Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family, sharing delicious food, and creating memories. While the turkey roasts in the oven and the mashed potatoes get their final touches, why not add a little extra fun to your celebration with some lively games? Family games are the perfect way to entertain guests of all ages, spark laughter, and bring everyone together for some unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re looking for traditional games with a Thanksgiving twist or something totally new, we’ve gathered 21 family-friendly games to keep the whole crew entertained. Each one is simple to set up, easy to play, and guaranteed to add a festive vibe to your Thanksgiving gathering. Ready to dive into some family fun? Let’s explore these fantastic Thanksgiving game ideas!
1. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a fun twist on a classic game that adds a festive touch to your gathering. Create or print bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed words like “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” “gravy,” and “fall leaves,” and have a family member call out the words while players mark them off.
This game is easy to set up and especially popular with younger family members, who love the thrill of marking off their cards. It’s a wonderful icebreaker that helps bring everyone together, and you can even play multiple rounds to keep things fresh and exciting.
2. Turkey Tag
Turkey Tag is perfect for getting everyone up and moving and is an excellent way to burn off some Thanksgiving calories! Each player attaches a “feather” made of cloth to the back of their shirt or pants, and the goal is to collect as many feathers from others while protecting your own.
Best played outdoors, Turkey Tag gives everyone the freedom to chase each other across the yard, creating laughter and friendly competition. Both kids and adults will enjoy the excitement, and it’s a game that can go on for several rounds to keep the energy high.
3. Thanksgiving Charades
Charades are a classic choice for family gatherings, and Thanksgiving Charades add a seasonal twist! Create prompts like “stuffing a turkey,” “falling leaves,” or “carving a pumpkin,” and have each team take turns acting them out without speaking.
This game is fantastic for sparking laughter, especially when someone interprets “mashed potatoes” in their own unique way. Thanksgiving Charades is ideal for breaking the ice and encouraging everyone, young and old, to let loose and be creative.
4. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin Bowling is a festive twist on traditional bowling, giving you a unique way to enjoy the holiday season. Gather a few small pumpkins to serve as “balls” and use plastic bowling pins or empty bottles as pins, setting them up in the classic bowling formation.
This game can be played indoors or outdoors, making it adaptable to your space and weather. Pumpkin Bowling adds a touch of fun and seasonal charm to the day, and you can even introduce small prizes for “strikes” or “spares” to keep everyone engaged.
5. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
A Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to encourage exploration and discovery among family members. Make a list of items like “an orange leaf,” “a mini pumpkin,” or “something that smells like cinnamon,” and let everyone search around the house or yard to find them.
Divide everyone into teams to see who can complete the hunt first, creating a fun and friendly competition. This game is perfect for all ages and can be easily customized to match your space and the unique items around your home.
6. Cornhole with a Twist
Cornhole is a backyard favorite, and with a few Thanksgiving-themed tweaks, it becomes an ideal holiday game. Replace the regular bean bags with ones shaped like corn or mini pumpkins, and decorate the cornhole boards with fall colors and Thanksgiving designs.
This game is perfect for pairs or teams and can be set up indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. Cornhole is easy to learn, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy without much explanation or setup.
7. Turkey Pictionary
Turkey Pictionary is a wonderful way to bring out everyone’s artistic side in a fun and lighthearted way. Create a list of Thanksgiving-themed words or phrases like “turkey trot,” “apple pie,” or “football game,” and let players take turns drawing them while teammates guess.
The game leads to laughter and creative interpretations, as everyone tries their best to illustrate their assigned prompts. Turkey Pictionary is an easy setup and works well for groups, adding a festive flair to your traditional Pictionary game.
8. Pass the Pumpkin
Pass the Pumpkin is a Thanksgiving version of the classic game “Hot Potato,” adding an element of suspense to your celebration. Have everyone sit in a circle and pass around a small pumpkin while music plays, stopping the music randomly to see who’s left holding the pumpkin.
The person with the pumpkin when the music stops is out, and the game continues until only one player remains. This game is especially fun for younger guests, as they enjoy the anticipation and quick movements as the pumpkin gets passed around.
9. Thanksgiving Memory Game
The Thanksgiving Memory Game is a relaxed activity that challenges everyone’s memory skills. Gather about 10–15 Thanksgiving-themed items like a mini pumpkin, a fall leaf, or a cinnamon stick, and arrange them on a tray for everyone to observe before covering it up.
After a few seconds of observation, cover the tray and see who can remember the most items. This game is ideal for all ages, and it can be made even more challenging by rotating or adding items each round to keep everyone guessing.
10. Pin the Tail on the Turkey
Pin the Tail on the Turkey is a Thanksgiving twist on the beloved “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game. Print or draw a large turkey, and make separate feathers that each player will try to pin in the right place while blindfolded.
Kids, in particular, enjoy this game, but adults can join in for some extra fun too! It’s a simple setup that brings everyone together and keeps them entertained, especially if the weather makes outdoor activities difficult.
