The Magic of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a whirlwind of excitement for kids. The idea of a grand feast, the parade on TV, and the promise of pie create an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. But, let’s be honest: keeping kids entertained throughout the day, especially while cooking up a storm in the kitchen, can feel like an Olympic sport. But fear not! With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of fun, Thanksgiving can turn into a magical day that keeps little ones fully engaged.
Crafts That Spark Creativity
Leafy turkey handprints
What’s more classic (and fun) than a turkey made from a handprint? Add in some colorful leaves for feathers, and you’ve got a masterpiece that’ll be worthy of the fridge for weeks.
Pumpkin pie paper plates
Kids can create their own “pie” with a simple paper plate, construction paper slices, and cotton ball whipped cream. No baking required, and they’ll be so proud to show off their creations!
DIY Thanksgiving cards
Let kids express their gratitude by making Thanksgiving cards for family members. Stickers, glitter, and markers will be their best friends for this heartwarming project.
Native American headbands
A fun way to introduce a bit of history, these headbands made from construction paper and decorated with feathers can double as a fun costume piece for the big day.
Games to Gobble Up the Time
Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
Hide Thanksgiving-themed items (like mini pumpkins, pinecones, or paper turkeys) around the house and let the kids loose! The thrill of the hunt will keep them busy while you focus on the meal.
Pin the feather on the turkey
A twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Blindfolds, feathers, and a giant turkey poster make this game both fun and a little bit silly.
Turkey trot relay race
Burn off some of that pre-dinner energy by organizing a relay race. Kids can “waddle” like turkeys from one point to another – the more hilarious the movements, the better!
Cooking Adventures in the Kitchen
Mini chef pumpkin pies
Let the kids play sous-chef and create mini pumpkin pies. Pre-made pie crusts and simple filling ingredients make this a no-fail activity that results in delicious rewards.
Decorating cookies with a fall twist
Set up a cookie decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations in autumnal colors. Not only is this an engaging activity, but it also adds to the dessert table.
Easy-peasy mashed potatoes by tiny hands
Give them a potato masher and let them go wild! This simple task will make them feel like they’re contributing to the feast, and who knows? Maybe they’ll even develop a lifelong love of cooking.
Interactive Story Time
Thanksgiving storybooks for all ages
Curl up with some cozy Thanksgiving tales. From “The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving” to “Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks,” there’s a perfect story for every age group.
Kids acting out Thanksgiving history
Turn history into a play! Let the kids reenact the story of the first Thanksgiving, complete with Pilgrim hats and turkey costumes. It’s as educational as it is adorable.
Outdoor Activities to Burn Energy
Backyard Turkey Bowl
No need to wait for the football game on TV! Create your own version of “Turkey Bowl” in the backyard with a soft football. Kids versus adults, anyone?
Leaf pile jumping contest
Rake up a pile of leaves and let the kids dive in. It’s pure joy in its simplest form, and it’ll keep them occupied for ages.
Nature walk gratitude scavenger hunt
Take the kids on a walk outside and encourage them to find things in nature that they’re thankful for. Pinecones, colorful leaves, and smooth stones make perfect keepsakes.
Tabletop Fun for Tiny Hands
Thanksgiving coloring placemats
Set the table with coloring placemats and a set of crayons. The kids can color their way through Thanksgiving, turning placemat art into a part of the meal!
Build-your-own turkey with playdough
Break out the playdough and let the kids sculpt their own turkeys. Add googly eyes and feathers for some extra whimsy.
Thanksgiving bingo
Print out some Thanksgiving-themed bingo cards and play a few rounds. This is perfect for kids who need a break from more active games but still want to have fun.
Gratitude-Inspired Projects
Thankful tree of leaves
Create a “Thankful Tree” by drawing a bare tree on a poster board and letting the kids add paper leaves with things they’re grateful for. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Gratitude rock garden
Kids can paint smooth rocks with words or pictures that symbolize things they’re thankful for. Arrange them in a special garden, indoors or out, as a lasting reminder of gratitude.
Family gratitude circle
Gather the family in a circle and let each person share one thing they’re thankful for. This simple, heartwarming tradition can be an annual moment of reflection.
Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
Cozy flicks that fit the Thanksgiving vibe
Pop some popcorn and settle in for a Thanksgiving movie marathon. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “Free Birds” are great kid-friendly options to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Interactive movie snack stations
Make the movie-watching experience extra fun by setting up a snack station where kids can make their own popcorn mixes or create “turkey legs” from pretzel sticks and marshmallows.
Holiday-Themed Science Experiments
Turkey balloon race
Blow up some balloons, add a turkey face, and let them race across the floor with a flick of a finger. This silly science experiment mixes physics and fun.
Pumpkin volcano eruption
Carve out a mini pumpkin, fill it with baking soda and vinegar, and watch the kids’ faces light up as their pumpkin volcano erupts!
Music and Dance to Shake the Turkey Off
Thanksgiving-themed freeze dance
Play some upbeat tunes and let the kids dance until the music stops. When the music cuts off, they have to freeze in silly turkey poses!
Family talent show with a holiday twist
Encourage the kids to put on a Thanksgiving-themed talent show. Songs, dances, or funny skits about turkeys and Pilgrims are bound to get a few laughs.
Quiet Time Activities for Calm Moments
Thanksgiving-themed puzzles
Keep it low-key with Thanksgiving puzzles. These can range from simple wooden puzzles for little ones to more complex jigsaws for older kids.
Create-your-own comic strip about Thanksgiving
Let the kids create their own Thanksgiving story in comic strip form. It’s a great way to encourage their imaginations and keep them busy for a while.
A moment of guided meditation for kids
Help the kids wind down with a short, kid-friendly guided meditation. Focus on the themes of gratitude and thankfulness to tie it into the day’s festivities.
Helping Hands in the Kitchen
Setting the table like pros
Kids can be in charge of setting the table. Show them where to place the forks and napkins, and let them take pride in making the dining room look perfect.
Napkin folding competition
Teach the kids a few fancy napkin folds and see who can come up with the most creative design. This little touch adds flair to the Thanksgiving table.
Homemade butter in a jar
Making butter is easier than you think! Give the kids a jar of cream and let them shake it until it turns into butter. It’s a fun, old-fashioned activity with a delicious result.
Educational Fun with a Holiday Spin
Thanksgiving word search
Challenge the kids with a Thanksgiving-themed word search. It’s a sneaky way to get a little learning in while they’re still having fun.
Historical trivia challenge
Test the kids’ knowledge of Thanksgiving history with a trivia challenge. It’s a great way to keep them engaged while also teaching them a thing or two.
Math with Thanksgiving ingredients
Turn dinner prep into a math lesson! Have the kids help measure out ingredients or count out the pieces of silverware for the table.
DIY Thanksgiving Parade
Creating festive floats from household items
Let the kids build their own “floats” from toys and household items. They can decorate wagons, cardboard boxes, or even stuffed animals to join in their mini parade.
Marching to their own parade rhythm
Give them pots, pans, and wooden spoons, and watch them march around the house in their own Thanksgiving parade. Noise levels may soar, but so will their spirits!
Storytelling Sessions by the Fire
Tales of family Thanksgiving memories
Gather around the fireplace and share stories from past Thanksgivings. Kids love hearing about family traditions, and it’s a great way to bond.
Imaginary Thanksgiving dinner stories
Let the kids’ imaginations run wild by asking them to tell a story about the most fantastical Thanksgiving dinner they can dream up. The crazier, the better!
Thanksgiving Fashion Show
Dress-up with Pilgrim and Native American attire
Kids can dress up in makeshift costumes as Pilgrims, turkeys, or Native Americans using items they find around the house. A fashion show will keep them giggling and creative.
Creating costumes with what’s in the closet
Give them a challenge: create a Thanksgiving outfit using only what they can find in their own closet. The results will likely be as hilarious as they are adorable.
Post-Feast Wind-Down
Reading Thanksgiving poems aloud
After the feast, gather everyone for a poetry reading. Thanksgiving-themed poems can be sweet or funny, but they’re sure to bring a calming, reflective note to the end of the day.
Family nap time activity zone
After all that food, kids and adults alike might be ready for a rest. Create a cozy nap zone with blankets and pillows where everyone can rest up before diving back into activities.
Conclusion
These Thanksgiving activities are bound to keep kids entertained, inspired, and engaged throughout the day. They’ll stay busy, have fun, and make lasting holiday memories while you get to enjoy the turkey in peace.
These are fun activities that will bring the whole family together.