50 Thanksgiving Activities

Enroll your children in a mini-marathon scheduled on Thanksgiving Day. You can either participate alongside them or you can support from the sidelines. Instilling a culture of physical activity in your kids is a worthwhile undertaking and registering for this marathon could mark the beginning of a lifelong pursuit.

Here’s a great example of running a mini-marathon from Kansas City Sports Commission. 

Get your little ones into the Thanksgiving spirit with this DIY placemat project. Show them how to make these Thanksgiving-themed placemats using crayons, markers, and stickers. This engaging and enriching activity will keep them occupied throughout the day. 

Here’s a great example of DIY Thanksgiving placemats from Mamas Happy Hive. 

Teach your kids about your family’s lineage with a Thanksgiving family tree project. Instruct them to make a tree using cardboard and decorate it with leaves for each family member. Spark conversations about your family history as you spend Thanksgiving Day teaching them about the importance of family. 

Here’s a great example of a family tree from Everyday Dishes. 

Host a lively football game with your kids on Thanksgiving. Split everyone into teams of two and let the kids be the captains for both teams. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone can participate in this spirited game and work up an appetite for the meal. 

Here’s a great example of family football from Pucks and Puzzle Pieces.

Create an exhilarating Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt to captivate your kids’ imagination. From diving into the fall foliage to discovering turkey-themed clues in the house, this game guarantees a fun and engaging time for kids. Beyond the thrill, this is also a great way to instill the value of teamwork into the kids. 

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Set up an inspiring and all-immersive Thanksgiving craft table. The table can include an assortment of materials such as paper, markers, and glue, which allows them to create numerous holiday-themed projects. The finished crafts will become cherished decorations. 

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving craft table from @thewilddecoelis. 

Why not? Get your kids to decorate the Christmas tree with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and shiny tinsel. This activity brings a touch of extra holiday vibes to your Thanksgiving celebrations and gives your kids something to look forward to after the magic of Thanksgiving has ended. 

Here’s a great example of decorating the Christmas tree from @the.minimal.mom. 

Have the kids transform your dining table into a Thanksgiving wonderland. From arranging the plates to folding the napkins, there’s a lot that needs to be done for the big Thanksgiving feast. As they work together, they’ll also get a chance to learn about teamwork and the importance of contributing to family celebrations.

Here’s a great example of setting the table from @diary_of_my_minnies_. 

The Turkey Trot is an iconic American race that brings families and communities together. Dress the little ones up in their best Turkey-themed costumes and get them ready to start trottin’. More than racing, the Turkey Trot is a chance for the kids to be a part of their community and experience the joy of Thanksgiving. 

Here’s a great example of Turkey Trotting from @sport_kc. 

Give an enriching lesson about Thanksgiving with a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Tell the kids all about the history as they explore the iconic Plymouth Rock. Wander through Plimoth Plantation, share artifacts and tales from America’s past, and savor a traditional Thanksgiving meal at local eateries. 

Here’s a great example of visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts from New England. 

Let your preschooler get creative with this DIY turkey crown. All that’s needed is colorful paper and a pair of googly eyes. This hands-on project fosters independence and artistic expression. You can step in to help, but make sure that the little ones are taking the initiative when it comes to choosing the colors and design. 

Here’s a great example of DIY turkey crown from Suburban Mom. 

This energetic game is a great addition to your Thanksgiving activities roster. Just make the sheet, roll the dice, and watch your little ones eagerly move their turkey game pieces along the path, hopping from sticker to sticker based on the number rolled. The one who reaches the end first, wins.

Here’s a great example of the turkey count game from Days with Grey.

Celebrate the season of harvest and pass down the tales of woodland creatures during a Thanksgiving-themed painting session. From foxes to deers and bears, woodland creatures are an important part of our ecosystem, and a recurring character in fairy tales. As parents, you can guide them through the painting process, while reciting some folktales like “Enchanted Forest,” and “Silver the Shrew.”

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Fuel your preschooler’s curiosity with this engaging game! Hand them these printable sheets and watch as they keenly observe their surroundings. From spotting a pumpkin to finding a turkey or a big black hat, this activity will keep them on their toes while educating them about the meaningful aspects of Thanksgiving. 

Here’s a great example of the “I Spy” game from Live Laugh Rowe. 

Set up this Thanksgiving-inspired game board of tic-tac-toe, and watch as your preschoolers line up to take part. To add the autumnal flair, pick autumn and Thanksgiving-inspired symbols such as pumpkins or turkeys in the place of Xs and Os. 

Here’s a great example of autumn tic-tac-toe from Project Kid. 