11. Thanksgiving Trivia
Thanksgiving Trivia is an interactive way to see who knows the most about the holiday and its history. Prepare a list of questions on topics like Thanksgiving traditions, facts, and quirky trivia, dividing everyone into teams to compete for the highest score.
This game is both entertaining and educational, as questions could include, “Which president declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?” or “How many feathers does a turkey have on average?” It’s a lighthearted way to add some fun facts to your celebration.
12. The Pumpkin Relay
The Pumpkin Relay adds a burst of excitement and energy to the day, making it ideal for outdoor play. Divide family members into two teams and set up a finish line, with each player tasked with carrying a small pumpkin from start to finish before passing it to the next team member.
It’s a great activity for all ages, encouraging teamwork and friendly competition as each team races to complete the relay first. The Pumpkin Relay is perfect for adding a bit of exercise to your day and burning off some Thanksgiving calories.
13. Thanksgiving Photo Booth
A Thanksgiving-themed photo booth is a fun way to capture the day’s memories and create keepsakes for everyone. Gather props like pilgrim hats, turkey feathers, and funny signs with Thanksgiving puns, setting up a backdrop with fall colors or a festive banner.
While it’s not exactly a game, it’s an engaging activity where everyone can pose, dress up, and snap fun photos together. This activity is especially popular with kids, who love dressing up, and it adds a visual memory to your family gathering.
14. Guess the Thanksgiving Scent
Guess the Thanksgiving Scent is a unique sensory game that involves everyone’s sense of smell. Gather items with classic Thanksgiving scents like cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin spice, and apples, placing each in a separate container for players to sniff and identify.
The player with the most correct answers wins, adding a relaxing and engaging activity to your celebration. It’s a creative game that sets the holiday mood and encourages everyone to slow down and appreciate the scents of Thanksgiving.
15. Thankful ABCs
Thankful ABCs is a heartwarming game that encourages gratitude and reflection. Starting with the letter “A,” go around the room as each player names something they’re thankful for that begins with that letter, continuing through the entire alphabet.
This game works for all ages and can lead to some thoughtful or funny answers as everyone shares their thankfulness. Thankful ABCs remind everyone of the holiday’s purpose, making it a meaningful activity to enjoy together.
16. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe puts a fun Thanksgiving spin on a simple game, using mini pumpkins or gourds in place of X’s and O’s. Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on a piece of paper or chalkboard, and let players place their pumpkins to try and win.
This easy game is perfect for young kids who need a simple yet entertaining activity. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe is quick and can be played multiple times, keeping younger guests happily occupied.
17. Thanksgiving “Two Truths and a Lie”
Thanksgiving “Two Truths and a Lie” adds a creative twist to this popular game, letting family members share Thanksgiving-related truths and one lie while others try to spot the lie. Each player takes a turn, and the other players guess which statement is false.
This game brings out a mix of creativity and humor, helping everyone learn more about each other. It’s an ideal choice for older kids, teens, and adults looking to share memories or add some mystery to the day.
18. Family Talent Show
A family talent show is a fun way to celebrate everyone’s unique skills and personalities. Each family member can show off their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, telling a joke, or doing a funny impression, with someone acting as the host to introduce each act.
Consider awarding small prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Overall Performance.” The talent show is a lighthearted way to showcase hidden skills, providing entertainment and bonding for everyone.
19. Thanksgiving Word Scramble
Thanksgiving Word Scramble is a vocabulary-based game that gets everyone’s minds working. Create a list of holiday-themed words like “harvest,” “gravy,” and “cornucopia,” and see who can unscramble the most within a set time.
It’s fun for all ages and easy to set up as a quick activity between courses or while waiting for dessert. Word scrambles bring out everyone’s competitive side and can be a fun mental challenge.
20. Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Thanksgiving Mad Libs is a silly and creative way to engage everyone in a shared storytelling experience. Create fill-in-the-blank stories with Thanksgiving themes, letting family members suggest random words to complete the story in funny ways.
Read the completed stories aloud for laughs, creating a hilarious and interactive experience that’s perfect for all ages. Thanksgiving Mad Libs brings out everyone’s playful side and leads to funny memories you’ll cherish.
21. Turkey Feathers Craft and Game
Turkey Feathers is a creative craft activity that doubles as a game, letting everyone contribute to a beautiful Thanksgiving decoration. Each player writes something they’re thankful for on a paper feather and attaches it to a paper turkey, adding color and gratitude to the craft.
This activity encourages reflection, creativity, and togetherness as everyone takes part in creating a memorable decoration. It’s a meaningful and beautiful way to end your Thanksgiving games on a high note.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving games bring an extra dose of fun, laughter, and connection to your holiday gathering. From energetic activities like Turkey Tag to thoughtful games like Thankful ABCs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you plan your Thanksgiving, don’t forget to include these games in the mix. They’ll help make your gathering memorable, keeping family and friends entertained all day long. Happy Thanksgiving!