Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and, of course, enjoying a delicious feast. So, while the adults are busy with holiday prep—from roasting the turkey to baking delicious thanksgiving pies—the little ones often need something to keep them entertained. A long day of cooking and visiting can feel even longer for kids who are eager to join in the festivities but may not have the patience to wait through hours of preparation. So, why not make Thanksgiving extra special this year by adding some creative, kid-friendly activities to the mix?
This Thanksgiving, let the kids get into the holiday spirit by creating festive decorations, expressing their thanks, and even helping with simple baking projects. As you settle into the cozy rhythms of November, these Thanksgiving activities for kids will help them make the most of the festive season and create lasting memories with family and friends.
So, grab your art supplies, your warmest scarves, and a few tasty snacks—it’s time to make this Thanksgiving one for the books with these kid-approved, family-friendly thanksgiving activities for kids!
12 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
Thanksgiving is the time for gratitude, good food, and a lot of fun with our loved ones. What better way to keep the kids entertained while the adults are busy with the feast preparations than a bunch of exciting Thanksgiving–themed activities? Whether you’re looking for pre-dinner crafts, table games to keep them occupied while everyone eats, or fun ways to wind down after dessert, we’ve put together a list of Thanksgiving activities for kids that will bring joy and engagement to children of all ages. These thanksgiving activities for kids are designed to spark that creative flame, encourage a spirit of gratitude which is perfect for the holiday, and, most importantly, keep the little ones entertained throughout the day. From turkey-themed art projects and nature-inspired crafts to games and outdoor adventures, there’s something here for every child to enjoy.
- Handprint Turkeys
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without handprint turkeys! Kids can trace their hands on paper or dip them in washable paint to create a colorful turkey with each finger acting as a feather. Let them go wild with their preferred decorations—add googly eyes, glitter, and even pilgrim hats. These turkeys can become personalized place cards or holiday decorations. - Thankful Tree
This beautiful activity combines creativity and gratitude. Find a sturdy branch or create a paper tree on a wall. Give kids leaf-shaped cutouts in fall colors and ask them to write or draw something they’re thankful for on each one. They can hang the leaves on the tree for a meaningful decoration that grows fuller as more “thankful leaves” are added. - Pumpkin Bowling
Set up an indoor or outdoor “bowling alley” using a small pumpkin as the ball and empty cans or plastic cups as pins. To make it more festive, decorate the pins with Thanksgiving stickers or let the kids draw on them with markers. It’s a fun and simple game that adds a playful twist to traditional bowling! - Nature Collage
Take a nature walk with the kids to gather leaves, pinecones, acorns, and other autumn treasures. Then, let them use these natural finds to create a Thanksgiving collage or wreath. They can arrange their items on a large piece of paper or cardboard, gluing them down to create a beautiful autumn scene or turkey art that’s perfect for decorating the house. - Mini Pumpkin Decorating
Set up a mini pumpkin decorating station with paint, markers, stickers, and glitter. Kids can make funny faces, draw fall patterns, or write thankful messages on their pumpkins. Once they’re done, these decorated pumpkins can be used as festive table decorations or sent home with guests as a keepsake from the day. - Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a perfect activity to keep kids busy during downtime. Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images like turkeys, pies, pilgrims, and cornucopias. Kids can mark off each item as they see it throughout the day, or while watching a Thanksgiving parade. The first one to get bingo wins a prize, like an extra slice of pie or a small toy. - Gratitude Bracelets
Help kids create gratitude bracelets using colorful beads and string. Each bead represents something they’re thankful for, like family, friends, pets, or their favorite activities. As they add each bead, they can share what it stands for, making this a creative way to encourage gratitude. Plus, they’ll have a keepsake to remember the day. - Turkey Tag
This twist on freeze tag is sure to get everyone moving! Choose one player to be the “turkey.” When the turkey tags someone, that player has to stand still and “gobble” until another player tags them free. It’s a hilarious way to keep kids active while letting them enjoy the Thanksgiving spirit. - DIY Thanksgiving Placemats
Let kids make their own personalized placemats to use at the Thanksgiving table. They can draw fall scenes, color in Thanksgiving printouts, or write what they’re grateful for. Once they’re finished, laminate or cover the placemats with clear plastic wrap so they can be used during dinner. It’s a special touch that adds personality to the table and makes them feel part of the setup. - Cornucopia Treat Cones
Using sugar cones as mini cornucopias, kids can fill them with small treats like candy corn, nuts, and dried fruits. For a festive touch, tie a little ribbon around the base of each cone. These make great snacks, table decorations, or take-home treats that add a touch of sweetness to the holiday. - Thanksgiving Story Time
Gather some Thanksgiving-themed books and have a cozy story time for the kids. Your Thanksgiving story options include classics like Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano or ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey. You could even create a reading corner with blankets and pillows, making it a warm and inviting place for them to enjoy holiday stories. - Turkey Hat Craft
Let kids craft their own wearable turkey hats for Thanksgiving! All you need are strips of brown construction paper for the headband and some colorful paper feathers. Have kids glue feathers and googly eyes onto the headband to make a silly turkey face, and when they wear it, they’ll look like festive little turkeys themselves. This craft would be great for photos and will add some extra Thanksgiving cheer!
A Thanksgiving to Remember for the Kids
These thanksgiving activities for kids are sure to keep the children entertained and immersed in the holiday spirit. Sometimes, it’s not the grand gestures but the little traditions we share with family that make the holiday one to remember. Thanksgiving is about more than the feast—it’s a celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and the simple joys of being with the people we cherish.
As you plan the day, sprinkle in a few of these festive thanksgiving activities for kids to make it truly unforgettable for everyone. Whether it’s crafting a Thankful Tree, setting up a mini pumpkin decorating station, or gathering for cozy story time, these small touches are sure to create memories that last a lifetime, not just for the kids, but for the entire family.
Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with family, fun, and joy! Warm holiday wishes from Clever Bee Academy!
