Thanksgiving Games for Kids: Fun and Easy Activities for a Memorable Holiday
Thanksgiving is more than just a time to indulge in turkey and pie—it’s a chance to create cherished memories with family. While adults often enjoy catching up over coffee and dessert, kids need more to stay engaged and happy throughout the day. To make Thanksgiving a joyous occasion for everyone, adding some fun games and activities can be a game-changer.
Thanksgiving games for kids aren’t just about keeping them occupied—they’re about creating a lively atmosphere where both young and old can share laughs and build memories. From printable activities to outdoor adventures, there are endless options to choose from. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large Thanksgiving party, these games will ensure everyone has a blast.
Why Include Thanksgiving Games for Kids?
Let’s face it: a long day of conversation might not be every child’s idea of fun. That’s why incorporating games is a must for any Thanksgiving celebration. Adding a variety of games has multiple benefits:
- Keeps kids busy and adults happy: Happy kids mean relaxed parents and a peaceful holiday atmosphere.
- Encourages everyone to be active: Games are perfect for getting everyone moving and shaking off the post-turkey nap temptation.
- Bridges the generation gap: Games create shared moments, allowing grandparents, parents, and kids to connect through playful competition.
- Makes the day memorable: Kids will be talking about these games long after Thanksgiving, building traditions they’ll cherish.
- Breaks up the day: Between meal prep and dinner, games offer structured fun, so kids aren’t left restless.
With a lineup of games that cater to various age groups and interests, Thanksgiving can transform into an event that everyone looks forward to each year.
Printable Games for Kids of All Ages
Printable games are a quick and easy way to entertain kids while the feast is being prepared. These low-prep activities are ideal for keeping children engaged, whether they’re working together or competing to see who finishes first. Plus, they’re perfect for small indoor spaces.
1. Word Scramble
Word Scramble is a fun and engaging way to challenge kids with a Thanksgiving twist! Players are given a list of scrambled Thanksgiving-themed words, like "turkey," "harvest," or "gravy," and race to see who can unscramble them the fastest. It’s a great way to reinforce spelling skills while celebrating the holiday. To add more excitement, set a timer or play in teams. The game can easily be adjusted for different ages by varying the difficulty of the words. Perfect for keeping kids entertained while waiting for the big meal!
2. Word Search
Thanksgiving Word Search is a great way to keep kids entertained while getting them in the holiday spirit! These puzzles are filled with Thanksgiving-themed words like "pumpkin," "family," and "gratitude" hidden in a grid. Players search for each word, which might be placed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, making it a fun challenge for all ages. It’s a perfect quiet activity that stimulates their minds and encourages focus. Plus, completing the puzzle can spark discussions about the meaning behind each word, making it both educational and festive!
3. Roll A Pumpkin
Roll A Pumpkin is a creative and interactive game for kids that combines drawing with a bit of luck! Players roll a die to determine which feature to add to their pumpkin—like eyes, a nose, or even some candy inside. Each number corresponds to a different detail, so every pumpkin turns out unique and fun. It’s a playful way to get kids engaged in festive Halloween activities while letting their imaginations run wild. Perfect for a classroom game or a cozy afternoon at home!
4. Memory Game
The Thanksgiving Memory Game is a fun way to test everyone’s concentration skills using festive symbols like turkeys, pumpkins, and pies! To play, simply set up a deck of cards featuring pairs of matching Thanksgiving images and place them face down. Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find a matching pair. If they match, they keep the cards and get another turn; if not, the cards are flipped back over, and it’s the next player’s turn. It’s a simple game that’s easy to set up and perfect for all ages, bringing a touch of Thanksgiving cheer to family game time!
5. What’s Your Turkey Name?
What’s Your Turkey Name is a hilarious activity that adds a playful twist to the Thanksgiving celebration! Kids (and adults) can use the chart to find their unique Turkey Name by combining the first letter of their name and their birth month. Whether you end up as “Wiggly Wingcorn” or “Buttery Wishbone,” it’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing. It’s a perfect ice-breaker that sparks creativity and can even inspire a silly Thanksgiving story or skit based on the funny names. Great for classroom parties or family gatherings, this activity is sure to keep the festive fun rolling!
6. Thanksgiving Escape Room
The Thanksgiving Escape Room is a fantastic way to bring adventure and mystery to your holiday celebration! This themed escape room transforms your home into a puzzle-filled quest where participants must solve clues, unlock locks, and decode messages to “save Thanksgiving.” Using simple items like boxes, QR codes, and even clothing, you can create a series of fun challenges inspired by Thanksgiving symbols and traditions. With detailed setup instructions and creative puzzles, it’s a perfect activity for family and friends to work together, making unforgettable memories while racing against the clock to complete the mission!
Outdoor Activities to Make the Most of the Day
If the weather is nice, step outside for some fresh air and high-energy fun. Outdoor games are perfect for letting kids burn off energy, and they provide a welcome change of scenery.
