3 Activities in Walnut Creek to Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving and Black Friday Weekend

You need to start a new after-Thanksgiving tradition! Gone are the Black Fridays of standing in line for hours, itching to get in the building, hoping that you reach that special deal before anyone else. You no longer need to pour through catalogs looking for the best deals; in fact, most businesses have Black Friday discounts throughout the whole week! And since we can access almost every business in the world online, we can shop from the comfort of our homes or on the go from our phones. But how are you going to spend Black Friday now? We have the answer for you!

This year, skip the stress and make room for these experiences that you’ll actually remember! Try something new, get out of the house, and create a tradition that brings everyone together. After all, the best part of Black Friday isn’t the shopping- it’s the memories that come after.

Diablo Escapes

For many people in the Bay Area, Diablo Escapes is a favorite holiday tradition. These fun escape room adventures are a perfect way to spend time together in a local welcoming spot. The challenges are designed to spark connection and keep your team problem-solving side by side. What’s better than hanging out with friends, exploring a new world, working together on a puzzle, laughing together at shared experiences and adventures.

If you are new to VR escape games, no experience is necessary to enjoy this fresh and exciting type of escape room. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you race against time on the Runaway Train or hone your skills in the ancient art of the Ninja Trials. With lots of room to walk, the freedom to explore makes the world very immersive. You will grab and throw objects and interact as a team in the cinematic VR worlds. Each player can play a role, whether spotting hidden clues, solving logic puzzles, or helping navigate the virtual world, so no one is left on the sidelines. You win together, you laugh together, and you celebrate together when you complete the mission!

If you’re looking for a holiday activity that everyone will rave about afterward, try sharing one of these unforgettable experiences with family and friends! Diablo Escapes provides an inviting place for friends and family to enjoy escape room adventures and make unique, lasting memories.

Color Me Mine

After the Thanksgiving rush is over, getting out of the house for a low-key activity at Color Me Mine can be fun for all ages. It’s cozy, creative, and a great way to unwind. Whether you're feeling artsy or just want something peaceful to do with family, you will enjoy this paint-your-own-ceramic studio in Walnut Creek.

Browse their projects page for ideas You can choose from a range of pottery pieces: plates, bowls, mugs, vases, seasonal décor, and also cute characters like gnomes and holiday figurines. No painting experience is necessary: they provide stencils, inspiration books, and technique cards.

One of the best parts? No cleanup. You paint, relax, and leave your masterpiece behind for glazing and firing. A few days later, you pick up a beautiful piece you can gift or enjoy at home all season long.

Walnut Creek on Ice

If you’re ready to lean into the holiday spirit after Thanksgiving, Walnut Creek on Ice is a perfect way to do it. Opening for the season on 11/23, this outdoor rink transforms Civic Park into a winter wonderland.

You can glide beneath the lights or cozy up beside the firepits to enjoy the atmosphere of the outdoor ice rink and ice slide. Surrounded by festive music, while taking a classic spin around the rink or taking a ride down Frosty’s Summit Ice Slide, you will make some holiday memories.

It’s a cozy, cheerful spot that feels special whether you’re skating with the family or meeting up with friends. It’s the kind of simple, joy-filled activity that makes the holiday weekend feel magical. You should book your tickets online!

Spend Quality Time Together Now that Black Friday Shopping is Done

When the shopping is done and the deals are scored, the quality time is what really matters. Spend the rest of the long weekend enjoying laughter, creativity, connection, and a little bit of holiday magic.

There are some meaningful activities in Walnut Creek to share with your favorite people. These include gliding under the twinkling lights at Walnut Creek on Ice, creative expression at Color Me Mine and, our favorite VR escape room adventures that are about to be your newest obsession! At Diablo Escapes, we are all about creating memorable experiences that bring people together!