Thanksgiving brings families together, filled with delicious meals, laughter, and a reminder of all the things we’re grateful for. But for kids, it’s also a day to enjoy games, crafts, and activities that make the celebration even more memorable. Keeping little ones entertained can be a challenge, especially with all the holiday prep, so why not incorporate some fun, engaging Thanksgiving-themed activities just for them?
If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids happy while creating lasting family memories, we’ve rounded up 19 exciting Thanksgiving activities. From artsy projects to energizing games, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter their age. So gather the supplies, clear some space, and get ready for a Thanksgiving filled with extra fun and laughter.
Let’s explore these fantastic Thanksgiving activities that are easy to set up, engaging, and bound to make this holiday one to remember for your kids.
1. Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree
A gratitude tree is a creative way for kids to express what they’re thankful for. This activity not only brings out their artistic side but also teaches them to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives. You can use real branches or create a tree drawing and have kids add paper leaves where they write down something they’re thankful for.
As everyone contributes, the tree becomes a beautiful display of gratitude, perfect for the holiday. Kids love seeing their thoughts on display, and it creates a lovely Thanksgiving centerpiece too. By the end of the day, your gratitude tree will be filled with heartfelt notes, reminding everyone of what Thanksgiving is truly about.
2. DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards
Creating place cards for Thanksgiving dinner is a simple way for kids to get involved in holiday preparations. They can use cardstock, markers, and stickers to create unique designs that reflect each guest’s personality. It’s a fun activity that also helps them work on their fine motor skills.
These personalized place cards make each guest feel extra special, adding a personal touch to the Thanksgiving table. Kids will take pride in seeing their creations at the dinner table, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Plus, it’s an easy craft that keeps them occupied while you finalize other holiday preparations.
3. Turkey Trot Race
A turkey trot race is a fun way for kids to burn off some energy before the Thanksgiving meal. Set up a small racecourse in the backyard and let them run while wearing silly turkey hats or costumes. Kids will love the friendly competition, and it’s a great way to keep them active.
If you add small prizes for the winners, it makes the race even more exciting. Watching the kids in turkey attire adds some laughs and gives everyone a little break from the kitchen. It’s a perfect way to start Thanksgiving with a bit of outdoor fun and exercise.
4. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a great activity for kids to enjoy while you’re finishing up dinner prep. It’s easy to set up with printable Bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving items like turkeys, pumpkins, and fall leaves. Kids can use candies or coins as markers, adding a bit of festive fun to the game.
This game is engaging for kids of all ages, and it’s something adults can join in on too. As they fill in their cards, the excitement grows, keeping them happily busy. Bingo brings everyone together, making it a perfect family activity that adds extra holiday cheer.
5. Turkey Hat Craft
Turkey hats are a hit with kids, providing both a craft project and a fun accessory they can wear. Using construction paper, markers, and glue, they can create colorful turkey feathers and assemble them onto a headband. Kids will enjoy making their own hats and showing them off to everyone.
These hats make for adorable photo ops, capturing the fun spirit of Thanksgiving. Once the hats are ready, the kids can proudly wear them throughout the celebration. It’s a simple craft that adds a playful touch to the holiday and gives kids something they can create and keep.
6. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
A Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt is a fantastic way for kids to explore and stay entertained. You can create a list of items for them to find, like pumpkins, feathers, or pinecones, adding a touch of adventure to the holiday. This game works both indoors and outdoors, giving kids a chance to roam and search.
The excitement of finding each item on the list keeps them fully engaged, and you can add a reward for completing the hunt. It’s a perfect way to combine fun and exploration, letting kids enjoy a mini adventure while waiting for the Thanksgiving meal.
7. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin bowling is a unique Thanksgiving activity that kids will love. Using a small pumpkin as the “bowling ball” and setting up plastic bottles as pins, kids can take turns rolling the pumpkin to see how many pins they can knock down. This game is simple to set up and provides loads of laughs.
It’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, depending on your space. Watching the pumpkin roll and wobble adds a fun twist, making each turn an exciting challenge. Pumpkin bowling is a seasonal game that keeps kids entertained and laughing, all while enjoying a Thanksgiving twist on classic bowling.
8. Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Thanksgiving coloring pages are a quiet, creative activity that kids can enjoy at any point during the day. You can find printable Thanksgiving-themed pages online featuring turkeys, pilgrims, and harvest scenes. Set out some crayons or markers, and let kids express themselves through color.
This activity is a relaxing break from the excitement, allowing kids to focus on their artwork. Coloring also gives them a sense of accomplishment as they complete each page. Plus, you can display their artwork as part of your Thanksgiving decor, adding a touch of homemade charm to your celebration.
