30 Fun-Filled Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

By Rama Aiyer | Updated: 02/12/2024

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that families eagerly look forward to every year. The delicious food, the family gatherings, and the spirit of gratitude all make it a truly special day. However, while the adults are often caught up in cooking, chatting, and catching up, the kids can sometimes feel a bit left out. That’s why it’s so important to plan some fun-filled Thanksgiving activities for kids to keep them entertained and engaged.

Whether you have a bunch of energetic little ones running around or older kids looking for something to do, organizing creative and entertaining Thanksgiving activities can turn the day into something truly memorable. From simple crafts to active games, the options are endless. These activities not only give kids something to do but also help them feel part of the holiday spirit. Let’s dive into some fun, easy-to-organize ideas that will have the kids looking forward to Thanksgiving just as much as the turkey dinner!

Best Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family. While adults enjoy catching up and preparing the meals, it’s essential to keep the little ones entertained. Here are 25 fun Thanksgiving activities for kids that are easy to set up and will keep them occupied and smiling throughout the day. These activities are designed to ensure a memorable and fun-filled holiday for kids of all ages.

1. Turkey Feather Scavenger Hunt

The Turkey Feather Scavenger Hunt is a simple yet exciting activity that gets kids moving and exploring. Hide colourful paper feathers around your home or yard, and let the kids hunt for them. You can even make it educational by adding numbers or letters to the feathers for kids to collect in order. This game is a great way to keep the kids active while they enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.

Age Group

3-10 years old

What You Will Need

Colourful paper feathers
A basket or bag for each child
A paper or cardboard turkey (optional)

How To Do

Cut out paper feathers in various colours.
Hide the feathers around the house or yard.
Give each child a basket or bag to collect the feathers.
For a challenge, ask kids to find feathers with specific colours or numbers.

2. Thanksgiving Bingo

Image Credit: Pinterest

Thanksgiving Bingo is a fun way to combine the holiday spirit with a classic game. Create Bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed symbols like turkeys, pumpkins, pies, and autumn leaves. It’s a calm and interactive activity that kids of all ages can enjoy, and it’s great for teaching them patience and concentration.

Age Group

5-12 years old

What You Will Need

Printable Thanksgiving-themed Bingo cards
Markers or buttons for covering the squares
A list of Thanksgiving symbols to call out

How To Do

Print out Bingo cards with Thanksgiving symbols.
Prepare markers or small buttons for kids to use to mark their cards.
Call out the Thanksgiving symbols one by one.
The first player to get a full row or column wins!

3. Create a Gratitude Tree

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This meaningful craft lets kids reflect on what they are thankful for. A Gratitude Tree is simple to make and doubles as beautiful Thanksgiving decor. The kids will love writing what they’re grateful for on paper leaves and adding them to the tree.

Age Group

4-12 years old

What You Will Need

Construction paper in fall colours (for leaves)
A large piece of brown paper (for the tree)
Scissors
Tape or glue
Markers or crayons

How To Do

Cut out a large tree trunk from brown paper and tape it to the wall.
Cut out leaves from the construction paper.
Have the kids write something they’re thankful for on each leaf.
Glue or tape the leaves to the tree to create a colourful display.

4. Pumpkin Bowling

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This Thanksgiving twist on bowling will have kids giggling and cheering. Instead of traditional bowling pins, use small pumpkins as pins. It’s a fun, low-cost way to keep kids entertained, and they can even help set up the game.

Age Group

4-12 years old

What You Will Need

Mini pumpkins (as bowling pins)
A small round pumpkin or ball
A flat, open space to play

How To Do

Set up mini pumpkins in a triangular shape, like bowling pins.
Use a small round pumpkin or ball as the bowling ball.
Let each child roll the ball toward the pumpkins to knock them down.
Take turns and keep score for some added competition!

5. Turkey Handprint Craft

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One of the simplest and most adorable kids activities for Thanksgiving is the Turkey Handprint Craft. It’s a classic activity where kids trace their hands to make turkeys. This craft allows kids to get creative with colours and decorations while making a keepsake to cherish.

