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Thanksgiving can be challenging when you have young children who need constant entertainment during long family gatherings. Parents often struggle to keep little ones engaged while adults prepare meals and catch up with relatives. The best Thanksgiving activities for families with young children include simple crafts like handprint turkeys, gratitude games, cooking together, and starting meaningful traditions that teach thankfulness while keeping kids happily occupied.
Many families find that creative Thanksgiving activities help children understand the holiday's meaning while providing hours of entertainment. From making thankful trees to playing outdoor games, these activities create lasting memories and reduce the stress of managing restless children during holiday celebrations.
Smart parents prepare a mix of indoor crafts, outdoor games, and interactive learning activities that work for different ages and energy levels. Whether families are hosting dinner or visiting relatives, having a toolkit of engaging activities ensures everyone enjoys the holiday. Consider creating custom Thanksgiving decorations or picking up activity supplies ahead of time to make preparation easier.
For a fun and screen-free way to keep kids engaged this holiday, check out this Thanksgiving Coloring Book for Kids, filled with 31 festive pages they’ll love.
These four classic games bring excitement and laughter to any Thanksgiving gathering. Each activity requires minimal setup while keeping children engaged and active throughout the holiday celebration.
Thanksgiving bingo transforms traditional bingo into a holiday-themed adventure that captivates young minds. Parents can create custom bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving images like turkeys, pumpkins, pilgrims, and cornucopias.
The game works perfectly for children ages 3-10. Adults call out items while kids mark their cards with colorful markers or small candies.
Essential Supplies:
Families can find printable Thanksgiving bingo cards online or create personalized versions. The activity keeps multiple children entertained simultaneously while teaching them about Thanksgiving symbols.
Pre-made bingo daubers make the game more exciting for toddlers. Winners can receive small prizes like stickers or mini toys.
Turkey tag puts a festive spin on the classic chase game that gets children moving after large meals. One child becomes the "turkey" while others try to catch them in a designated play area.
The turkey player makes gobbling sounds while running. When tagged, that child becomes the new turkey and the game continues.
Game Variations:
This outdoor activity works best in backyards or parks. Indoor versions can use soft foam balls for gentle tagging instead of physical contact.
The game burns energy and creates lasting memories. Children develop gross motor skills while enjoying friendly competition.
Pin the feather on the turkey adapts the classic party game with Thanksgiving flair. Children attempt to attach colorful feathers to a large turkey poster while blindfolded.
Parents hang a turkey picture at child height on a wall or easel. Each player gets a feather with double-sided tape attached.
Setup Requirements:
Players spin three times before approaching the turkey. The child who places their feather closest to the correct spot wins a small prize.
Families can purchase ready-made turkey posters or draw their own on poster board. This activity accommodates different age groups with varying difficulty levels.
Pumpkin bowling combines seasonal decorations with active play that delights children of all ages. Small pumpkins serve as bowling balls while empty plastic bottles become pins.
Set up ten plastic bottles in triangle formation on a smooth surface. Children take turns rolling mini pumpkins to knock down the pins.
Equipment Needed:
The activity works indoors on hardwood floors or outside on driveways. Younger children can stand closer to the pins while older kids bowl from farther distances.
Families often decorate bottles with Thanksgiving stickers or paint. The pumpkins can later become decorations or pie ingredients, making this a practical choice for holiday celebrations.
These simple craft projects help young children express gratitude while creating decorations and keepsakes for the holiday. Each activity uses basic materials and builds fine motor skills through hands-on creativity.
Handprint turkeys remain one of the most beloved thanksgiving crafts for kids. Parents trace their child's hand on brown construction paper and cut it out. The thumb becomes the turkey's head while the fingers form colorful tail feathers.
Children can decorate each finger with different colors using crayons, markers, or paint. They add googly eyes and an orange triangle beak to the thumb. A small red piece creates the turkey's wattle underneath the beak.
Materials needed:
These handprint keepsakes work perfectly as handprint turkey place cards for the dinner table. Families can write each person's name on the turkey's body. The finished crafts make wonderful gifts for grandparents too.
Homemade thanksgiving cards let children share gratitude with family and friends. Kids fold cardstock in half and decorate the front with fall themes like leaves, pumpkins, or turkeys.