Host a cozy Thanksgiving pajama party for the kids. Extend invitations to cousins and friends, and encourage everyone to wear their coziest PJs. Arrange playful pillow fights, stacks of snacks, and Thanksgiving movies, and let your kids bond during the party. 

Here’s a great example of a pajama party from @theluckyfewofficial. 

Merge the magic of creativity and sentiment with this lovely Thanksgiving handprint craft. Set up a paint station where the kids can dip their palms and fingers to create their handprints. This hands-on project not only nurtures creativity but also allows children to convey their thankfulness in a tangible way. 

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving handprint craft from Make Life Lovely. 

Guide your preschooler as they create this turkey hand puppet. The grocery bag turned hand puppet is easy to make. All that your kids need is paper, markers, and googly eyes to create colorful and quirky characters of their own. 

Here’s a great example of a turkey hand puppet from @thelittlesandme. 

Take the celebration outside, as you spend Thanksgiving at the beach. The kids can explore, collect seashells, and build sandcastles. Pack a picnic basket with turkey sandwiches and beach-friendly snacks, and allow your kids to connect with and be thankful for the beauty of nature. 

Here’s a great example of a day at the beach from @polymathmom. 

All you need is molding clay and other craft supplies such as feathers, colored paper, and a bunch of googly eyes. To kick-start the fun, you can create the clay base for the kids. Then, step back and watch as their creativity takes flight. 

Here’s a great example of a clay turkey from @momunpolished. 

Engage your preschooler with this great interactive game. All you need is a plastic box filled with really small balls and a pair of tweezers. Watch as they fill the bottle, one ball at a time. Once the turkey is full, it can become a unique decoration. 

Here’s a great example of Feed the Turkey from Busy Toddler. 

Dial up the Thanksgiving fun with an exciting round of sack racing. All you need are a couple of sacks and a finish line. Get the kiddies lined up and into the sacks for a lighthearted race towards a delightful prize, like chocolate cake or roasted marshmallows, perhaps?

Pump up the festive spirit by decorating your home with turkey-themed decorations. From charming turkey centerpieces to elegant pumpkin garlands, you’ll create a setting that celebrates the holiday perfectly — it’s something your guests will be thankful for.

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Get your creativity on with a fantastic DIY Thanksgiving wreath-making session. Use a wide range of fall-inspired materials like leaves, pinecones, and miniature pumpkins to make beautiful wreaths that you can hang at your front door. 

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving wreath from I am Style-ish. 

Rally your friends and family and give back to your community by volunteering at a local charity. Spend time serving meals, distributing essentials, or simply offering a listening ear to those in need. It’s also a wonderful reminder to be grateful for the blessings in your life.

Arrange a bouquet filled with autumn’s vibrant colors. From striking orange florals to rustic stems, the bouquet will reflect the warmth and beauty of fall. The finished bouquet serves as a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving holiday table, and also makes for a great gift for your friends and family. 

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Start the day with a moment of reflection and write “thank you” notes to everyone in your life that you’re thankful for. Set the table with cozy decor and invite your friends and family to join in. This reflective act becomes an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate those who bring joy to your life.

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A Thanksgiving cornucopia encourages everyone to bring their favorite food items and dishes. This not only showcases culinary talents but also fosters a sense of thankfulness for the bounty. Get ready for a flavorful feast that nourishes both body and soul, all while creating cherished memories.

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving cornucopia from Avas Flowers.

Gather your dearest friends for a delightful evening of feasting and merriment. This activity celebrates the joy of being together during the holidays, where the shared effort of cooking and dining becomes a celebration in itself. Let the festivities unfold, as stories are exchanged, games are played, and the spirit of Thanksgiving fills the air.

Plan a spirited game of Pictionary, and let participants take turns drawing and guessing various Thanksgiving-themed objects. Kids and adults alike can join in the fun. There are no losers here, just endless rounds of laughter and festive fun. 

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Fill the air with the fragrance of fall as you mull fresh cider on Thanksgiving Day. You’ll need aromatic spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and apple cider for this activity. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast with the spicy aromas filling the air.

Create a delectable Thanksgiving charcuterie spread with cheeses, cured meats, nuts, fruits, and crackers. For a special twist, add miniature pumpkins and fall flavors to the board. It’s a culinary experience that everyone will be thankful for.

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving charcuterie spread from Ain’t Too Proud to Meg. 

Foster a spirit of thankfulness with a heartwarming jar of gratitude. Provide each family member with a jar and pieces of paper, and encourage everyone to jot down things they’re thankful for. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. Once the jars are full, you can read the blessings out loud, and let everyone bask in the blessing of being with family. 