Age Group

3-8 years old

What You Will Need

Construction paper
Markers or paint
Scissors
Glue
Googly eyes (optional)

How To Do

Trace the child’s hand on construction paper and cut it out.
Let the child decorate the handprint by adding feathers, eyes, and a beak to turn it into a turkey.
If using paint, have the child dip their hand in paint to create the handprint on paper.
Add decoration items like googly eyes to bring the turkey to life.

6. Pin the Feather on the Turkey

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Just like the evergreen “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this Thanksgiving version has kids trying to pin a feather on a turkey. It’s a simple game that is sure to bring out the giggles as kids play and cheer each other on.

Age Group

4-10 years old

What You Will Need

A large paper turkey cut-out
Paper feathers
Blindfold
Tape

How To Do

Tape a large paper turkey to the wall.
Blindfold one child at a time and give them a paper feather with a piece of tape on the back.
Spin them around and have them try to place the feather on the turkey.
The child who places the feather closest to the correct spot wins!

7. Thanksgiving Pictionary

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Turn Thanksgiving symbols and themes into a fun game of Pictionary. Kids can draw turkeys, pumpkins, or even family members while others try to guess what they are drawing. This is a great way to add some laughter to the holiday.

Age Group

6-12 years old

What You Will Need

Whiteboard or large sheet of paper
Markers
A list of Thanksgiving-related items to draw

How To Do

Divide the group into two teams.
One player draws a Thanksgiving-themed item, and the others try to guess what it is.
Teams take turns drawing and guessing.
The team with the most correct guesses wins.

8. Leaf Rubbing Art

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This outdoor craft is perfect for little nature lovers. Kids can collect leaves and create their own beautiful artwork by rubbing crayons over paper placed on top of the leaves. It’s an easy and quiet activity that lets kids enjoy the beauty of fall.

Age Group

3-8 years old

What You Will Need

Fresh autumn leaves
White paper
Crayons

How To Do

Have kids collect leaves of different shapes and sizes.
Place a leaf under a sheet of paper.
Use a crayon to rub over the leaf gently, revealing its shape and texture on the paper.
Repeat with different leaves to create a unique autumn picture.

9. Cornhole Game with Pumpkins

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For a fun outdoor activity, set up a Cornhole game but with a Thanksgiving twist by using mini pumpkins instead of bean bags. It’s a fun and simple game that gets the kids moving and can be set up quickly.

Age Group

5-12 years old

What You Will Need

A Cornhole board
Mini pumpkins (instead of bean bags)

How To Do

Set up a Cornhole board in the yard or a large room.
Use mini pumpkins as the bean bags to throw.
Players take turns trying to toss the pumpkins into the hole.
Keep score to see who wins!

10. Thanksgiving Charades

Charades is a classic game that’s easy to play with any group. For Thanksgiving, you can add a festive twist by acting out things related to the holiday like “stuffing a turkey” or “falling leaves.” It’s a great way to get the kids laughing and using their imaginations.

Age Group

6-12 years old

What You Will Need

Slips of paper with Thanksgiving-related activities
A container to draw slips from

How To Do

Write down Thanksgiving-themed activities (like “baking a pie” or “eating turkey”) on slips of paper.
Divide the group into two teams.
One child draws a slip and acts out the activity without speaking while their team tries to guess.
The team with the most correct guesses wins.

11. Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating

Let the kids unleash their creativity with a cookie decorating station. They can create Thanksgiving-themed cookies using fall colours and festive shapes. It’s not only a fun activity but also provides a tasty treat for later!

Age Group

4-12 years old

What You Will Need

Pre-baked cookies in Thanksgiving shapes (like turkeys, leaves, pumpkins)
Frosting in fall colours
Sprinkles and edible decorations

How To Do

Set up a cookie decorating station with pre-baked cookies and various frosting and decorations.
Let each child decorate their cookies using the frosting and toppings.
Once they’re finished, enjoy the delicious cookies together!

12. Thanksgiving Puppet Show

Encourage kids to put on a puppet show with Thanksgiving characters. They can use puppets to act out stories about the holiday or even make up their own fun Thanksgiving tales.