9. Leaf Pile Jumping
If you have a yard full of autumn leaves, raking them into a big pile is an easy way to entertain the kids. They can jump, play, and explore, fully enjoying the crisp fall air and the fun of tumbling through leaves. This classic fall activity never gets old and is perfect for kids of all ages.
It’s simple, free, and brings out their sense of adventure. With each jump, they’ll experience the joys of the season in a way only a giant pile of leaves can provide. Leaf jumping is a timeless outdoor activity that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
10. Thanksgiving Storytime
Thanksgiving storytime is a wonderful way to add some calm to the day. Choose Thanksgiving-themed books, like “The Berenstain Bears’ Thanksgiving” or “Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks,” and create a cozy reading nook. Kids can gather around and listen, bringing a peaceful moment to the festivities.
Reading stories also opens up discussions about Thanksgiving traditions and values. It’s a meaningful activity that lets kids wind down while learning. Storytime is both engaging and educational, adding a heartfelt moment to your Thanksgiving celebration.
11. Edible Turkey Craft
Edible crafts are always a hit, and making edible turkeys is a fun way to keep kids entertained and well-fed. Using simple ingredients like Oreos, candy corn, and icing, kids can create their own turkey treats. Once finished, they get to enjoy their creations as a snack!
This craft combines creativity and snack time, making it double the fun. Kids love assembling their turkeys and get excited to taste their handiwork. It’s a delicious and entertaining activity that adds a tasty twist to Thanksgiving.
12. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
Pin the Feather on the Turkey is a Thanksgiving version of the classic party game, Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Kids can take turns being blindfolded and try to place paper feathers onto a turkey poster. This game is simple, requires minimal setup, and brings tons of laughter.
The friendly competition keeps them entertained, and the resulting feathered turkey adds to the holiday decor. Kids of all ages enjoy the challenge, making it an ideal game for the Thanksgiving gathering.
13. Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Party
Watching the Thanksgiving parade is a beloved tradition, and creating a mini viewing party makes it even more memorable. Set up a cozy space with blankets and snacks for the kids, letting them pick their favorite floats and characters to cheer for.
The festive atmosphere adds excitement, and small balloons or flags make it interactive. It’s a simple way to make parade-watching a special event that the kids look forward to every year.
14. Thanksgiving Word Search
Thanksgiving word searches offer a fun, brain-boosting challenge for kids. With Thanksgiving-related words, like “turkey,” “harvest,” and “gratitude,” kids can work on finding each word while learning new vocabulary.
It’s a quiet and engaging activity that keeps them occupied. Word searches are easy to print and set up, making them a convenient choice for Thanksgiving entertainment.
15. Cornhole Game
Cornhole is a classic game that’s easy to adapt for Thanksgiving. If you have a cornhole board, kids can compete to score points by tossing bean bags into the holes. It’s a fun activity that adds a bit of friendly competition to the day.
Cornhole is versatile and can be played both indoors or outdoors, making it a perfect choice for any weather. Kids enjoy aiming and scoring points, and you can even add Thanksgiving-themed prizes to make it more festive.
16. Thanksgiving Bracelet Making
Bracelet-making lets kids create their own Thanksgiving-inspired jewelry. Using fall-colored beads like orange, yellow, and brown, kids can make bracelets that showcase the season. They’ll enjoy picking out bead patterns and wearing their creations with pride.
It’s a creative, hands-on activity that gives them something to keep. Kids love the process of bracelet-making, and it adds a personalized touch to their holiday look.
17. Thanksgiving Puppet Show
A Thanksgiving puppet show lets kids put on a mini performance, entertaining the family with stories and laughs. With simple hand puppets or socks decorated as characters, they can create their own Thanksgiving tale.
Encourage kids to improvise, letting their imaginations run wild. Puppet shows are creative, allowing them to express themselves while adding a bit of theatrical fun to Thanksgiving.
18. Thanksgiving Joke Contest
Kids love telling jokes, and a Thanksgiving joke contest is a lighthearted way to add humor to the day. Let them prepare a few jokes, then have a mini stage setup where they can perform. It’s a simple activity that brings everyone together for some laughs.
A joke contest encourages creativity and gives kids a moment in the spotlight. Plus, the whole family gets to enjoy the holiday humor, making Thanksgiving even more cheerful.
19. Thanksgiving Bracelet Making
Another favorite activity is bracelet-making, allowing kids to create their own unique Thanksgiving-themed accessories. Using colorful beads, they can craft beautiful bracelets to wear throughout the day.
This craft keeps them focused and lets them express their creativity. The resulting bracelets make a beautiful keepsake, and kids love showing off their designs.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and joy. These 19 activities not only keep kids engaged but also add to the festive spirit, creating unforgettable memories for everyone. Whether you’re crafting, playing games, or sharing laughs, each activity adds something special to your Thanksgiving, making it a day filled with fun and family togetherness. Enjoy the holiday and make it one your family will cherish!