Inside the card, they write or dictate what they feel thankful for this year. Young children can draw pictures instead of writing words. Parents help spell out messages like "Thank you for playing with me" or "I'm grateful for our family."
Simple decoration ideas:
Children can make cards for teachers, neighbors, or relatives they won't see on Thanksgiving Day. The custom greeting cards become treasured keepsakes that recipients often save for years.
A thankful jar creates an ongoing family tradition throughout November. Families decorate a large mason jar with fall colors, ribbon, or leaf cutouts. They place small paper strips and pencils nearby.
Each day, family members write something they appreciate on a slip of paper. Young children can draw pictures or dictate their thoughts to parents. Everyone adds their gratitude notes to the jar.
On Thanksgiving Day, the family takes turns reading the collected notes aloud. This gratitude activity sparks meaningful conversations about blessings big and small.
Decoration supplies:
The jar becomes a beautiful centerpiece while building appreciation habits. Families often continue adding notes throughout the entire month of November.
Handmade placemats give children ownership of the holiday table setting. They use large sheets of construction paper or poster board as the base. Kids draw turkey pictures, write family names, or create leaf patterns around the edges.
Parents laminate the finished placemats or cover them with clear contact paper. This protection allows the placemats to withstand spills during dinner. Each child creates personalized placemats for every family member.
Creative placemat ideas:
These thanksgiving craft projects require minimal supplies but create lasting memories. Children feel proud seeing their artwork displayed at the family feast.
Indoor games keep young children entertained while parents prepare dinner or when weather keeps families inside. These activities require minimal setup and use common household items that most families already have on hand.
Thanksgiving charades works perfectly for mixed-age groups since adults can help younger children act out their cards. Parents write simple Thanksgiving words on paper slips like "turkey," "pumpkin pie," or "pilgrim hat."
Children ages 3-5 can act out basic actions like "eating turkey" or "flying like a turkey." Older kids handle more complex ideas like "Mayflower" or "cornucopia."
Game Setup:
The acting player draws a card and acts without speaking. Their team guesses the word before time runs out. Teams earn one point per correct guess.
This game builds confidence in shy children. They practice communication skills without pressure to speak perfectly.
Thanksgiving I Spy games help children practice observation skills while learning holiday vocabulary. Parents create lists of Thanksgiving items hidden around the house or use printable cards.
Young children search for obvious items like orange pumpkins, red apples, or yellow corn. Older children find trickier objects like acorns, wishbones, or pilgrim decorations.
I Spy Categories:
Parents can make the game educational by asking follow-up questions. "Where do cranberries grow?" or "What sound does a turkey make?" keeps children engaged longer.
The game works well in small spaces. Children can play while sitting at the dinner table or in the living room.
Rolling for Turkeys combines dice games with Thanksgiving themes. Children roll dice to collect turkey parts and build complete turkeys on paper. Each number corresponds to different body parts.
Dice Game Rules:
Players must roll a "1" for the body before adding other parts. The first person to draw a complete turkey wins that round. Games last 10-15 minutes, perfect for short attention spans.
Parents can buy turkey-themed dice games on Amazon or create their own version with regular dice and paper. Some families use printable turkey templates from Zazzle to make the game more colorful.
This activity teaches number recognition and counting. Children practice taking turns and following game rules.
Outdoor thanksgiving activities help families create lasting memories while enjoying crisp autumn weather. These three activities combine physical fun with seasonal traditions that young children will love.
A turkey trot brings families together for active fun on Thanksgiving morning. Many communities host organized races with distances suitable for all ages.
Parents can register children for kid-friendly distances like quarter-mile or half-mile runs. Most events welcome strollers and walking participants too.
Benefits for young children:
Families can create their own backyard turkey trot if no local events exist. Set up a simple course around the yard using colorful turkey-themed decorations as markers.
DIY Turkey Trot Setup:
Children love wearing fun costumes during their run. Turkey hats or orange shirts add to the festive atmosphere.
Corn mazes offer perfect fall entertainment for families with young children. These seasonal attractions combine problem-solving with outdoor adventure.
Most corn mazes open in October and run through Thanksgiving weekend. They typically feature shorter routes designed specifically for little ones.
