Thanksgiving is a time for delicious food, cherished moments, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. Beyond the turkey and mashed potatoes, it’s about creating memories that make everyone smile. While the feast is undoubtedly the main event, a few fun games can make the day even more memorable.
Adding games to your Thanksgiving celebration is a fantastic way to bring everyone together, from the youngest kids to the wisest grandparents. Laughter and friendly competition can break the ice, lift spirits, and fill the room with warmth. It’s those shared experiences that turn a good gathering into a great one.
So, how do you make this Thanksgiving unforgettable? By choosing games that are easy, inclusive, and, most importantly, fun! Dive into these 19 Thanksgiving party games that are perfect for entertaining guests of all ages and adding a dash of excitement to your holiday festivities.
1. Thanksgiving Bingo
Who doesn’t love a good game of Bingo? Thanksgiving Bingo is a delightful twist on the traditional game that can entertain guests of all ages. The game involves Bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed images like turkeys, pumpkins, cranberries, and pilgrims. You can either print pre-made cards from the internet or get creative and make your own.
To play, hand out Bingo cards and markers to each player. The host will call out items one by one, and players will mark the called item on their cards. The first one to get five in a row shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize. It’s easy to set up, requires minimal materials, and is enjoyable for both kids and adults. Plus, it can be played multiple times without getting old!
2. Turkey Bowling
Add a fun twist to traditional bowling with this hilarious game of Turkey Bowling! Instead of using a bowling ball and pins, you’ll be rolling a small pumpkin (or a butternut squash) to knock down a set of “pins” made from empty water bottles decorated like turkeys.
Set up a bowling lane in your yard or living room. Line up the turkey pins and take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock them down. Keep score just like in regular bowling. Turkey Bowling is a fantastic way to get everyone up and moving. The odd shape of the pumpkin adds an element of surprise and laughter to every roll!
3. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Pictionary is a classic party game that never fails to entertain. Give it a Thanksgiving twist by creating a list of Thanksgiving-themed words or phrases for players to draw. From “turkey trot” to “cornucopia,” the possibilities are endless.
Divide players into teams, and one player from each team picks a card and draws the word while their teammates try to guess what it is within a time limit. The team with the most correct guesses wins. This game is perfect for those who love to draw (or laugh at their lack of drawing skills). It’s interactive, competitive, and a great way to involve everyone in the fun.
4. Stuff the Turkey Relay
Looking for a game that’s great for kids and adults alike? “Stuff the Turkey Relay” is a fun and energetic game that will have everyone cheering. The idea is simple: use a spoon to transfer “stuffing” (cotton balls or small pom-poms) into a large paper turkey cutout.
To play, set up two turkey cutouts at the end of a room or yard. Divide players into teams. Each team member takes turns running to the turkey with a spoonful of “stuffing,” trying to fill it up as fast as possible. The first team to stuff their turkey wins. It’s perfect for burning off that Thanksgiving meal! It encourages teamwork and friendly competition.
5. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
Give “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” a Thanksgiving makeover with “Pin the Feather on the Turkey.” This game is particularly popular among kids, but adults can have a blast with it too!
Blindfold each player, spin them around a few times, and have them attempt to pin a paper feather onto a large turkey poster. The player who pins the feather closest to the right spot wins. It’s simple, it’s silly, and it guarantees laughter. Plus, it’s a game that everyone knows how to play!
6. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Why not add a little adventure to your Thanksgiving celebration with a scavenger hunt? Create a list of Thanksgiving-related items for guests to find around the house or yard. Include items like a mini pumpkin, a leaf, a Thanksgiving napkin, or a small stuffed turkey.
To play, divide players into teams and give them a list of items to find. The team that finds all the items first wins a prize. It gets everyone moving and is a great way to explore the surroundings. Plus, you can customize the list to fit your guests’ age and interests.
7. Turkey Feather Hunt
This game is a hit, especially with younger guests. Before the party starts, hide colorful craft feathers around the house or yard. Then, challenge your guests to find as many feathers as they can.
Set a time limit for the feather hunt. The player who collects the most feathers in the allotted time wins. It’s simple to set up and encourages kids to run around and explore. The colorful feathers add a festive touch!
8. The Great Turkey Race
“The Great Turkey Race” is a fun and interactive game that requires a bit of strategy and a lot of laughter. You’ll need a few toy turkeys or small stuffed animals to represent each team.
Set up an obstacle course using cones, chairs, or other objects. Players must guide their turkey through the course without using their hands (blowing it with a straw or using a spoon to push it). The first team to finish wins. It’s unique, creative, and involves everyone in the action. The silliness of moving a toy turkey without hands makes for hilarious moments.
9. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Bring a seasonal twist to the classic Tic-Tac-Toe game using small pumpkins and gourds. This game is especially great for kids but can be entertaining for adults as well.
Draw a Tic-Tac-Toe board on a large piece of cardboard or a tablecloth. Use mini pumpkins and gourds as the Xs and Os. Play just like regular Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s easy to set up, and the pumpkin and gourd pieces add a festive touch to the game.
10. Cornhole with a Twist
Cornhole is a staple at many outdoor gatherings, but adding a Thanksgiving twist can make it extra special. Decorate the boards with fall themes, or make the bean bags look like turkeys or pumpkins.
Set up two cornhole boards and divide players into teams. Players take turns tossing bags onto the board, aiming to get them into the hole. The team with the highest score wins. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages and skill levels. The Thanksgiving twist adds a seasonal flavor!
11. Thanksgiving Charades
Charades is always a hit at parties, and it’s incredibly easy to customize for Thanksgiving. Create a list of Thanksgiving-related activities, like “carving the turkey” or “falling asleep after dinner.”
Players take turns drawing a card and acting out the phrase without using words while their team guesses. The team with the most correct guesses wins. Charades is a high-energy game that encourages creativity and spontaneity, perfect for getting everyone involved.
12. Turkey Shootout
Transform your backyard into a Thanksgiving carnival with a “Turkey Shootout.” Use nerf guns, toy bows, or bean bags to knock down turkey-themed targets.
Set up turkey targets at varying distances. Each player gets a chance to knock down as many turkeys as possible within a time limit. It’s a great way to add some action to your gathering. Plus, it works well for all ages, from little kids to adults.
13. Thanksgiving Trivia
Put everyone’s Thanksgiving knowledge to the test with a round of trivia! Prepare a list of fun questions related to Thanksgiving history, traditions, and pop culture.
Divide players into teams. The host asks questions, and teams write down their answers. The team with the most correct answers wins. It’s educational, competitive, and a great conversation starter.
14. Pie Eating Contest
What’s Thanksgiving without pie? For those with a sweet tooth, a pie-eating contest is a deliciously fun game. Mini pies work best for this messy and fun game.
Set up a table with mini pies and challenge participants to eat as much as they can in a set time, without using their hands. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of messy fun! Plus, it’s an excellent photo opportunity.
15. Turkey Waddle Relay Race
Get everyone moving with the Turkey Waddle Relay Race! It’s a fun game that requires participants to “waddle” like a turkey from one point to another without dropping their “egg” (a small ball).
Players must hold the ball between their knees and waddle to the finish line. If they drop the ball, they must start again. The first team to complete the relay wins. It’s silly, it’s active, and it’s guaranteed to have everyone in stitches!
16. Guess the Thanksgiving Scent
Test your guests’ noses with a sensory game that’s perfect for the season. Fill small jars with Thanksgiving scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cranberry, and sage.
Players take turns smelling each jar while blindfolded and guessing the scent. The player with the most correct guesses wins. It’s a simple yet engaging game that can evoke nostalgia and stimulate senses.
17. Pumpkin Ring Toss
Bring back a carnival favorite with a seasonal twist—Pumpkin Ring Toss! Use small pumpkins with long stems as the target and rings made from embroidery hoops or homemade rope rings.
Set up the pumpkins and take turns tossing the rings. The player who lands the most rings on the pumpkins wins. It’s simple to set up, and you can adjust the difficulty to suit all ages.
18. Thanksgiving Story Time Challenge
Combine creativity with a bit of fun storytelling with the “Thanksgiving Story Time Challenge.” Players create a story, each adding a line that builds on the previous one.
Start a story with a Thanksgiving theme and have each player add a sentence to continue the story. Set a timer for each turn to keep things moving. It encourages creativity and improvisation. You never know where the story will end up!
19. Pass the Pumpkin
Think of “Hot Potato,” but with a small pumpkin! This game is perfect for all ages and can be played indoors or outdoors.
Players sit in a circle and pass a small pumpkin around while music plays. When the music stops, the player holding the pumpkin is out. Continue until only one player remains. It’s a great way to keep things light and fun, with plenty of laughter guaranteed.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about the joy of coming together, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories. With these 19 Thanksgiving party games, you’ll have everything you need to make your gathering extra special. From silly relays to classic favorites with a Thanksgiving twist, these games are sure to bring everyone closer and fill the room with laughter. So, why not give them a try this year? After all, nothing brings people together quite like a bit of friendly competition and a whole lot of fun!