Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s a time for laughter, joy, and creating memories with family and friends. While the turkey roasts in the oven and pies cool on the counter, why not keep the fun rolling with some exciting party games? Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big family reunion, the right games can make your Thanksgiving celebration truly memorable.
But what games should you play? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find a list of 17 creative Thanksgiving party games that will entertain kids, adults, and everyone in between. From classic favorites with a festive twist to new ideas that will have everyone giggling, there’s something here for everyone. So, let’s dive into the fun!
1. Thanksgiving Danger Words
Split into teams, one player tries to get their teammate to guess a target word without using certain “danger” words. The more creative the clues, the funnier the game gets! This game brings out everyone’s competitive side while keeping things light-hearted and engaging.
All you need is a list of Thanksgiving-themed words, a few “danger” words, and a playful spirit! It’s a fantastic icebreaker and perfect for large gatherings. You’ll be surprised how a simple game of words can ignite so much laughter and bonding.
2. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Players draw Thanksgiving-themed objects or scenes while their teammates try to guess what they’re sketching. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved, and it doesn’t matter if you’re not the next Picasso; sometimes, the most fun comes from the most outlandish drawings!
You can make it even more exciting by timing each round or adding challenges, like drawing with your non-dominant hand. It’s an easy game to set up, and all you need are some markers, paper, and a list of words or phrases that scream “Thanksgiving!”
3. Thanksgiving Outburst
Divide into teams, and have each team list as many items related to a Thanksgiving topic as possible within a set time. It’s fast, frantic, and incredibly funny — especially when someone can’t think of “turkey” during a round about Thanksgiving foods!
This game is perfect for energizing the group and encouraging some friendly competition. Plus, it’s suitable for all ages, so everyone can join in on the fun. It’s a great way to see who knows the most about Thanksgiving traditions!
4. Turkey Hunt
A Turkey Hunt brings the thrill of a treasure hunt to Thanksgiving! Hide turkey-themed objects around the house or yard, and let everyone young and old scramble to find them. The winner is the one who finds the most turkeys. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep everyone moving and entertained.
To make things even more exciting, you can add clues or riddles that guide participants to each hidden turkey. This twist adds a bit of mystery and brainpower to the game, making it engaging for all ages.
5. The Gratitude Game
The Gratitude Game involves a creative twist where players punch through cups containing a gratitude challenge or question, plus a little treat. It’s a heartwarming way to get everyone talking about what they’re thankful for while enjoying a bit of fun.
This game is perfect for bringing everyone closer and sharing meaningful moments. Plus, it’s a great way to remind everyone about the true spirit of Thanksgiving!
6. Turkey Bowling
With Turkey Bowling, you create your own turkey-themed pins and see who can knock down the most. It’s like regular bowling, but with a seasonal twist that adds a layer of hilarity. This game is perfect for both kids and adults and you don’t even need a real bowling alley!
Make it extra fun by decorating your bowling pins with feathers, googly eyes, and colorful paints. It’s a great activity to do with kids before the game starts, and they’ll love seeing their creations come to life!
7. Thanksgiving Candy Dice Game
Combine the excitement of dice rolling with the love for candy, and you get the Thanksgiving Candy Dice Game. Players roll dice to win candies based on specific numbers. It’s sweet, simple, and satisfying, making it an ideal game for those with a sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a great way to share all the candy that tends to come with the holidays.
This game is perfect for both small and large groups. You can easily modify the rules to suit your gathering’s size or the types of candies you have on hand.
8. Thanksgiving I Spy
Keep the little ones busy with a round of Thanksgiving I Spy. Print out Thanksgiving-themed sheets with images like turkeys, pumpkins, and pilgrims, and let the kids find as many as they can. It’s a simple yet effective game that encourages focus and attention to detail while keeping them entertained.
You can play this game indoors or outdoors, making it versatile and adaptable to any weather. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about Thanksgiving symbols while having a blast.
9. Thanksgiving Word Search
If you’re looking for a quiet activity, a Thanksgiving Word Search is perfect. Print out word searches with Thanksgiving-themed words and let everyone hunt for them. It’s a relaxing way to wind down after the meal or to keep kids occupied while the adults chat.