Age Group

4-10 years old

What You Will Need

Thanksgiving-themed puppets (turkey, Pilgrims, pumpkins, etc.) or socks to create puppets
A small stage or area for the performance

How To Do

Set up a small stage or an area where the kids can perform their puppet show.
Let the kids create their own stories or re-enact Thanksgiving tales using the puppets.
Encourage them to perform for the adults or other kids.

13. Paper Plate Turkey Craft

This simple craft activity is perfect for younger kids. Using paper plates, they can create their own colourful turkeys by adding feathers, googly eyes, and beaks.

Age Group

3-7 years old

What You Will Need

Paper plates
Construction paper (for feathers and beaks)
Glue
Googly eyes
Markers or crayons

How To Do

Give each child a paper plate to be the turkey’s body.
Cut out feathers and beaks from construction paper.
Have the kids glue the feathers onto the plate and add eyes and a beak.
Let them colour or decorate their turkeys however they like.

14. Thanksgiving Memory Game

Image Credit: Pinterest

A memory game with a Thanksgiving twist is a great way to challenge kids while having fun. Create pairs of Thanksgiving-themed images (like turkeys, pumpkins, and pies) and let the kids match them.

Age Group

5-10 years old

What You Will Need

Printable Thanksgiving-themed cards (two of each design)
A flat surface to play

How To Do

Print and cut out pairs of Thanksgiving-themed images.
Lay the cards face down on a flat surface.
Kids take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find a match.
The child with the most matches at the end wins.

15. Thanksgiving Colouring Contest

Set up a colouring contest where kids can colour Thanksgiving-themed sheets. It’s a relaxing activity that allows for some quiet time during the busy day, and they can even win prizes for their colourful creations.

Age Group

3-10 years old

What You Will Need

Thanksgiving-themed colouring pages
Crayons, markers, or coloured pencils
Prizes for the winners

How To Do

Hand out Thanksgiving-themed colouring sheets and supplies to each child.
Give them time to colour and decorate their sheets.
After everyone has finished, let an adult judge the artwork and award small prizes to the winners.

16. Make a Pilgrim Hat

This craft project lets kids create their very own Pilgrim hats using construction paper. It’s an easy and fun way to teach them about the history of Thanksgiving while keeping them entertained.

Age Group

4-10 years old

What You Will Need

Black and white construction paper
Scissors
Glue
Tape

How To Do

Cut a strip of black construction paper to fit around the child’s head as the hatband.
Cut a large black circle for the top of the hat and a white square for the buckle.
Glue or tape the pieces together to form a Pilgrim hat.
Let the kids wear their hats during the Thanksgiving meal!

17. Apple Stamping

This is a fun and simple craft where kids use apple halves dipped in paint to create beautiful autumn artwork. It’s a great way to teach them about nature and art at the same time.

Age Group

3-8 years old

What You Will Need

Apples (cut in half)
Paint in fall colours
Paper

How To Do

Cut apples in half and give each child a half to use as a stamp.
Dip the apple in paint and press it onto the paper to create a print.
Let the kids use different colours and patterns to create a fall scene.

18. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Create a fun outdoor version of tic-tac-toe using mini pumpkins as the markers. It’s a quick and easy activity that can be played anywhere.

Age Group

5-12 years old

What You Will Need

Large piece of cardboard (for the tic-tac-toe grid)
Mini pumpkins (two different colours)

How To Do

Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the cardboard.
Use mini pumpkins in two different colours, the X’s and O’s.
Kids take turns placing their pumpkins in the grid until someone wins!

19. Thanksgiving Pie Walk

A Thanksgiving twist on the traditional cake walk, this game gives kids a chance to win fun prizes like mini pies or treats. It’s an entertaining and easy activity that can be done indoors or outdoors.

Age Group

5-12 years old

What You Will Need

Paper with numbers written on them
Mini pies or small treats as prizes
Music

How To Do

Place numbered pieces of paper in a circle.
Play music while the kids walk around the circle.
When the music stops, call out a number, and the child standing on that number wins a prize.

