Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and heartfelt gratitude. While the adults may enjoy catching up and savoring the meal, the younger guests often need engaging activities to keep them entertained. This year, why not sprinkle in some fun, creative Thanksgiving-themed activities for the kids? They’ll get to be part of the celebration, and you’ll enjoy a little extra peace as they stay occupied.
If you’re ready to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable for everyone, here are 23 exciting activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. These ideas are easy to set up, don’t require many supplies, and offer a mix of creative and interactive fun. Let’s explore ways to make this holiday memorable, all while keeping the little ones smiling.
1. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a fun and festive way to start the holiday. Using themed Bingo cards decorated with Thanksgiving icons like turkeys, pumpkins, and pies, kids can enjoy playing while marking off squares with candy corn. This game is a perfect icebreaker that’s both engaging and easy to set up.
Bingo cards can be easily printed online or created with markers and paper. It’s a game that encourages a bit of friendly competition while also allowing everyone to unwind. Plus, Thanksgiving Bingo suits kids of all ages, making it a crowd-pleaser.
2. Turkey Hunt
A Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt is a playful twist on the classic Easter egg hunt, designed to get kids moving. Small paper or plastic turkeys are hidden around the house or yard, each labeled with a fun fact or small prize. It’s simple to organize and can be adapted to both indoor and outdoor settings.
This activity is a hit with kids who enjoy exploring and discovering hidden items. You can easily create turkeys with construction paper or find small figurines. The Turkey Hunt is a great way to infuse excitement and anticipation into the holiday.
3. DIY Turkey Hats
DIY Turkey Hats let kids get creative with crafting materials like construction paper, glue, and scissors. They can make their own hats by cutting out feathers, a beak, and a wattle to create a fun headpiece. This activity is all about self-expression and imagination.
Once the hats are finished, kids can proudly wear them for a mini parade or group photo. DIY Turkey Hats add a festive touch to the day and give kids a project they can be proud of. This creative break allows them to make something memorable.
4. Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages are a classic way to entertain kids, offering a relaxing, screen-free activity. Set up a coloring station with crayons, markers, and pages featuring turkeys, pilgrims, and autumn leaves. This allows them to engage in quiet, calming creativity.
Coloring pages are perfect for kids of all ages and provide a cozy way to wind down. It’s an activity that can be enjoyed individually or in small groups, offering a chance to showcase their artwork as a family.
5. Gratitude Tree
A Gratitude Tree is a meaningful way to involve kids in the Thanksgiving spirit. Using a small branch, you can create a “tree” where kids can hang leaves they’ve written something they’re thankful for on. This activity teaches them the importance of gratitude.
Each child can contribute to the tree, creating a beautiful display of appreciation. It’s a heartfelt project that helps kids reflect on the day’s true meaning and creates a keepsake you can cherish.
6. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin Bowling adds an entertaining twist to traditional bowling. Kids can use mini pumpkins as bowling balls, aiming to knock over water bottles or paper rolls as pins. This game brings out laughs and is easy to set up, indoors or outdoors.
This activity lets kids release some energy while having fun with the fall theme. Pumpkin Bowling is a fantastic way to get everyone moving and is simple to adjust based on space and age.
7. Thanksgiving Story Time
Story Time is a cozy activity that gathers everyone together. Pick a few Thanksgiving-themed books like The Thankful Book or Turkey Trouble, and settle in with blankets for a reading session. Storytelling adds a warm, thoughtful element to the day.
It’s a perfect activity for quiet moments, teaching kids about the season’s meaning through engaging stories. Thanksgiving Story Time brings calmness and helps kids relax during the bustling holiday.
8. Turkey Feather Relay
The Turkey Feather Relay is an exciting game that requires balance and teamwork. Kids are divided into teams, each given a paper or craft feather to balance on their head as they race. This relay game adds a light-hearted, competitive spirit.
The relay encourages teamwork and is bound to bring out giggles. The first team to finish wins, adding a thrilling edge to the activity. This game works indoors and outdoors and is easy to set up.
9. Pie Walk
A Thanksgiving version of a cakewalk, the Pie Walk involves walking in a circle around pie images as music plays. When the music stops, each child stands on a number, and the winner is chosen. It’s a suspenseful and enjoyable game that kids adore.
The Pie Walk keeps kids entertained with the anticipation of winning. It’s easy to play, and you can offer fun prizes like small pies or Thanksgiving treats.
10. Turkey Toss
Turkey Toss is a simple tossing game with a Thanksgiving twist. Decorate a bucket like a turkey and let kids toss bean bags or small balls into it. This activity can be made even more fun by allowing kids to help decorate the bucket.
The game is ideal for younger kids and can be adjusted by moving the bucket closer or farther away. Turkey Toss is quick to set up and can keep kids entertained for hours.
