Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate togetherness, indulge in a festive feast, and enjoy those meaningful moments with family and friends. Once the turkey’s been carved, and dessert enjoyed, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together for some post-dinner fun. Whether you want games that are competitive, nostalgic, or just a bit silly, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready for a memorable Thanksgiving with 21 fun, engaging games that will have everyone laughing, bonding, and making the most of the holiday!
1. Thanksgiving Charades
Charades are a classic, and a Thanksgiving twist makes it even more exciting. To play, choose Thanksgiving-themed words and phrases, like “stuffing the turkey” or “pilgrim.” Have each team act them out while others guess.
Set a timer for each round to keep the game moving. This game guarantees a good laugh as everyone attempts to portray holiday scenes, and a little competition never hurts either. Plus, the winning team can get a fun Thanksgiving-themed prize, like a small pumpkin pie or a candle.
2. Turkey Hunt Scavenger Hunt
For a Thanksgiving twist on a scavenger hunt, hide mini turkeys or other Thanksgiving-themed items around the house or backyard. Write up clues to lead players from one spot to the next, or make a list for players to find items on their own.
The thrill of searching adds excitement to any gathering, and you can make it competitive by timing the hunt or splitting into teams. At the end, offer prizes like Thanksgiving leftovers or small trinkets. This is a great way to get everyone moving after dinner!
3. Thanksgiving Trivia
Everyone loves a good trivia game, especially when it’s Thanksgiving-themed! Prepare questions related to Thanksgiving history, traditions, and fun turkey facts. You can either ask aloud or hand out trivia sheets for each team to complete.
A trivia game is a perfect way to add a bit of lighthearted learning to the day. Play in teams or individually to keep things lively, and consider giving points for funny answers too. The team with the most points could earn a prize, or simply the title of Thanksgiving Trivia Champs!
4. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin bowling is a fun, seasonal twist on traditional bowling. Set up “pins” with empty cans or bottles, and use a small pumpkin as the ball. Each player takes turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down the pins.
The bumpy shape of the pumpkin adds an unexpected challenge and usually leads to some hilarious moments! Keep a score tally, and for extra fun, you can award the highest scorer with a “Golden Pumpkin” trophy. It’s a fantastic way to keep guests entertained and moving.
5. Guess That Pie Flavor
If you have a variety of pies on the table, this game will be a hit! Blindfold each player and offer them small bites of different pie flavors. Their challenge is to guess the flavor correctly with each taste.
This guessing game is harder than it sounds, especially with unique pie flavors. Each correct guess can earn points, and the player with the most points at the end is crowned the Pie Expert. This game is sure to bring out some funny reactions as everyone tries to figure out the mystery flavors!
6. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Pictionary gets a Thanksgiving upgrade with holiday-themed prompts, like “pumpkin pie,” “fall leaves,” or “turkey trot.” Use a whiteboard or large pad of paper, and have each team take turns drawing while their teammates try to guess.
This game brings out everyone’s creativity and often leads to laughter, especially if the drawing skills are less than perfect. Play in teams, and keep rounds short to maintain the excitement. The team with the most correct guesses wins and earns the title of Pictionary Champs!
7. Roll-A-Turkey Dice Game
Roll-A-Turkey is a creative dice game where each player draws parts of a turkey based on their dice roll. With each roll, they add a body part—feathers, beak, or eyes—to build their turkey.
It’s a fun mix of luck and creativity that leads to some hilarious turkey drawings! Display everyone’s finished turkeys at the end to see who created the funniest or most unique turkey. This game’s a fantastic way to encourage some artistic expression after the meal.
8. Thanksgiving “Would You Rather?”
Thanksgiving “Would You Rather?” is a fun conversation starter with holiday-specific questions like, “Would you rather eat burnt turkey or cold stuffing?” It’s a lighthearted way to get everyone talking and laughing.
Asking “Would You Rather?” questions brings out people’s personalities and preferences. Go around the room, and let each person answer for an engaging group experience. This game often leads to fun debates, and you’ll discover everyone’s quirkiest Thanksgiving preferences.
9. Pilgrim Relay Race
Add some energy to the evening with a Pilgrim Relay Race. Divide into teams, and have players race while carrying “Thanksgiving supplies” like small pumpkins or bags of “flour.” Set up a track or a few obstacles to increase the challenge.
Each team tries to get their supplies across the finish line as fast as possible, and the team with the best time wins. This active game is especially great if you’re hosting outdoors. It’s the perfect way to work off those Thanksgiving calories while keeping everyone engaged.
10. Cornhole with a Twist
Thanksgiving cornhole uses bean bags shaped like turkeys or pumpkins, adding a holiday spin to this outdoor game. Simply set up a cornhole board, and take turns tossing the bags to score points.