20. Corn Kernel Sensory Bin

Image Credit: Pinterest

For younger kids, a sensory bin filled with dried corn kernels and small toys is a fun, hands-on activity. It helps with their fine motor skills while keeping them entertained.

Age Group

2-5 years old

What You Will Need

Dried corn kernels
Small Thanksgiving-themed toys (mini pumpkins, turkeys, etc.)
A large bin

How To Do

Fill a large bin with dried corn kernels.
Hide small toys in the kernels.
Let the kids dig through the corn to find the hidden items.

21. Turkey Tag

Turkey Tag is a lively outdoor game that gets kids running and laughing. It’s similar to classic tag but with a Thanksgiving twist! The “turkey” runs while the other kids try to catch it.

Age Group

5-12 years old

What You Will Need

A feather or scarf (for the “turkey” to wear)
A large, open space for running

How To Do

Choose one child to be the “turkey” and give them the feather or scarf to wear.
The other kids try to catch the turkey by tagging them.
Once the turkey is caught, they choose the next turkey.
Continue playing until everyone gets a chance to be the turkey.

22. Thanksgiving Word Search

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Keep the kids busy with a Thanksgiving-themed word search. This quiet activity is perfect for winding down after a big meal, and it helps improve their vocabulary too!

Age Group

6-12 years old

What You Will Need

Printable Thanksgiving word search puzzles
Pencils or crayons

How To Do

Print out a Thanksgiving word search with holiday-related words like “turkey,” “pumpkin,” “gratitude,” etc.
Give each child a pencil or crayon to circle the words.
The first child to find all the words wins, or let them work at their own pace.

23. Build a Thankful Jar

A Thankful Jar is a simple craft that encourages kids to reflect on what they are grateful for. It’s a meaningful and calming activity that can be shared with the family during dinner.

Age Group

4-12 years old

What You Will Need

A jar or container
Strips of paper
Markers or pens

How To Do

Give each child a jar and some strips of paper.
Have them write or draw things they are thankful for on each strip.
Throughout the day, they can add more strips to their jar.
Share the notes during Thanksgiving dinner or keep them as a reminder of the holiday.

24. Thanksgiving Trivia

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Test the kids’ knowledge of Thanksgiving with a fun trivia game. You can ask questions about the history of Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, or fun facts about turkeys!

Age Group

6-12 years old

What You Will Need

A list of Thanksgiving-related trivia questions
A small prize for the winner

How To Do

Prepare a list of trivia questions about Thanksgiving (e.g., “What year was the first Thanksgiving?” or “How long does it take to cook a turkey?”).
Divide the kids into teams or let them answer individually.
Ask the questions one by one, and the person or team with the most correct answers wins a prize.

25. Thanksgiving Mad Libs

Image Credit: Pinterest

Kids will love creating hilarious stories with Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs. It’s a great way to encourage creativity while getting a few laughs!

Age Group

7-12 years old

What You Will Need

Printable Thanksgiving Mad Libs sheets
Pencils or pens

How To Do

Print out Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs worksheets.
Ask the kids to fill in the blanks with random nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Read the finished stories aloud for some silly, unexpected fun.

26. Build a Marshmallow Turkey

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This tasty craft lets kids make their own turkey using marshmallows and candy. It’s a sweet treat they can make and eat later.

Age Group

4-10 years old

What You Will Need

Large and small marshmallows
Candy corn (for feathers)
Pretzel sticks
Chocolate chips or candy eyes

How To Do

Use the large marshmallow as the turkey’s body and a small marshmallow for the head.
Stick the candy corn around the back of the large marshmallow to create feathers.
Use pretzel sticks for the turkey’s legs and chocolate chips or candy eyes for the face.
Enjoy eating the marshmallow turkey afterward!

27. Thanksgiving Photo Booth

Image Credit: Pinterest

Create a fun photo booth with Thanksgiving props. This activity is perfect for kids who love taking pictures and dressing up!

