Whether or not Thanksgiving is a big holiday in your house, this time of year offers all sorts of opportunities to reflect upon what we are thankful for and get outdoors for good causes, from fun runs to appreciating the natural world. Here are three very different events this weekend that have both.

Giving Thanks for Nature and Our Senses
Head to Drumlin Farm on Friday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for “Giving Thanks for Nature and Our Senses,” an outdoor arts program co-hosted by Mass Audubon and Musketaquid Arts & Environment. Activities include a nature walk though the sanctuary as local artists give trailside performances, family-friendly crafts, music, and more.

Schedule of Events

Jazz by the Bobby Gadoury Trio (performances at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon)

Classical music with the Musicians of LyricaFest (performances at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.)

Wildlife sketching with Gordon Morrison (ongoing 10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Puppet show (11 a.m. and noon)

Storytelling by the fire (Animal Town Meeting and Robin Hood at Mount Misery. Performances at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, and 12:30 p.m.)

Visits with native animals from the Wildlife Care Center (ongoing)

Build a giant animal sculpture (ongoing 10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Other hands-on activities include making paper bag puppets, instrument making, Six Word Poetry, stick sculptures, and more (ongoing).

HOLIDAY FUN RUNS

Franklin Park Turkey Trot Dorchester
Thursday, November 27, check in at 8 a.m; race at 9 a.m. 

This scenic 5K takes runners and walkers along the historic paths of Franklin Park, with funds raised going to support the Franklin Park Coalition’s Youth Conservation Crew, Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park concerts, year-round volunteer days, woodlands restoration, and fitness activities. There are awards for best male and female overall, youth age group first place winners, and best costume.

Ugly Sweater Run
Saturday, November 29,starts at noon

Rummage up the ugliest sweaters you can find and celebrate the holidays at this silly and fun run in Brockton, which benefits Save the Children. The run is about 3.1 miles long along city streets and parks. The start line has huge inflatables, photo stations, and holiday music. Once you’re on the course, you’ll find holiday-themed stations at every mile, as well as lots of free hot chocolate. Post-run festivities include awards for best real mustache, best fake mustache, best beard, worst sweater, and best sweater. Kids ages 5 and under participate for free.