27/11 05:19 PM ET | Updated: 10/31/11 04:18 PM ET

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Thanksgiving in Miami is a time for gathering with family and loved ones, expressing gratitude and, of course, eating. As part of TurkeyQuest -- a MapQuest guide to Thanksgiving events, featuring everything from parades to holiday sales to activities for families -- here are two of the best ways to experience Thanksgiving in Miami and one opportunity to give back to others.

Miami Thanksgiving Events Map

Turkey Trot

Run Miami's Turkey Trot helps families get their Thanksgiving holiday started on a healthy foot. Before loading up on turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and pies, kids and adults can participate in this Thanksgiving Day morning race that begins at Tropical Park. Teens and adults can sign up for the 5K or 10K. Children 9 and under can participate in shorter races, ranging from 50 yards to a third of a mile, depending on their age. Families are encouraged to bring canned goods for Miami-area families in need. Registration for the 5K is $30 and the 10K is $35, though students get a special discount at $25. The Kid's Race, for children ages 2 to 9, is $10.

7900 SW 40th St., Miami, FL 33146

WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade

North Miami's Parks and Recreation Department hosts the annual WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade. Held on Thanksgiving morning, this event features local marching bands and floats that follow an annual theme, such as "Healthy People, Healthy Places." Community members can participate in the parade with their own float, or they can line the North Miami streets and take in the Thanksgiving revelry. The parade is free. The fun continues afterward at Griffing Park with amusement park rides and food.

NE Sixth Ave. and NE 125 St., Miami, FL 33161

Volunteer: Camillus House

Miami's nonprofit Camillus House has been providing support for the city's poor and homeless since 1960. On Thanksgiving, individuals and families can volunteer at the Camillus House and celebrate the holiday with those most in need. Working alongside 200 volunteers, including local politicians and professional athletes, families can serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to Miami's needy men, women and children. The local media covers this annual event, and local businesses can join in by serving as a title sponsor for the Thanksgiving Day meal.

336 NW 5th St., Miami, FL 33128 | Go to Huffington Post Impact to see how else you can volunteer.