Here’s a great example of a gratitude jar from Where is Santa. 

Celebrate the day by planting new seedlings in your garden with your family. Thanksgiving is all about expressing gratitude for the past while preparing for the future. Leafy greens, herbs, and the poppy flower are some of the best seeds to plant during the chilly days of November.

Why not organize a Thanksgiving clothes donation drive? Rally your friends and family, pack all the clothes you no longer wear in bags or boxes, and donate them to local charities, shelters, and more. As you gather the clothing items, remember to be thankful for how fortunate you are.

Reflect on all your blessings and the experiences you’re grateful for, and write down your hopes and aspirations for the years ahead with this letter-writing exercise. Once done, seal the letter and put it in a safe place, and open it at next year’s Thanksgiving.

Reflect on the people and memories you’re thankful for by revisiting your old family albums. Share the moments with your family and create new memories that can be added to the album. This heartwarming activity reinforces your love and gratefulness for each other.

From the colorful floats to the balloons and performances, the parade is a great way to create a sense of unity and inspire thankfulness. So, sip hot cocoa, share cozy blankets, and create lasting memories while witnessing the magic of the holiday season kick off. 

Here’s a great example of the parade from @alex.shutters.

Reconnect with loved ones you haven’t seen in a while by organizing a family visit this Thanksgiving. Arrange a trip and make sure you have enough days to make it to and from the destination. Bond over a hearty Thanksgiving meal and make memories for life.

There’s no better way to celebrate than by playing a Thanksgiving game. This printable guide sets up in minutes and is a great way to have fun with your family. The rules are simple: Just roll the dice, navigate the board, and encounter turkey-themed twists and rewards along the way. 

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving game from Made It With Happy.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with an invigorating day at the lake. Plan an outdoor escape that allows you to break free from the traditional holiday setting. From kayaking and fishing to simply lounging by the water’s edge, this activity encourages everyone to soak in and be thankful for the beauty of nature.

Spread kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving. Gather your loved ones to assemble thoughtful packages filled with essential items and heartfelt notes. These packages can be given to local shelters, nursing homes, or even to neighbors in need. 

Here’s a great example of a care package from Cali Globe Trotter. 

Gather your loved ones and whip up batches of festive treats. Let the scent of freshly baked cookies fill the air as you create an ambiance of warmth and togetherness. Share these delicious treats with family and friends and spread joy and gratitude, one delightful bite at a time.

Here’s a great example of a Thanksgiving cookie from The Spruce Eats. 

Get into the playful spirit with this Thanksgiving bean bag toss game. Hang the sheet on a door frame or outdoors, and watch as your kids enthusiastically take turns attempting to toss the bean bag through the three designated holes. Each hole holds a point value: 15 points for the pumpkin, 10 points for the turkey, and five points for the Maple leaf. 

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Plan a cozy and engaging Thanksgiving movie M=marathon for your family and friends. Put together a list of Thanksgiving-related movies and set up a cozy movie-watching area with pillows and blankets. Provide a variety of snacks, share laughter, and embrace the joy of cinema before and after the hearty Thanksgiving meal.

Host a unique patio party this Thanksgiving and transform your outdoor space into a festive gathering spot. Decorate the patio with twinkling lights, cozy seating, and fall-themed decorations, as you create an inviting atmosphere for your family and friends.

Move over, pumpkins! This Thanksgiving, bake a pecan pie with your loved ones. Baking a pie is a labor of love and the fun doubles when it is done with family. From prepping the pecans to folding the crust, there’s a lot that goes into pie-baking, and you can assign tasks to each member of the family. 

Here’s a great example of a pecan pie from Southern Living. 

Bring a dash of fun and humor to the party with an ugly sweater competition. Encourage your family and friends to show up in their most unflattering, outlandish, and quirky sweaters. As they gather around, let everyone vote on whose sweater is the most outrageous. 

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Get the holiday party going with a lively game of Thanksgiving Bingo. Let participants create their own Bingos that can be marked off throughout the day. From turkey trotting to pumpkin pies, there’s plenty of material, and Bingo brings everyone together for laughter, togetherness, and playful competition.

Here’s a great example of Thanksgiving Bingo from Best Ideas for Kids. 

Celebrate Thanksgiving outdoors with a fun-filled day of outdoor picnicking, games, and laughter. Pack a picnic with turkey sandwiches, cranberry soda, and treats, and spread out a cozy blanket for a memorable lunch. From playing catch to enjoying nature walks, this activity offers kids a chance to connect with the great outdoors and burn off energy. 

Here’s a great example of a day at the park from @donaldjtrumpjr.