Thanksgiving is one of those cherished days where family and friends gather to celebrate, share laughs, and create memorable moments. Beyond the delicious food, laughter, and catching up, it’s the perfect time to add games to make the day even more fun! Wondering how to elevate your Thanksgiving gathering this year? Dive into this list of exciting Thanksgiving games that will entertain all ages and keep everyone engaged.
With these games, your Thanksgiving celebration can be packed with activities that foster connection and make everyone laugh. Whether you’re looking for indoor games to play while the turkey cooks or some outdoor fun in the crisp fall weather, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore 23 fun and unique Thanksgiving games that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
1. Turkey Tag
Turkey Tag is a lively twist on the classic game of tag. Assign one family member to be the “turkey” by giving them a scarf or a small paper feather to wear. As they dart around, everyone else tries to catch them and grab the feather, which turns the catcher into the next “turkey.”
This is a great game for getting people moving and laughing. If you can, take it outside for more space to run around and enjoy the fall weather. The game brings out everyone’s playful side and adds a competitive yet friendly vibe to the gathering.
2. Thanksgiving Charades
Charades never fails to entertain, especially with a Thanksgiving twist! Write down seasonal words like “stuffing the turkey,” “fall leaves,” or “football game” on slips of paper. Each player takes turns acting out the words without speaking while everyone else guesses.
This game is perfect for all ages, as kids love to guess, and adults find themselves getting silly while acting. Thanksgiving Charades also brings out a lot of laughter and is an ideal icebreaker, getting everyone into the festive spirit.
3. Pin the Tail on the Turkey
“Pin the Tail on the Donkey” gets a Thanksgiving makeover in this fun game. Create a large paper turkey and a removable tail, then blindfold each player, spin them around, and let them try to attach the tail in the right spot.
Kids especially love this game, but it’s also hilarious when adults give it a try. You only need construction paper and a blindfold, making it an easy, entertaining game for any family gathering.
4. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is an easy, interactive way to bring everyone together. Create Bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed words or images like “pumpkin pie,” “pilgrims,” or “family.” Hand out cards, and let the games begin!
This game brings out the spirit of Thanksgiving in a relaxed way and is suitable for all ages. Small prizes for winners add a little extra excitement, making Thanksgiving Bingo a crowd-pleaser every time.
5. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin Bowling adds a festive touch to a classic game. Use small pumpkins as bowling balls and set up pins, which could be empty soda bottles. Each player takes turns rolling their pumpkin and trying to knock down the “pins.”
If the weather is nice, take this game outside for a bit of fall air! The challenge of rolling a round pumpkin brings out laughter and healthy competition, making it a fun addition to your Thanksgiving day.
6. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Pictionary with a Thanksgiving twist can keep the whole family entertained. Prepare a list of Thanksgiving-themed items to draw, like “gravy boat” or “turkey leg.” One player draws while their team guesses as quickly as possible.
Use a whiteboard or an easel for everyone to see the drawings clearly. Pictionary works great for all age groups and gets everyone laughing, as artistic skills vary widely!
7. Scavenger Hunt for Fall Treasures
A Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt is a fun adventure for kids and adults alike. Write up a list of fall items to find, such as a red leaf, mini pumpkin, or a Thanksgiving decoration, and let everyone hunt around the house or yard.
Offering small prizes for those who find items first adds some excitement. Scavenger hunts are ideal for mixed age groups, as everyone can join in and enjoy searching for treasures.
8. Family Talent Show
Encourage everyone to show off their hidden talents in a family talent show! Each person gets a few minutes to perform, whether it’s singing, dancing, telling jokes, or sharing a unique skill.
This game lets family members get creative and break out of their shells. For added fun, you can even turn it into a competition and give out small prizes for the best performances.
9. Pass the Pumpkin
Pass the Pumpkin is similar to “Hot Potato” but with a seasonal twist. Have everyone sit in a circle, passing a mini pumpkin around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the pumpkin is out.
This game creates a sense of suspense and is quick to set up, making it perfect for all ages. Use Thanksgiving music to add to the festive vibe and bring on the laughs!
10. Turkey Trot Relay Race
Divide into teams for a Thanksgiving-themed relay race! Each player runs or speed-walks a set distance, and you can add obstacles like balancing a leaf or paper feather on their head for extra fun.
A Turkey Trot Relay Race is a fantastic way to get some exercise before the big meal. It’s great for burning off energy and is perfect if you have a backyard or park nearby.
