20 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids and Family

Thanksgiving is all about spending time together and being thankful for what we have.

If you’re looking for some fun and easy ways to celebrate with the family, these 20 activities are sure to bring everyone closer.

From crafts to games, these ideas will keep the kids entertained and make some great memories along the way!

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1. Gratitude journaling 

Give everyone a notebook where they write something they’re thankful for on paper.

Anna and Robert noticed that their son, Martin, often focused on what he didn’t have instead of appreciating what he did while making his gratitude tree.

One night, they decided to share “A Moment of Gratitude” on the Storybook app with him.

As they read the story and gave him a gentle massage, Martin began to recognize and be thankful for life’s small blessings, turning this into a special family moment. 🌟💖

It’s a cool way to remind everyone of the good stuff in life and a perfect addition to morning activities for kids as you start the day with gratitude.

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2. Turkey handprint craft

Trace everyone’s hands to make turkeys, then decorate them with colorful feathers.

This craft can be a fun part of At home activities for kids with behavioral issues, as it encourages creativity and self-expression.

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3. Pumpkin bowling

Set up some empty cans or bottles, grab a mini pumpkin, and go bowling!

This activity is a unique twist on bowling and is perfect for kids of all abilities, including activities for kids with down syndrome that emphasize fun and movement.

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4. Thanksgiving bingo

Make Bingo cards with Thanksgiving items like pumpkins, pies, and turkeys.

The whole family can play, and it’s a great way to keep everyone busy before the big meal. It also doubles as a fun example of listening activities for kids, as they’ll need to listen closely for each Bingo call.

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5. Pilgrim and native american dress-up

Get crafty with homemade costumes! Let the kids dress up as Pilgrims or Native Americans, and maybe even put on a little Thanksgiving play.

It’s a great way to spark curiosity and could lead to a meaningful conversation on gender equality activities for kids, depending on the roles they choose.

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6. Thanksgiving cooking class

Invite the kids to join you in the kitchen and make a simple Thanksgiving dish together, like mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce.

They’ll enjoy mixing, mashing, and measuring ingredients, and you’ll get some extra help with dinner prep!

It’s a fun way for them to learn cooking basics, and it’s bound to make them feel proud when everyone enjoys the dish they helped create.

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7. Thankful turkey

Create a big paper turkey and have everyone write something they’re thankful for on each feather.

Add a new feather each day leading up to Thanksgiving, and watch the turkey fill with gratitude!

Once it’s complete, hang it up where everyone can see and reflect on all the things that make you feel grateful.

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8. Corn husk dolls

Make traditional corn husk dolls as a family.

Gather some dried corn husks and string, then shape them into simple dolls that can be decorated or painted.

It’s a fun way to tie in the harvest theme, and the dolls make for a cute keepsake or decoration.

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9. Thanksgiving scavenger hunt

Send the kids on a scavenger hunt for mini pumpkins, corn cobs, or other Thanksgiving items around the house or yard.

They’ll have a blast hunting down treasures, and it’s a nice addition to your lineup of at-home activities.

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10. Gratitude meditation

Gratitude meditation offers numerous benefits, including increased positivity and emotional well-being.

By focusing on the things we appreciate, it helps shift our mindset from stress and negativity to a more optimistic outlook.

A great resource to try is the meditation “Life is a Gift”, perfect for introducing mindfulness to your little one.

This meditation from the Storybook App guides your child to close their eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize their emotions as bright colors.

Not only does this practice teach them about emotions, but it also strengthens your bond as you share this calming experience together. 🌿💖

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11. Pumpkin pie play dough

Mix up some homemade pumpkin-scented play dough with pumpkin spice, orange food coloring, and a few pantry ingredients.

The kids will love molding it into little pies, pumpkins, and other shapes.

Plus, the delicious smell of pumpkin spice will fill the room, adding an extra touch of fall to your day.

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12. Thanksgiving word search

Create a fun Thanksgiving-themed word search with words like “turkey,” “harvest,” “family,” and “thankful.”

It’s a calming activity that helps build vocabulary and focus, and it’s perfect for practicing skills from listening activities.

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13. Turkey dance freeze

Turn up some music and get ready for a turkey-themed dance party!

When the music stops, everyone has to freeze in their funniest turkey pose.

It’s silly, active, and a guaranteed way to get everyone laughing.

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14. Family gratitude circle

Gather in a circle and take turns sharing something you’re thankful for.

It’s a lovely way to reflect on the good things in your lives and adds a heartfelt touch to your morning activities, setting a positive tone for the day.

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15. Thanksgiving puzzle time

Pick a Thanksgiving-themed puzzle featuring turkeys, fall leaves, or pumpkins, and work on it as a family.

It’s a relaxing way to spend time together, and completing the puzzle will give everyone a sense of accomplishment.

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16. Paper plate turkeys

Transform simple paper plates into colorful turkeys using markers, paper, and glue.

The kids can decorate each one with vibrant feathers and googly eyes, creating cute Thanksgiving decorations or fun place settings for the dinner table.

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17. Gratitude jar

Set up a “gratitude jar” with slips of paper and pens.

Family members can write down what they’re thankful for throughout the day and drop it in the jar.

Read all the notes together during Thanksgiving dinner to remind everyone of the special things that make you grateful.
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18. Thanksgiving song time

Sing some Thanksgiving songs together or make up your own!

It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and adds a musical touch to your celebrations.

You might even discover some hidden family talent along the way.

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19. Harvest basket relay race

Set up a relay race with mini baskets and fall-themed items like apples or gourds.

Divide into teams and race to fill the baskets as quickly as possible.

It’s an energetic activity that gets everyone moving before settling down for the Thanksgiving meal.

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20. Thanksgiving puppet show

Create simple puppets from paper bags or socks and put on a Thanksgiving-themed puppet show.

The kids can come up with their own stories or re-enact the history of Thanksgiving.

It’s a creative activity that’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even a round of applause!

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How do you make Thanksgiving fun for kids?

Make Thanksgiving fun by mixing in activities like crafts, games, and cooking.

Try turkey crafts, pumpkin bowling, or a scavenger hunt to keep them entertained.

Let them help with simple kitchen tasks, and add games like Thanksgiving Bingo for some family-friendly competition.

Keeping things interactive makes the holiday more enjoyable for kids.

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How do you teach little kids about Thanksgiving?

Teach kids about Thanksgiving by focusing on gratitude and sharing.

Use simple stories, crafts like pilgrim hats, and a family gratitude circle to explain the holiday.

Let them express thankfulness through activities like a gratitude jar.

Keeping it simple and hands-on makes it easy for little ones to understand.

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