The Worst Places to Be on Black Friday

Macy's, New York City

You can't celebrate Thanksgiving without seeing scenes from the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—and the madness that follows. The 11-floor Macy's in New York City's Herald Square is the largest department store in the world, making it the site of massive Black Friday crowds every year. But in recent years, the crowds have arrived even earlier than Friday.

For the second year in a row, the historic Macy's will open at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day—likely preventing some employees from enjoying dinner with their families and challenging competing stores to do the same thing.

What to do instead: New York State is home to dozens of state parks, which should make it easy to enjoy the Great Outdoors on Black Friday. Try Harriman State Park in the Palisades. Just a 30-minute drive from Manhattan, it features outdoor fireplaces to keep your picnic area toasty. Vehicle and camping fees haven't been waived, but general entry is free.

If you're looking to stay city-side, however, go for one of New York's endless entertainment options. NewYork.com Editor AnneLise Sorensen recommends treating yourself to some song and dance.

"Many of Broadway's splashy shows, from Jersey Boys to Matilda, feature a Friday matinee," Sorensen advises. "Slip into the dark theater, and escape the shopping throngs for a glorious few hours."

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RELATED: 10 Best Apps for Traveling to New York City

(Photo: Macy's Herald

Mall of America

The biggest shopping mall in the U.S., Mall of America has somehow made shopping at chain stores a tourist hot spot. The shopping center is home to more than 400 stores and even has an amusement park inside of it. This behemoth of consumerism is sure to be overrun by crowds when it opens at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The mall even recently built a hotel to house all of its visitors.

What to do instead: All 75 of Minnesota's state parks will be free of camping and entry charges on Black Friday, which gives you 75 more reasons to #OptOutside and skip the Mall of America. "Free Park Friday" has a better ring to it than Black Friday, doesn't it?

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(Photo: Mall of America via Shutterstock)

Any Outlet Mall

Discounted designer stores at outlets are year-round bargain-hunting grounds, but Black Friday takes these shopping destinations to a whole new level. Travelers from near and far flock to outlet sales after having their turkey dinner, and some bus services will even tote international visitors to the malls from nearby airports and train stations. This makes for awful traffic that will keep you waiting on the highway for the same amount of time you'll spend shopping.

What to do instead: There's a high concentration of outlet malls in the Northeast, which also happens to be home to many gorgeous parks. World's End wildlife conservation in Hingham, Massachusetts, is waiving its $6 non-member entry fee on Black Friday.

RELATED: 10 Secret Spots in America's Top National Parks

(Photo: Outlet outdoor shopping via Shutterstock)

Pacific Place Mall, Seattle

Downtown Seattle's upscale mall, Pacific Place, is home to designer shops and a massive Nordstrom and Macy's that are sure to attract holiday crowds. The shopping center made headlines last year when protests broke out, resulting in an early closure. The mall won't open on Black Friday until standard hours—10:00 a.m.— but there are still better ways to spend the day.

What to do instead: Washington State is home to some incredible state parks, but if you're intent on an urban alternative to the mall madness, Portland, Oregon is the perfect place.

Portland's local independent boutiques offer a much more intimate shopping experience that will allow you to support some local artisans and small business owners. Trendy Hotel Eastlund in Downtown Portland even offers a "Shop Local PDX" hotel package that includes gift cards and Uber credit for your day of wandering downtown—without being lambasted by crowds.

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(Photo: Wikimedia Commons via CC Attribution)

King of Prussia Mall, Pennsylvania

The second biggest mall in the country, King of Prussia, will also open at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to be stormed by shoppers. The shopping center has 250 stores and is currently undergoing an expansion project to add 50 retailers.

What to do instead: Head an hour north to Ralph Stover State Park for whitewater rafting and advanced rock climbing, or to simply enjoy the beautiful views from High Rock.

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RELATED: The New Food and Drink Capital of the U.S. Will Surprise You

(Photo: TripAdvisor LLC)

Any Walmart or Big Electronics Store

I'm sure you've seen the crazy news stories, but it never hurts to remind you. Chain stores are usually Ground Zero for Black Friday tragedies that cost shoppers their lives. No amount of deals are worth the crowds at these stores, so if you're even considering visiting one, drop the coupons and spend some time with the same people you were fortunate enough to share a turkey dinner with.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Crowd-Free National Parks
• The Best Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving Overseas
• Is Shopping Overseas a Good Deal or a Waste?

Shannon McMahon has worked retail shifts on too many Black Fridays to count. She'll be spending this one outside. Follow her on Twitter at @shanmcmahon_.

(Photo: Andalou Agency/Getty Images)