11. Thankful Jar
A Thankful Jar gives kids a chance to reflect on what they’re grateful for. Give each child slips of paper to write their thanks on, then place them in a jar. During dinner, read the notes aloud as a beautiful reminder of the day’s purpose.
The Thankful Jar helps kids express gratitude in a meaningful way. It’s an activity that promotes positive thinking and can become a treasured tradition.
12. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Thanksgiving Pictionary brings out everyone’s creative side. Prepare words like “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” and “pilgrim” for kids to draw, and let the others guess. It’s a fun, interactive game that encourages friendly competition.
The game requires minimal supplies and is suitable for kids of all ages. Thanksgiving Pictionary is ideal for bringing people together in laughter and teamwork.
13. Leaf Collage
Leaf collages are an artistic way to embrace the season. Gather fall leaves, glue, and paper, and let kids create their Thanksgiving-themed collages. The mix of colors and textures allows them to make a beautiful piece of autumn art.
This activity brings together nature and creativity. Kids can display their collages proudly as festive Thanksgiving decorations.
14. Thanksgiving Word Search
A Thanksgiving Word Search combines fun with learning. Print or create word searches with Thanksgiving terms like “harvest” and “gratitude,” and let kids race to find the words. It’s a relaxing activity that promotes focus.
Word searches can be done individually or as a group activity. They’re a great way to keep kids engaged during quieter moments.
15. Turkey Puppet Show
With simple supplies like paper bags and markers, kids can create turkey puppets and put on a puppet show. This activity combines crafting with storytelling, letting kids create their own Thanksgiving skit.
Turkey Puppet Shows encourage creativity and teamwork. It’s an ideal activity for imaginative kids and keeps them entertained while the adults prepare the meal.
16. Corn Husk Dolls
Making corn husk dolls is a traditional craft with a Thanksgiving twist. With dried corn husks, kids can fold and tie to create simple dolls. This craft introduces them to the culture and heritage of Native American traditions.
Corn husk dolls are a hands-on activity that allows kids to create something meaningful. The final product can be saved as a Thanksgiving keepsake.
17. Cranberry Scoop Race
The Cranberry Scoop Race is an exciting relay that requires careful balance. Using spoons, kids transfer cranberries from one bowl to another, adding a fun challenge to the game. It’s a race that brings out lots of laughs.
The game is quick to set up and offers kids a chance to compete. It’s perfect for kids with a lot of energy and easy to play indoors.
18. Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Thanksgiving Mad Libs bring endless laughter. Kids can fill in the blanks with funny words, creating wacky holiday-themed stories. Mad Libs are a simple activity that encourage language skills and creativity.
They’re ideal for group play and can be customized to fit different ages. Thanksgiving Mad Libs are a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone entertained.
19. Scarecrow Relay
A Scarecrow Relay has kids work in teams to dress a “scarecrow” with oversized clothes. It’s a team-building activity that’s both silly and fun, perfect for kids who love a bit of friendly competition.
The game requires minimal preparation and is a hit for outdoor play. The Scarecrow Relay adds humor and teamwork to the celebration.
20. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe gives a Thanksgiving spin to the classic game. Use mini pumpkins and gourds as markers on a large board, and kids can take turns playing with these festive pieces.
This activity is quick to set up and keeps younger kids entertained. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe is a simple yet engaging way to enjoy the holiday.
21. Thanksgiving Charades
Thanksgiving Charades is an interactive game that’s bound to bring laughter. Write Thanksgiving-related actions on slips of paper and let kids act them out for others to guess. It’s a lively group game that’s perfect for all ages.
The game brings everyone together and can be tailored for any age group. Thanksgiving Charades is a fun way to break the ice and get everyone involved.
22. Thanksgiving Place Cards
Thanksgiving Place Cards let kids add a personal touch to the dinner table. They can decorate each place card with colors, stickers, and drawings, adding their creativity to the Thanksgiving setup.
This activity gives kids a meaningful role in the celebration. The final place cards add a warm and welcoming touch to the family table.
23. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
A Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt is an adventurous activity that lets kids explore and find items like “a red leaf” or “a mini pumpkin.” Provide a list and let them discover seasonal treasures.
This scavenger hunt keeps kids active and curious. It’s a perfect blend of nature, excitement, and Thanksgiving spirit.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to create memories with family, especially when kids are engaged in fun and meaningful activities. These 23 Thanksgiving ideas ensure that the little ones stay entertained while learning about gratitude, teamwork, and creativity. From Turkey Toss to crafting a Gratitude Tree, these activities will bring warmth and joy to your holiday gathering, making it a memorable Thanksgiving for everyone. So this year, add a little extra fun to your celebration, creating new traditions that your family will cherish for years to come.