7. Turkey Trot Freeze Dance
Turkey Trot Freeze Dance is a high-energy game that’s sure to get everyone giggling! Put on some upbeat music and have the kids wiggle and gobble like turkeys as they dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze in their silliest turkey pose! Anyone who moves is out for the round. Keep playing until only one dancer remains—the “Turkey Trot” champion! It’s a great way to let kids burn off some energy and adds a fun, festive twist to a classic party game. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a Thanksgiving classroom activity!
8. Thanksgiving Treasure Hunt
The Thanksgiving Treasure Hunt keeps kids entertained and active! Hide festive clues around your home or yard, guiding them to Thanksgiving-themed treasures. Each clue leads closer to the final prize, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and lots of laughter. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday celebration!
Active and Dynamic Games for Large Groups
Hosting a big family gathering? These active games will get everyone, from toddlers to teens, involved and laughing.
9. Turkey Relay Race
The Turkey Relay Race is a fun, high-energy game that gets kids active! Split into teams, each with a spoon and a small "turkey" (use a plush toy or ball). Players race to balance the "turkey" on the spoon across the yard. If it falls, they start over! The first team to finish without dropping wins. Perfect for adding laughter to any holiday gathering!
10. Thanksgiving Charades
Thanksgiving Charades is a lively game that gets everyone up and acting! Players take turns drawing cards with Thanksgiving-themed words or phrases, like “pumpkin pie,” “family dinner,” or “turkey trot,” and try to act them out without speaking. The rest of the group has to guess what’s being acted out before time runs out. With endless opportunities for silly interpretations, it’s a great way to get the whole family laughing and enjoying time together after a hearty meal.
11. Thanksgiving Minute to Win It
This fast-paced game is perfect for sparking friendly competition and laughter! Create one-minute challenges using Thanksgiving-themed items, like stacking marshmallows or balancing candy corn on a spoon. Each team has just 60 seconds to complete each task, adding fun and excitement for all ages. With easy setup and simple rules, it’s a great way to liven up your Thanksgiving celebration!
12. Turkey Hat Ring Toss
Turkey Hat Ring Toss is a fun and interactive game that will have everyone giggling! Create DIY turkey hats using construction paper and make rings from paper plates, or use a hat with inflatable rings as "feathers." Players take turns tossing rings, aiming to land them on the "feathers." It’s an easy-to-set-up twist on the classic ring toss, perfect for indoor or outdoor play. Keep the kids entertained while adding some Thanksgiving-themed excitement to your celebration!
Family Games for All Generations: From Grandparents to Kids
Thanksgiving is about bringing everyone together, so it’s important to have games that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some suggestions that everyone, young and old, will love.
13. Thanksgiving Candy Dice Game
The Thanksgiving Candy Dice Game is a fun way to share sweet treats! Each player starts with five candies and rolls the die to collect or give away candy based on their roll. You might take from the pile, give to another, or steal from someone’s stash! Play until the candies run out or everyone has had a turn—perfect for a lively holiday gathering!
14. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a delightful game perfect for kids, families, and even grandparents! Each player gets a bingo card filled with fun Thanksgiving-themed images like pumpkins, turkeys, and pies. As someone calls out the pictures one by one, everyone marks off what they have. The first to get a full row or column yells “Bingo!” and wins the round. It’s a simple and engaging way to bring generations together, spark conversation, and keep everyone entertained while waiting for the big meal. With its playful visuals and easy-to-follow rules, it’s a hit for all ages!
Tip: Use small candies like candy corn as markers—it makes the game even more fun!
15. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin Bowling is a festive twist on the classic game that’s perfect for indoor or outdoor fun! Use small pumpkins as bowling balls and line up plastic bottles as pins. Players take turns rolling their pumpkins, trying to knock down as many pins as possible. The wobbly shape of the pumpkins adds a hilarious challenge, making each roll unpredictable and entertaining. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and laughing, whether in the backyard or the living room, and is sure to be a highlight of any Thanksgiving gathering!
Tips for Choosing the Best Thanksgiving Games
- Consider the age group: Make sure the games are suitable for the ages of the kids attending.
- Mix it up: Include a combination of quiet and active games to keep the energy balanced.
- Plan for both indoor and outdoor: Be prepared for different weather scenarios.
- Include everyone: Choose games that can be enjoyed by all family members to maximize fun.
- Keep it simple: The best games are often the simplest ones—focus on laughter and participation over complicated rules.
Conclusion: Make This Thanksgiving One to Remember!
With the right mix of games and activities, Thanksgiving can be more than just a time to eat—it can become a cherished event filled with laughter, creativity, and family connections that kids and adults will look forward to year after year. From giggling over silly turkey names to racing through an exciting outdoor treasure hunt, these games help transform Thanksgiving from a simple gathering into a fun-filled day of bonding and excitement.
Remember, it’s the shared moments of joy, teamwork, and even a little friendly competition that create lasting traditions and unforgettable memories. So, whether you’re hosting a big family reunion or enjoying a quiet celebration at home, these Thanksgiving games are the perfect way to engage kids, bring generations together, and make every guest feel part of something special.
We Want to Hear Your Stories!
How will you keep your family entertained this Thanksgiving? Which games are you most excited to try? Comment below to inspire new traditions for other families!
Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of heartwarming memories!
