#OptOutside on Black Friday: Outdoor Activities To Do Instead of Shopping in 2023
The #OptOutside movement initiated by REI in 2015 represents a departure from the traditional consumer frenzy associated with Black Friday. Instead of partaking in the shopping chaos that characterizes the day after Thanksgiving, REI takes a bold stand by closing its doors and encouraging both customers and employees to immerse themselves in outdoor activities. By actively promoting the idea of spending time in nature over the pursuit of shopping deals, REI aims to foster a cultural shift towards appreciating and connecting with our natural environment.
This Black Friday we're joining REI, other retailers, small business who are choosing to #OptOutside. We hope you’ll opt for a walking trail, new hike, bike ride, or whatever you love to do outside! If you’re not sure what to do, we’ve got you covered with outdoor activity options taking place in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.
#GreenFriday at Hobbs State Park
Rogers, Arkansas, All Day
Hobbs stands as Arkansas's largest state park, encompassing 12,054-acres of Ozark terrain along the southern edge of Beaver Lake. Functioning as a vital component of the ecosystem, the park boasts minimal human impact.
Among the notable features of this day-use park is a varied 54-mile trail system catering to hikers, those requiring ADA accessibility, as well as enthusiasts of mountain biking and horseback riding. The park proudly hosts 11 primitive campsites, with six accessible via mountain biking. The visitor center has informative exhibits on the park's natural resources, limestone topography, and historical background.
Battlefield Walking Tour at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Prairie Grove, AR, 4:00-5:00 PM
Prairie Grove is known as one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields. With more than 900 acres, this park commemorates the site of the Battle of Prairie Grove, where on December 7, 1862, Confederate and Union forces clashed in a fierce day of fighting that resulted in 2,700 casualties. This battle marked the last major Civil War engagement in Northwest Arkansas.
On November 24, visitors can join a free 1-mile walking tour along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle. Visitors should meet at the Borden house at 4 PM.
Guided Highpoint Hike at Mount Magazine State Park
Paris, AR, 11am, 3PM, or 5PM
At the peak of the state park experience is Mount Magazine, Arkansas’s highest point at 2,753 feet. People come for the sweeping views alone, but there is much to see and do from this unique spot. Mount Magazine State Park is a place of relaxation, exploration, nature study, and is within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
On November 24, visitors can join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. This hike is considered moderate-difficult and is about one hour long. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen (although this hike is very shaded), are all highly recommended. Visitors will meet at the lodge lobby to start.
Women’s Group MTB Ride at Fellows Lake with Cycle Connect 417
Springfield, MO, 11:00 AM
Cycle Connect 417 is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing women together through the love of biking. They are an all-inclusive, judgment-free group that’s open to all skill levels.
Join them for a group mountain bike ride at Fellows Lake on November 24. All skill levels are welcome and groups will be created based on experience and skill level. If you need to rent a bike, both Adventure Bicycle Company and Howler Bike Shop have small rental fleets available.
You don’t have to go to an organized event to #OptOutside. You can walk your favorite neighborhood, stroll through a local city park, enjoy a leftover Thanksgiving picnic outside, or whatever sounds most fun to you. We hope you’ll join us and #OptOutside this year!