Family Fun that Doesn't Involve Shopping on Black Friday

Thursday is Thanksgiving, and you know what that makes Friday…

That’s right. It’s Gray Friday, the kick off of the California gray whale migration season for whale watching in Orange County.

If you are looking to do anything but shop on Black Friday, you have options.

Dana Wharf is celebrating Gray Friday with daily whale watching adventures to “learn about the massive creatures as they migrate south toward the warm waters of Mexico.”

Dana Wharf is offering whale watching gift certificates on sale Nov. 27-29 for just $20. The code for purchasing this special is “GRAYFRIDAY.” The normal price is $45 adult, $35 Senior and $29 kids so this is quite a savings. Visit www.danawharf.com for details on purchasing.

If you aren’t looking to spend Black Friday on the water, but you still want to celebrate the great outdoors, consider a white Friday. A storm from the Gulf of Alaska is expected to bring a light dusting of snow to local mountains, and temperatures have been low enough for snow making. Most of the Southern California resorts still have early bird deals available for skiers and snowboarders looking to get season passes for an El Nino winter that promises lots of fresh powder. Patch has a roundup of snow conditions resort details and current road conditions here.

For Animal lovers, the Aquarium of the Pacific is teaming up with the L.A. Zoo with a special combo ticket that gets you into both venues for $39 per adult (12+), $26 per child, and $38 per senior (ages 62+). The zoo will kick off its Reindeer Romp on Black Friday, inviting visitors a “visit with Noel, Belle, Velvet, and Jingle in their wintry Reindeer Village home.” Tickets can be purchased online or at the zoo or aquarium.

Feeling kind of Ba humbug about the holidays? That’s ok. Universal Studios is kicking off its 21 Days of “Grinchmas”and Universal CityWalk will deck the hall with free concerts, nightly snowfall and special appearances by Santa Claus. Universal’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Festivities take place Nov. 27 through New Year’s Day 2016.