This game is easy to set up and requires minimal supplies. You can even create your own word searches online to include personalized words or family names!
10. Thanksgiving Color by Number
Bring out the crayons and let creativity flow with Thanksgiving Color by Number. These printable sheets provide a fun, artistic activity for all ages. Set up a coloring station and let everyone express themselves in vibrant Thanksgiving hues. It’s a great way to add some calm to your celebration.
This game is especially great for younger kids who love to color. Plus, it makes for some beautiful, festive decor when they’re done!
11. Roll a Turkey
It combines crafting with a bit of luck. Players roll dice to determine which parts of a turkey they can add to their paper craft. It’s an engaging and interactive game, especially for kids who love to create. At the end, everyone has their unique turkey creation to show off!
Not only is this game fun, but it also doubles as a cute decoration for the table or fridge. Everyone leaves with a little memento of the day!
12. Thanksgiving Dinner Rhyme Time
Thanksgiving Dinner Rhyme Time is a fantastic way to keep everyone entertained at the dinner table. Each person picks a Thanksgiving-themed word, and everyone takes turns rhyming until someone runs out of ideas. It’s a great icebreaker and keeps the conversation lively.
This game can be as easy or as challenging as you want. It’s perfect for getting to know your guests better and having some light-hearted fun.
13. Pin the Tail on Turkey
In this version, players are blindfolded and spun around, then challenged to pin a colorful paper feather onto a large turkey poster. It’s a fun, light-hearted activity that adds a bit of humor as participants try to find the right spot.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, this game brings everyone together in a playful competition. It’s easy to set up and requires minimal supplies, making it an ideal choice for a quick and engaging activity. Plus, the hilarious results often make for memorable photo opportunities!
14. Turkey Balloon Rockets
It is a fun and exciting game that brings a burst of energy to your Thanksgiving gathering! Each player receives a balloon decorated like a turkey, and the challenge is to see whose turkey can “fly” the farthest. Simply attach the balloon to a string track, let it go, and watch it soar!
This game is perfect for all ages, from kids to adults who enjoy a little friendly competition. It’s easy to set up and requires minimal materials, making it a great last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving activities.
15. Build a Turkey
This game is a delightful and creative activity that adds a crafty touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. Set up a table with various craft supplies, such as construction paper, markers, feathers, and glue, and let everyone create their own unique turkey or Thanksgiving-themed decoration.
This game is perfect for keeping guests engaged, especially the kids, and it offers a fun, low-key way to spend time together. To make things even more exciting, you can turn it into a friendly competition by awarding prizes for the most creative, funniest, or most colorful turkey.
16. Thanksgiving-Themed Bingo
Thanksgiving-Themed Bingo adds a fun twist to the classic bingo game, bringing a festive flair to your Thanksgiving celebration. Instead of numbers, use cards featuring Thanksgiving images like turkeys, pumpkins, pilgrims, and pies. As the host calls out the pictures, players mark them off on their bingo cards, aiming to be the first to get a complete line.
This game is perfect for all ages, making it an inclusive option that everyone can enjoy. With a little creativity, Thanksgiving-Themed Bingo can be a delightful way to keep guests entertained and engaged throughout the gathering.
17. Colored Tablecloth Game
The Colored Tablecloth Game is a fun and simple activity that combines memory and color recognition, perfect for all ages. To start, lay out a brightly colored tablecloth with different patterns or sections. After everyone takes a quick glance, cover the tablecloth, and ask players to recall specific colors or patterns they saw.
You can add a twist by calling out colors and having participants point to where they think that color was located. It’s a light-hearted game that sparks friendly competition while keeping everyone engaged and observant. This game is an excellent choice for bringing the family together and making Thanksgiving even more memorable!
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving is more than just a feast, it’s a time to create lasting memories with loved ones. By incorporating these 17 party games into your celebration, you’ll add laughter and joy to your gathering, making it truly special for everyone involved.
Whether you’re enjoying a competitive corn husking contest or a fun-filled game of Thanksgiving Bingo, these activities will bring people together and ensure a holiday full of smiles and togetherness. So, gather your family and friends, and let the fun begin!