Play one-on-one or in teams for added excitement. You can assign unique points for each toss to make it more interesting, and the winning team can get a special prize. Cornhole with a Thanksgiving twist will add some friendly competition to your celebration.
11. Memory Lane Story Game
The Memory Lane Story Game lets everyone share Thanksgiving memories by building a story, one sentence at a time. Begin with “Once upon a Thanksgiving…” and go around, with each person adding to the tale.
This storytelling game lets everyone’s creativity flow, leading to funny, unexpected plot twists. Once the story is complete, you can read it out loud for laughs. It’s a cozy, nostalgic game that brings the whole group together in a shared activity.
12. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a fantastic way to keep the energy light and fun. Create bingo cards filled with Thanksgiving symbols like turkeys, leaves, and pies. Call out symbols, and let everyone mark their cards.
Each person competes to complete a line first, earning the title of Thanksgiving Bingo Champion. This game is simple and enjoyable for all ages, making it perfect for any Thanksgiving gathering. Bingo is also easy to set up and keeps everyone engaged.
13. Pumpkin Toss
Pumpkin Toss is like bean bag toss but with mini pumpkins. Set up baskets at different distances, and have players try to land pumpkins in each basket to score points.
Each basket can represent different point values, making the game both fun and challenging. The person with the highest score wins and takes home a fun prize. It’s a unique way to use pumpkins and brings out everyone’s competitive side.
14. Gratitude Jar Activity
For a meaningful game, pass around a Gratitude Jar where each person writes one thing they’re thankful for. Read them aloud, and have everyone guess who wrote each note.
This activity adds a sentimental touch and brings out everyone’s appreciation for the day. It’s a lovely way to connect and remember what Thanksgiving is all about. Plus, it can become a keepsake to look back on year after year.
15. “Pin the Feather on the Turkey”
This Thanksgiving version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” involves blindfolding players as they attempt to “pin” a feather on a turkey poster. Each player gets a turn, and the closest feather wins.
Add spins before each turn for an extra challenge, and watch as everyone laughs while they try to find the right spot. This game is great for all ages, making it a fun, light-hearted addition to your Thanksgiving festivities.
16. Thanksgiving Left-Right Gift Exchange
Bring wrapped gifts, and read a Thanksgiving story with frequent “left” and “right” words. Each time you hear “left” or “right,” everyone passes their gift in that direction.
At the end of the story, everyone gets to keep the gift they’re holding. It’s a humorous, interactive way to add a gift exchange without the usual Secret Santa. Plus, you can add funny or themed items for even more laughs.
17. Turkey Feather Relay
Divide into teams, and give each player a spoon with a feather on it. Race to reach the end without dropping the feather for a challenge that will get everyone cheering.
The feather relay is simple yet tricky, especially with the added pressure of competition. The team that reaches the finish line first wins, and you’ll have everyone laughing along the way. It’s a lighthearted, playful game that fits the festive mood.
18. “Turkey Says” Simon Says
In this Thanksgiving-themed Simon Says game, whoever is “Turkey” gives funny commands like, “Gobble like a turkey” or “Pretend to stuff a turkey.” The group follows along, with everyone trying to keep up.
Each round brings laughter as players try to keep up with the “Turkey’s” instructions. It’s a light game that’s perfect for keeping everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit. Rotate who gets to be the “Turkey” to keep things fresh.
19. Thanksgiving Movie Trivia
Test everyone’s Thanksgiving movie knowledge by asking questions about holiday-themed films. Make it competitive with harder questions as you go.
Movie trivia is perfect for winding down the evening while keeping the energy up. Play in teams or individually, and see who’s the Thanksgiving movie buff. It’s a relaxed yet engaging way to end the night.
20. Corn Husk Craft Challenge
Set up a station with dried corn husks and supplies, challenging each person to make a small Thanksgiving craft. It could be a doll, wreath, or simple place card holder.
This craft challenge brings out everyone’s creativity and leaves you with memorable keepsakes. Display the finished crafts, and vote on the best one for a prize. It’s a relaxing activity that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
21. Thanksgiving Karaoke
End the night with Thanksgiving-themed karaoke. Create a playlist with fall, feel-good songs, and let everyone take a turn on the mic.
Karaoke brings everyone together, and it’s the perfect ending to a Thanksgiving gathering. You can even give out prizes for the best performance. Finish with a group sing-along, and wrap up the night on a high note!
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is about cherishing time with loved ones, and these games add an extra layer of connection and laughter to the day. Pick a few favorites, and create a Thanksgiving full of joy, memories, and moments you’ll all look back on with a smile.