What to expect:
Parents should dress children in bright colors for easy spotting. Comfortable walking shoes prevent tired feet during longer visits.
Age-appropriate tips:
Many farms combine corn mazes with other thanksgiving activities like hayrides and petting zoos.
A fall scavenger hunt turns any outdoor space into an adventure playground. Children love searching for seasonal treasures while exploring nature.
Create lists with items kids can actually find in November. Focus on common fall objects rather than rare discoveries.
Perfect scavenger hunt items:
Parents can adapt hunts for different ages by using pictures instead of words for non-readers. Printable scavenger hunt cards save preparation time.
Hunt variations:
Set clear boundaries for the search area. Young children need defined spaces to feel safe while exploring.
Give each child a small bag or basket for collecting treasures. This makes them feel official and keeps hands free for climbing or running.
Getting kids excited about Thanksgiving dinner becomes easier with fun, themed foods they can help make and enjoy. These creative options transform traditional ingredients into playful shapes and bite-sized portions that appeal to young appetites.
Mini pumpkin pies offer the perfect solution for little hands and smaller appetites. These individual desserts let kids enjoy the classic Thanksgiving flavor without the commitment of a full slice.
Parents can make these treats using muffin tins and pre-made pie crust. Simply cut circles of dough to fit each cup. The filling uses the same ingredients as regular pumpkin pie but in smaller quantities.
Key ingredients include:
Kids can help mix the filling and pour it into the mini crusts. Baking takes about 20-25 minutes at 375°F. These Thanksgiving dessert options cool quickly and are ready to eat sooner than full-sized pies.
Decorating adds extra fun. Children can top each mini pie with a small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Turkey-shaped sandwiches turn ordinary lunch items into festive Thanksgiving meals. Cookie cutters make this transformation simple and engaging for young children.
Using turkey-shaped cookie cutters, families can create sandwiches from bread, cheese, and deli meat. Whole wheat bread provides a golden color that resembles turkey. Cheese slices cut into smaller shapes can represent feathers.
Assembly steps:
These turkey-shaped sandwiches work well for lunch or as appetizers during family gatherings. Kids enjoy both making and eating these creative meals.
Cream cheese spreads easily and holds ingredients in place. Sliced turkey, ham, or even peanut butter and jelly work as fillings. The key is keeping ingredients simple so the turkey shape stays visible.
Colorful fruit and vegetable arrangements capture the autumn spirit while providing healthy options for kids. Orange, red, and yellow produce naturally matches Thanksgiving colors.
Recommended fruits:
Vegetable options:
Arranging these foods in turkey shapes or autumn leaf patterns makes them more appealing to children. Parents can use small bowls for different dips like ranch, caramel, or hummus.
Cutting fruits and vegetables into fun shapes using small cookie cutters adds visual interest. Stars, leaves, and pumpkins work particularly well. This approach encourages kids to try new foods they might otherwise avoid.
The natural sweetness of fruits balances the savory elements of traditional Thanksgiving meals. These platters also provide important vitamins and fiber that growing children need.
Creating meaningful thanksgiving traditions helps young children understand the importance of appreciation while strengthening family connections. Two simple activities can transform your holiday celebration into a lasting memory that teaches gratitude through hands-on participation.
The gratitude tree creates a beautiful visual display of family thankfulness. Cut colorful leaf shapes from construction paper and provide markers or crayons for decorating.
Each family member writes or draws something they appreciate on their leaves. Young children can draw pictures of pets, toys, or family members.
Materials needed:
Find a sturdy branch from your yard or create a tree outline on poster board. Attach the grateful leaves throughout November leading up to Thanksgiving Day.
This thanksgiving craft encourages gratitude while giving children ownership in holiday preparations. Display the finished tree prominently where everyone can admire the family's collective appreciation.
Consider adding new leaves each year to create an evolving family tradition.
The thankful jar builds anticipation throughout the month while collecting precious family memories. Place a decorated jar in a central location with colorful paper strips nearby.
Family members add grateful thoughts daily during November. Young children can dictate their ideas to older siblings or parents who write them down.
Simple setup steps:
Read all entries aloud on Thanksgiving Day before dinner. This creates a powerful moment of reflection and connection.
