Thanksgiving can be a long day for children.
Adults may be busy cooking and talking, while children are waiting for dinner or looking for something to do.
The good news is that you don’t need elaborate entertainment.
Simple Thanksgiving activities for kids can keep children engaged while also making them part of the celebration.
Current Thanksgiving search trends include coloring pages, games, scavenger hunts, read-alouds and turkey trots.
Thanksgiving Coloring Activities
Print or draw simple Thanksgiving pictures such as:
- Turkeys
- Pumpkins
- Leaves
- Pies
- Cornucopias
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Family scenes
Set out crayons, pencils or washable markers.
Thanksgiving Turkey Craft
Give children paper, scissors, glue and crayons.
They can make a simple paper turkey using:
- A body
- Eyes
- A beak
- Feathers
- Feet
Older children can write something they’re thankful for on each feather.
Make a Thankful Tree
Create a tree from paper or branches.
Cut out paper leaves.
Ask each child to write one thing they are thankful for on a leaf.
Hang the leaves on the tree.
By dinner time, you’ll have a decoration filled with family memories.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of simple things children can find around the house.
For example:
- Something orange
- A leaf
- A spoon
- A pumpkin
- Something soft
- Something round
- Something that reminds you of fall
For younger children, turn it into a picture scavenger hunt.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Create a simple bingo board with Thanksgiving-related pictures.
Use:
- Turkey
- Pie
- Pumpkin
- Leaf
- Corn
- Plate
- Family
- Candle
Children can mark each picture as they see it.
Thanksgiving Charades
Write simple words on pieces of paper.
Ideas:
- Turkey
- Eating pie
- Cooking
- Sleeping
- Dancing
- Pumpkin
- Washing dishes
Let the children act them out.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Game
Sit together and take turns completing:
“I am thankful for…”
You can make it more interesting by choosing categories.
For example:
- Something about family
- Something at school
- Something you ate
- Something that made you laugh
- Something you learned
Thanksgiving Read-Aloud
Choose a Thanksgiving or gratitude-themed children’s book.
Make reading part of your Thanksgiving tradition.
You can read before dinner or while adults are finishing meal preparation.
Thanksgiving Movie Time
If the day becomes too busy, a family movie can give everyone a quiet break.
Create a cozy space with blankets and snacks.
Thanksgiving Kids’ Table Activity
Give children a small activity pack at the table.
Include:
- Coloring page
- Crayons
- Word search
- Maze
- Gratitude card
- Conversation questions
This can make the kids’ table part of the celebration instead of simply a place for children to sit.
Thanksgiving Activities for Preschoolers
Keep activities short and simple.
Good options include:
- Finger painting
- Leaf crafts
- Coloring
- Stickers
- Paper turkeys
- Sorting fall colors
- Simple songs
- Picture books
Don’t expect young children to sit still for a long activity.
Thanksgiving Family Games
Once dinner is over, bring everyone together for:
- Charades
- Bingo
- Would You Rather?
- Family trivia
- Scavenger hunt
- Storytelling
- Card games
Thanksgiving Gratitude Conversation
Ask everyone:
“What is one thing that made you happy this year?”
Children’s answers can be surprisingly funny and meaningful.
Write the best answers down and save them as a family keepsake.
The Goal Isn’t to Keep Kids Busy All Day
Thanksgiving activities should help children enjoy the holiday, not create another long list of things parents have to organize.
Choose two or three activities.
That’s enough.
For more Thanksgiving planning ideas, visit our complete Thanksgiving Ideas for Families guide.
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