Fun Thanksgiving Activities to Keep Kids Happy and Engaged!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to come together, share a meal, and create lasting memories. Yet, keeping kids entertained during the holiday can be a challenge. Long waits, adult conversations, and the excitement of the day can leave children restless. Finding creative activities that capture their attention and involve them in the spirit of Thanksgiving makes the day more enjoyable for everyone. This post offers practical, fun ideas to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the holiday.

Kids’ Thanksgiving craft table with turkey decorations

Thanksgiving Crafts That Spark Creativity

Crafting is a perfect way to channel kids’ energy into something productive and festive. Simple materials like paper, glue, crayons, and scissors can transform into memorable keepsakes.

• Handprint Turkeys

Using paint or colored paper, kids trace their hands and decorate the outlines to look like turkeys. This activity is easy for all ages and creates a personalized Thanksgiving memento.

• Gratitude Trees

Cut out a tree shape from cardboard or paper. Kids write things they are thankful for on leaf-shaped cutouts and attach them to the branches. This encourages reflection and sharing.

• Pumpkin Decorating

Instead of carving, which can be tricky for young children, provide small pumpkins with markers, stickers, and craft supplies. Kids can create funny faces or patterns safely.

These crafts not only keep children busy but also add a festive touch to your home or dinner table.

Interactive Games to Build Excitement

Games bring energy and laughter to any gathering. Choose activities that are easy to set up and inclusive for different age groups.

• Thanksgiving Bingo

Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images like turkeys, pumpkins, pies, and pilgrims. Use candy or small tokens as markers. This game is simple and keeps kids focused.

• Turkey Hunt

Hide paper turkeys or small turkey toys around the house or yard. Kids search for them, and the one who finds the most wins a small prize. This encourages movement and friendly competition.

• Pin the Feather on the Turkey

A twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” blindfolded kids try to stick paper feathers on a large turkey poster. It’s fun and silly, perfect for all ages.

Games like these break up the day and keep children engaged while waiting for the meal or during family downtime.

Cooking and Baking Together

Involving kids in the kitchen helps them feel part of the celebration and teaches valuable skills.

• Decorate Thanksgiving Cookies

Bake simple sugar cookies shaped like leaves, turkeys, or pumpkins. Provide icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations for kids to personalize their treats.

• Make Mini Pies

Use pre-made pie crusts and fillings like apple or pumpkin. Kids can fill and crimp their own mini pies, which can be baked and enjoyed later.

• Assemble a Thanksgiving Snack Plate

Provide a variety of healthy snacks such as cheese cubes, crackers, apple slices, and grapes. Kids create their own snack plates, encouraging creativity and healthy eating.

Cooking activities keep children busy and give them a sense of accomplishment as they contribute to the holiday meal.

Storytelling and Educational Activities

Thanksgiving offers a chance to teach kids about history and gratitude in an engaging way.

• Read Thanksgiving Stories

Choose age-appropriate books that explain the holiday’s origins or share fun Thanksgiving tales. Reading together creates a calm moment and sparks curiosity.

• Thankful Journals

Give kids a small notebook to write or draw things they are thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving. This practice builds gratitude and mindfulness.

• Thanksgiving Trivia

Prepare simple questions about Thanksgiving facts and traditions. Kids can answer individually or in teams, making learning fun and interactive.

These activities deepen children’s understanding of the holiday while keeping them entertained.

Outdoor Activities to Burn Energy

If weather permits, outdoor play is a great way for kids to release energy and enjoy fresh air.

• Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of fall-themed items like acorns, colorful leaves, pinecones, and feathers. Kids search the yard or park to find them, learning about nature and seasons.

• Turkey Tag

A variation of tag where one child is the “turkey” and others try to catch them. When caught, the turkey tags someone else. This game encourages running and social interaction.

• Pumpkin Bowling

Set up empty plastic bottles as pins and use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. Kids take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down pins.

Outdoor games provide a healthy outlet for kids and add variety to the day’s activities.