The thankful jar becomes a treasured keepsake families can revisit in future years. Store the papers in the jar as a time capsule of family gratitude and growth.
Creating handmade decorations adds personal touches to your Thanksgiving table while keeping young children engaged. These three projects use common household items and allow kids to contribute meaningful crafts to your holiday celebration.
A leaf bowl creates a beautiful centerpiece using real autumn leaves and simple craft supplies. Children can help collect colorful leaves during outdoor walks in the weeks before Thanksgiving.
Start by gathering 15-20 medium-sized leaves in various fall colors. Press them between heavy books for 2-3 days to flatten them completely. This prevents cracking during the crafting process.
Cover a medium bowl with plastic wrap. Apply mod podge to one leaf at a time and layer them around the inside of the bowl. Overlap each leaf slightly to create a sturdy base.
Let kids choose which leaves go where. This gives them creative control while building fine motor skills. The overlapping technique helps create fun Thanksgiving activities that result in lasting decorations.
Allow the bowl to dry for 24 hours. Carefully remove it from the form. Your leaf bowl can hold bread rolls, small gourds, or serve as a decorative accent piece.
Handprint turkeys transform into three-dimensional centerpieces that showcase each child's unique hand size. These thanksgiving crafts become treasured keepsons that families can display year after year.
Trace each child's hand on brown construction paper and cut it out. The thumb becomes the turkey's head while the fingers form colorful tail feathers.
Glue the handprint to a paper towel tube covered in brown paper. Add googly eyes, an orange beak, and red wattle using craft supplies. Let children choose their own color combinations for personality.
Create multiple turkeys for a festive centerpiece display. Vary the heights by cutting paper towel tubes to different lengths.
Add small paper leaves around the base of each turkey. Children can write what they're thankful for on each leaf. This combines decoration with gratitude activities.
You can find additional craft supplies for turkey centerpieces on Amazon or create custom turkey templates through Zazzle.
Transform a plain tablecloth into personalized artwork using washable paints and young artists' creativity. This project works best with light-colored fabric tablecloths or large sheets of craft paper.
Cover your work surface with newspaper before starting. Provide small plates with different colored paints - oranges, reds, yellows, and browns work perfectly for fall themes.
Show children how to dip their hands in paint and make prints across the tablecloth. Space prints evenly to avoid overcrowding. Each handprint can become a turkey with added details.
Use thin brushes to add turkey faces, legs, and feet to each handprint. Children can also add their names near their contributions. This creates a family keepsake that documents hand sizes.
For paper versions, covering the kids' table with craft paper allows continuous decorating throughout the meal. Provide crayons so children can add drawings between handprint turkeys.
Let fabric tablecloths dry completely before washing. Set the paint with an iron on low heat to make designs permanent.
Creating special thanksgiving traditions helps families build lasting memories and teaches children about gratitude. Movie nights, creative performances, and festive viewing parties give families fun ways to celebrate together each year.
A thanksgiving movie marathon creates a cozy tradition that brings the whole family together. Parents can choose age-appropriate films that focus on family, friendship, and being thankful.
Classic Movies for Young Children:
Set up a comfortable viewing area with blankets and pillows on the floor. Make simple snacks like popcorn, apple slices, or crackers with cheese.
Start the marathon in the afternoon when children are not too tired. Keep each movie session short, around 30-45 minutes for younger kids. Take breaks between movies for bathroom trips and snacks.
Create custom movie night decorations to make the tradition feel extra special. Let each child pick one movie for the lineup so everyone feels included.
An annual family skit turns thanksgiving traditions into a fun performance activity. Each family member gets a role in a short play about being thankful or the first Thanksgiving.
Write a simple script together as a family. Keep it short, around 5-10 minutes total. Young children can play pilgrims, Native Americans, or even turkeys and corn.
Simple Skit Ideas:
Use items from around the house as costumes and props. Paper bags become pilgrim hats. Old sheets work as Native American clothing. Thanksgiving craft supplies help create fun decorations.
Perform the skit before dinner or after the meal. Record it on a phone or camera to watch again next year.
Watching the Thanksgiving parade becomes more special when families turn it into a viewing party. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade offers colorful floats and giant balloons that captivate young children.