11. Pie Eating Contest
If your family loves a challenge, a pie-eating contest is a fun and messy choice! Use mini pies or slices, and participants must eat without using their hands, which leads to some hilarious moments.
This game is ideal for older kids and adults who can handle the mess. It’s a delicious way to celebrate Thanksgiving and brings out everyone’s competitive side!
12. Thanksgiving Trivia
Test everyone’s Thanksgiving knowledge with a trivia game. Prepare questions about Thanksgiving history, traditional dishes, and even family-related fun facts, then let everyone compete for the title of Thanksgiving Trivia Champion.
Thanksgiving Trivia is especially fun for history buffs and anyone who loves learning new facts. Play individually or in teams for some friendly competition and a bit of brain exercise.
13. Harvest Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic game that’s easy to adapt for Thanksgiving. Decorate the boards in fall colors or with turkey and pumpkin stickers for a festive look, then let the games begin!
Cornhole is relaxed and enjoyable for all ages, making it an ideal quick game for outdoor fun. It’s easy to set up and adds a casual, friendly competition to your gathering.
14. Feather Race
The Feather Race is a simple yet silly game that’s great for kids. Each player gets a feather and must blow it from one end of the table to the other without touching it.
This game brings out laughs as everyone tries to navigate their feather across the table. It’s easy to set up and is an entertaining choice for children and adults alike.
15. Thanksgiving Word Search
Create a Thanksgiving-themed word search with words like “cranberry,” “pilgrims,” and “grateful.” It’s a fun, quiet activity for winding down or enjoying while waiting for the feast.
The word search is a simple game that doesn’t require much setup. It’s perfect for winding down after an active game or filling the time before the meal.
16. Thanksgiving Bingo for Kids
For younger children, create a simpler Thanksgiving Bingo game with pictures instead of words. This version is ideal for little ones who are too young for word Bingo.
Thanksgiving Bingo for kids keeps them entertained and engaged during the meal. It’s an easy, fun way to get children involved in the Thanksgiving festivities.
17. Thanksgiving Bingo for Adults
For a more challenging version, Thanksgiving Bingo for adults uses phrases or facts that add a bit of humor. With small prizes for winners, this game is sure to be a hit with the grown-ups.
Thanksgiving Bingo for adults is a fun, interactive way to engage guests. It’s easy to play and offers a bit of lighthearted competition.
18. Guess the Ingredient
Challenge your family’s culinary knowledge with Guess the Ingredient! Offer small samples of different Thanksgiving dishes and have everyone try to guess the ingredients.
This game is perfect for food lovers and lets everyone appreciate the flavors of Thanksgiving. Guess the Ingredient brings a new level of appreciation to the Thanksgiving meal.
19. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
For a festive twist, play Tic-Tac-Toe with mini pumpkins as game pieces. Set up a large board and enjoy this fall-themed classic.
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe is an easy, kid-friendly game that can be set up in minutes. It’s a cute, engaging way to add some holiday flair to a classic.
20. Cornucopia Relay Race
In this relay race, players balance small fruits or mini pumpkins on a spoon as they race across the room. The challenge is to avoid dropping their “cornucopia” items!
This game is ideal for energetic families and brings a bit of chaos and laughter to the day. It’s perfect for burning off some pre-meal energy.
21. Family Storytelling
Gather everyone together and take turns sharing favorite Thanksgiving memories or funny family stories. This “game” focuses on bonding and connecting.
Family Storytelling brings everyone together and creates a cozy, reflective atmosphere. It’s perfect for all ages and adds a personal touch to the holiday.
22. Gratitude Circle
In the Gratitude Circle, each person shares something they’re thankful for. It’s a beautiful way to wrap up the day with reflection and appreciation.
The Gratitude Circle is a meaningful, simple game that allows everyone to reflect on the blessings in their lives. It’s the perfect closing activity for Thanksgiving.
23. Thankful ABCs
Go around the table and have each person share something they’re thankful for, following the letters of the alphabet. Start with “A” for apples, “B” for brothers, and so on.
Thankful ABCs adds a creative twist to expressing gratitude. It’s a lovely way to end the day, encouraging everyone to think deeply about what they’re thankful for.
Wrapping Up the Fun!
Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and making memories. Adding these fun games to your celebration brings everyone together in laughter, love, and joy. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small get-together, these games are sure to add a unique, unforgettable touch to your holiday. Enjoy the day, cherish the moments, and let the Thanksgiving games begin!