Thanksgiving Kids Activities
Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for kids to participate, create, and celebrate family traditions. This guide is packed with engaging ideas that blend fun with gratitude, keeping the day lively without taking over the kitchen or the adults’ attention.
“Gratitude grows when little hands help and big hearts smile together.”
Below are 15 imaginative ideas that are simple, affordable, and adaptable for different ages. Each includes what you need, how to play, and handy tips to keep things safe and joyful.
Turkey Treasure Hunt
Turn the house into a playful scavenger zone with hidden turkey clues and feather cutouts.
- What you need: paper feathers, clue cards, small prizes, tape, poster board.
- How to play: Hide clues leading to a final treasure feather. Finish with a photo of the completed turkey.
- Tips: Write clues for different ages. Add riddles for older kids.
“The best clue is one that makes you giggle while you search.”
Thankful Tree Craft
Create a “Thankful Tree” with paper leaves where kids write what they’re grateful for.
- What you need: branch or paper tree, colored leaves, markers, string.
- How to play: Each child adds a leaf with something they’re thankful for.
- Tips: For younger kids, adults can help write their ideas.
Gobble-Gobble Bingo
A calm, inclusive game with Thanksgiving images.
- What you need: printable Bingo cards, markers or chips.
- How to play: Call out or show images. First to a line wins.
- Tips: Use big images for younger players and rotate the caller.
Pumpkin Bowling
Use mini pumpkins and cans for a fun indoor or porch game.
- What you need: small pumpkins, empty cans or bottles.
- How to play: Roll pumpkins to knock over cans.
- Tips: Choose pumpkin sizes suited for kids’ ages.
Pilgrim Hat Photo Booth
Set up a playful corner for silly family photos.
- What you need: paper hats, backdrop, camera or phone.
- How to play: Take funny photos and print your favorites later.
- Tips: Add props like mustaches or berries.
Mad Libs: Thanksgiving Edition
Fill in silly words and read your Thanksgiving story aloud.
- What you need: printable Mad Libs, pencils, crayons.
- How to play: Fill in words and read the story together.
- Tips: Let younger kids dictate words.
Leaf Rubbing Art
Collect leaves and make colorful rubbings.
- What you need: leaves, crayons, paper.
- How to play: Rub crayons over leaves to reveal patterns.
- Tips: Mix leaf shapes for more texture.
Gratitude Story Circle
Share short stories about what everyone is thankful for.
- What you need: comfy space, talking object.
- How to play: Pass the object; each person shares a story.
- Tips: Keep stories short so everyone joins in.
Cookie Decorating Station
Kids design their own cookies to display or eat.
- What you need: sugar cookies, frosting, sprinkles.
- How to play: Decorate cookies and share designs.
- Tips: Portion frosting to avoid big messes.
Gobble Charades
A turkey-themed charades game that gets everyone moving.
- What you need: Thanksgiving-themed clues.
- How to play: Act out clues while others guess.
- Tips: Include easy and tricky clues for all ages.
Foodie Passport Taste Tour
Create a tasting adventure with a “passport” for each child.
- What you need: mini-passports, safe snack samples.
- How to play: Taste and stamp each page after every bite.
- Tips: Watch for allergies and keep portions small.
Nature Craft Corner: Acorn Ornaments
Make simple decorations with natural materials.
- What you need: acorns, glue, string, paint.
- How to play: Turn acorns into ornaments or creatures.
- Tips: Supervise use of glue and small items.
Family Talent Show
Let kids perform songs, dances, or jokes for the family.
- What you need: small stage area, timer.
- How to play: Each child performs while adults cheer.
- Tips: Keep it supportive and lighthearted.
DIY Place Cards & Table Decor
Kids help decorate the dinner table.
- What you need: cardstock, markers, stickers, ribbon.
- How to play: Make name cards and arrange them on the table.
- Tips: Offer simple designs for younger kids.
Build-a-Feast for Stuffed Animals
A pretend feast with toy food and stuffed friends.
- What you need: toy foods, plastic plates, utensils.
- How to play: Kids “serve” their stuffed animals.
- Tips: Great calm-down activity before cleanup or bedtime.
Conclusion
These 15 ideas help keep kids entertained and grateful without overwhelming the adults. Mix and match to fit your family’s energy, space, and ages.
Tips for a smooth day: Create a quiet corner, rotate activities, and store supplies in labeled bins. Always use non-toxic materials and supervise crafts near food.
Do you have a favorite kid-friendly Thanksgiving idea? Share it with friends or family to spread the gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!