Set up a special breakfast while watching the parade. Serve easy foods like muffins, fruit, or cereal that children can eat while sitting on the floor.
Make parade bingo cards with pictures of common parade elements. Include balloons, marching bands, clowns, and specific floats. Give children stickers to mark off items they spot.
Parade Party Activities:
Explain what they see during the parade. Talk about the different states and groups participating. Point out the marching bands and explain how the giant balloons work.
Teaching children to help others during Thanksgiving creates meaningful memories while building empathy. Simple card-making projects and age-appropriate volunteering activities let families practice gratitude through action.
Creating homemade thanksgiving cards helps children express appreciation for people who serve their community. Kids can make cards for mail carriers, grocery store workers, teachers, or neighbors.
Simple materials work best for young children. Construction paper, crayons, stickers, and markers let kids create colorful designs. Fingerprint turkey cards are easy for small hands to make.
Card Recipients to Consider:
Children can draw pictures of turkeys, pumpkins, or fall leaves. They can also write simple messages like "Thank you" or "Happy Thanksgiving." Parents should help with writing longer messages.
Professional card options are available on Zazzle for families who prefer ready-made designs. Amazon also offers card-making supplies and blank cards.
Delivering the cards teaches children about community connections. Families can walk around the neighborhood or visit local businesses together to hand out their creations.
Donating food to local food banks introduces children to helping families in need. Kids can help select canned goods, boxed stuffing, and other non-perishable items at the grocery store.
Age-Appropriate Food Bank Activities:
Making treats for essential workers shows appreciation for community helpers. Families can bake cookies or prepare simple snacks to deliver to fire stations or hospitals.
Animal shelters often need help with basic tasks. Young children can help sort donated blankets or toys under adult supervision. Some shelters allow families to read to animals or help with feeding times.
Community service activities should match children's attention spans and abilities. Short volunteer sessions of 30-60 minutes work better than lengthy commitments for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids.
Understanding the real history of thanksgiving helps families create more meaningful celebrations with their children. Sharing family stories and traditions connects young ones to both historical context and personal heritage.
The traditional story taught in schools often simplifies what really happened between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Teaching the real history of thanksgiving helps children become critical thinkers who understand complete stories.
The Wampanoag people lived on the land long before the Pilgrims arrived in 1620. They had their own thanksgiving traditions and deep knowledge of farming and survival.
While there was a feast between the groups, it happened during a time of great hardship for the Wampanoag people. Children can learn that real history is more complex than simple stories.
Parents can start by learning about the Native peoples who lived in their local area. Apps like native-land.ca show which tribes originally cared for the land where families now live.
Age-appropriate ways to share this history:
Children's books about Native perspectives help kids understand the complete picture.
Family stories create personal connections to thanksgiving that go beyond the historical events. Children love hearing about how their own families celebrate and what makes their traditions special.
Parents can share memories of past thanksgivings from their childhood. These stories help kids understand how traditions change over time and why families choose certain ways to celebrate.
Simple ways to collect family stories:
Many families focus their thanksgiving on gratitude for family, health, and the natural world. Building a Tree of Thanks or creating a Gratitude Pumpkin makes this practice concrete for young children.
Some families also acknowledge the original caretakers of their land as part of their thanksgiving tradition. This connects gratitude to the Indigenous peoples who preserved the natural beauty of the places where families now live.
Custom family story books let families create lasting records of their thanksgiving memories and traditions.
Parents often wonder about specific craft ideas, volunteer opportunities, and educational activities that work well for young children during Thanksgiving. These questions cover practical ways to keep kids engaged while teaching them about gratitude and holiday traditions.
Young children can create handprint turkey place cards using construction paper and markers. These simple crafts add a personal touch to the dinner table.
Coffee filter turkeys combine cardboard tubes with watercolor paints. Kids can create beautiful turkey feathers by painting coffee filters.
Pinecone turkeys require only pinecones, paint, and pom-poms. The natural shape of pinecones makes perfect turkey bodies for little hands to decorate.
Thanksgiving sensory bins filled with corn kernels and play food keep toddlers busy. Parents can add small pumpkins and gourds for extra texture exploration.