Age Group

All ages

What You Will Need

A camera or smartphone
Thanksgiving-themed photo props (hats, turkey masks, Pilgrim hats)
A festive backdrop

How To Do

Set up a backdrop with a Thanksgiving theme (e.g., autumn leaves or pumpkins).
Provide props like turkey masks, Pilgrim hats, and signs that say “Thankful” or “Gobble Gobble.”
Let the kids take turns posing and snapping fun pictures.

28. Thanksgiving Nature Walk

If the weather permits, take the kids on a nature walk to enjoy the fall scenery. They can collect leaves, pine cones, and other natural items to use in future crafts.

Age Group

All ages

What You Will Need

A park or outdoor area
Bags or baskets for collecting nature items

How To Do

Head out to a nearby park or your backyard.
Let the kids collect autumn leaves, acorns, pine cones, and anything else they find interesting.
Bring the items back home and use them for Thanksgiving crafts like a leaf collage or pine cone turkeys.

29. Make a Thanksgiving Playlist and Dance Party

Let the kids create a Thanksgiving-themed playlist and have a dance party. It’s a great way to get them moving and burn off some energy before or after the big meal.

Age Group

All ages

What You Will Need

Music player or smartphone
Speakers
A dance space

How To Do

Let the kids pick their favorite songs to add to the Thanksgiving playlist.
Set up a space where they can dance safely.
Play the music and let the dance party begin!

30. DIY Thanksgiving Parade

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Host your own Thanksgiving parade at home. The kids can dress up as different Thanksgiving characters and march around the house or yard.

Age Group

3-10 years old

What You Will Need

Costumes or dress-up clothes
Thanksgiving-themed props (turkeys, Pilgrims, etc.)
Music

How To Do

Have the kids dress up as Thanksgiving characters like turkeys, Pilgrims, or Native Americans.
Play festive music and let them march around the house or yard.
Encourage them to wave and put on their best parade performance!

FAQs

1. What are some easy Thanksgiving Day activities for kids?

There are plenty of easy activities for kids on Thanksgiving Day. You can set up a Turkey Handprint Craft, where kids trace and decorate their hands to make turkeys. Another fun option is a Thanksgiving Bingo game using themed cards. Simple activities like these keep kids entertained while fitting the festive mood.

2. How can I keep kids entertained during Thanksgiving dinner?

You can keep kids entertained by offering them Thanksgiving Day activities like colouring Thanksgiving-themed sheets or playing games like Thanksgiving Word Search. Setting up a small craft station with materials for making paper turkeys or leaf art is also a great way to keep their attention during the meal.

3. What are some fun Thanksgiving Day activities for younger kids?

For younger kids, activities like a Corn Kernel Sensory Bin or Leaf Rubbing Art are perfect. These easy activities are fun and hands-on, allowing younger children to stay engaged while enjoying the holiday spirit. A Thankful Jar is another thoughtful way to involve them in Thanksgiving traditions.

4. How can I make Thanksgiving educational for kids?

Incorporating Thanksgiving Day activities like Thanksgiving Trivia or a Gratitude Tree helps teach kids about the meaning of Thanksgiving. These activities can spark conversations about history and gratitude in a fun and engaging way.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with family, especially for the kids. By incorporating fun Thanksgiving activities for kids, you can keep them engaged and make the day enjoyable for everyone. From crafts to games, there are endless ways to entertain children while celebrating the holiday. These activities not only bring excitement but also teach kids about gratitude and the importance of family. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt or creating a Thankful Jar, these easy activities are perfect for keeping kids busy. As you prepare your feast, make sure the little ones have fun too. After all, Thanksgiving is about sharing joy, laughter, and love with everyone.

Also Read:

Amazing Thanksgiving Stories For Kids
Best Thanksgiving Poem For Kids
Fun And Easy Thanksgiving Craft Ideas For Kids
Best Thanksgiving Game Ideas For Family

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Author

About the Author

Rama Aiyer

Rama is a proud Delhiite with three years of content writing experience in her pocket. She is a commerce graduate with an advanced degree in the German language, but writing feels like home to her. When she is not writing,, you can probably find her researching on environment sustainability, devouring a novel, or exploring hidden nooks for delicious food around the city.