Children can make leaf wreaths by cutting paper plate centers and gluing colorful fall leaves. This craft combines nature walks with creative expression.
Paper bag turkeys let kids stuff bags with newspaper and decorate with feathers. These 3D turkeys make great table decorations or bedroom displays.
Food banks often welcome families to sort non-perishable items together. Young children can help organize canned goods by size or type.
Many communities host Thanksgiving meal preparation events. Families can help make sandwiches or pack meal boxes for delivery.
Local shelters sometimes need volunteers to serve meals. Parents can help while children draw thank you cards for guests.
Nursing homes appreciate visits from families with young children. Kids can sing songs or share simple crafts with residents.
Community centers often organize coat drives during Thanksgiving week. Children can help sort donations by size and condition.
Families can create blessing bags filled with snacks and hygiene items. Kids enjoy decorating bags with personalized turkey cookies from Amazon to include.
Thanksgiving trivia games help children learn about turkey facts and holiday history. Parents can adjust questions based on their child's age level.
Thanksgiving charades lets kids act out holiday activities like cooking turkey or raking leaves. This game works well for mixed age groups.
Gratitude scavenger hunts encourage children to find things they appreciate around the house. Kids can take photos or draw pictures of their discoveries.
Thanksgiving bingo games feature pictures instead of numbers for non-readers. Children can mark off foods, decorations, and family activities.
Memory games using Thanksgiving vocabulary help expand language skills. Parents can create cards with holiday words and matching pictures.
Counting games with cranberries or corn kernels teach basic math concepts. Children can practice addition and subtraction using edible manipulatives.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City welcomes families with young children. Viewing spots along Central Park West offer better views for little ones.
Many cities host local Thanksgiving parades featuring high school bands and community floats. These smaller events often provide closer viewing opportunities.
Turkey trot races frequently include family fun runs or walks. Children can participate in shorter distance options designed for their age group.
Fall festivals at farms and community centers continue through Thanksgiving week. These events often feature hayrides, pumpkin patches, and petting zoos.
Museums sometimes offer special Thanksgiving exhibits about Native American culture and harvest traditions. Interactive displays help children learn through hands-on experiences.
Libraries host Thanksgiving story times and craft sessions leading up to the holiday. These free events provide structured activities for young children.
You can find custom Thanksgiving parade viewing blankets on Zazzle to keep families comfortable during outdoor events.
"The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr uses simple text and bright illustrations. This book helps toddlers understand gratitude concepts before sleep.
"Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks" by Margaret Sutherland features rhyming text. The gentle rhythm makes it perfect for bedtime reading routines.
"Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson tells a story about friendship and sharing. Young children relate to the animal characters and sharing themes.
"The Night Before Thanksgiving" by Natasha Wing follows the familiar poem format. Kids who know "The Night Before Christmas" easily follow along.
"Thanksgiving Day at Our House" by Nancy White Carlstrom shows family preparations. The realistic scenarios help children anticipate their own celebrations.
"Give Thanks for Each Day" by Stephen Huneck features simple dog illustrations. The gentle message works well for calming bedtime conversations.
Parents can find personalized Thanksgiving storybooks on Amazon featuring their child's name in the story.
Nature walks help families collect colorful fall leaves for crafts. Children can gather pinecones, acorns, and interesting branches for later projects.
Backyard football games work well for mixed age groups. Parents can modify rules to include younger children as cheerleaders or special players.
Fall photo scavenger hunts encourage kids to find specific outdoor items. Families can search for red leaves, bird nests, or squirrels gathering food.
Sidewalk chalk activities let children create Thanksgiving messages. They can draw turkeys, write thank you notes, or decorate driveways.
The best Thanksgiving gifts inspire both creativity and gratitude. This guide explores unique ideas—from art kits and puzzles to meaningful jewelry—that encourage kids and families to celebrate the season with imagination, love, and thankfulness.
Thanksgiving gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. This guide highlights affordable yet heartfelt gift ideas—from simple jewelry keepsakes to books and creative kits—that bring joy, gratitude, and fun to kids during the holiday season.
Thanksgiving is all about warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. This guide shares cozy celebration ideas—from festive décor and family traditions to meaningful jewelry gifts—that create a heartfelt holiday atmosphere everyone will remember.
