Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to bring the family together, especially the little ones. Kids love fun activities that keep them entertained while celebrating the holiday spirit.
It’s the perfect chance to mix creativity, laughter, and a little bit of learning. Plus, these ideas will help make your Thanksgiving party unforgettable for the kiddos.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a small get-together, having activities planned for kids is always a win. They’ll get to enjoy the day just as much as the adults do.
From crafts to games, and even tasty treats, there’s something here for every child’s interest and energy level. You’ll find easy and exciting ways to keep the fun going.
Let’s dive into these Thanksgiving party ideas that kids will absolutely love trying this year. You might even want to join in on some of these yourself!
Ready to make this holiday one to remember? Let’s get started with our first batch of kid-friendly Thanksgiving activities.
Creative Crafts to Spark Imagination
Crafting is a fantastic way to engage kids in Thanksgiving traditions while letting their creativity shine. These projects can be simple yet meaningful, perfect for little hands.
Using everyday materials, children can make decorations or gifts that add a personal touch to your holiday. Plus, it’s a quiet activity that allows for some calm amidst the festivities.
These craft ideas encourage fine motor skills and give kids a sense of accomplishment when they see their finished masterpieces.
1. Handprint Turkey – Kids trace and cut out their handprints to create colorful turkeys; it’s a classic keepsake from year to year.
2. Thankful Tree – Using branches and paper leaves, children write what they’re thankful for, fostering gratitude and reflection.
3. Pinecone Pilgrims – Craft pilgrims using pinecones, googly eyes, and felt for a charming, nature-inspired decoration.
4. Paper Plate Native American Headdresses – Decorate paper plates with feathers and paint to create festive headdresses.
5. Gratitude Garland – Make a string of paper hearts or leaves with thankful messages to hang around the party space.
6. Pumpkin Rock Painting – Paint smooth rocks like mini pumpkins, perfect for decorating tabletops or windowsills.
7. Acorn Necklaces – Thread acorns onto yarn for simple, natural jewelry that kids can wear all season.
8. Thanksgiving Coloring Pages – Print themed pages for quick and easy artistic fun during downtime.
9. Grateful Journals – Kids decorate small notebooks where they can jot down what they appreciate each day.
10. Feather Wreaths – Create wreaths using craft feathers and paper plates for a festive door decoration.
These crafts are a great way to start your Thanksgiving party, setting a warm, thoughtful tone for the day. Next, let’s explore some active games to get kids moving and giggling.
Energetic Games to Burn Off Excitement
Sometimes kids need to burn off their boundless energy, and these lively games are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. They combine fun with friendly competition.
Games help kids connect with each other and make lasting memories, especially when they’re themed around the holiday. Plus, they’re a great way to include everyone, regardless of age.
Get ready for laughter and cheers as your little guests dive into these engaging activities.
11. Turkey Tag – A fun twist on tag where “it” wears a turkey hat, and players try to avoid getting tagged.
12. Pin the Feather on the Turkey – Blindfolded kids try to stick paper feathers on a big turkey poster, a hilarious challenge.
13. Thanksgiving Bingo – Use cards with holiday images for a game that’s easy and exciting for all ages.
14. Pumpkin Relay Race – Kids race while balancing small pumpkins on spoons, testing their coordination and speed.
15. Musical Pilgrims – Like musical chairs but with pilgrim hats, this game keeps everyone on their toes.
16. Harvest Scavenger Hunt – Hide seasonal items around the yard or house for kids to find with clues.
17. Turkey Feather Toss – Toss paper feathers into a target or basket, great for practicing aim and focus.
18. Thanksgiving Obstacle Course – Set up a course with holiday-themed challenges for an active adventure.
19. Stuff the Turkey – A beanbag toss game where kids try to “stuff” a turkey cutout with as many beanbags as possible.
20. Leaf Pile Jump – If you have leaves around, let kids make piles and jump into them—it’s simple joy!
After all that running and jumping, it’s time to wind down with some tasty and easy Thanksgiving-themed snacks the kids can help make.
Fun and Easy Thanksgiving Snacks
Food is often the highlight of any holiday, and kids especially love snacks they can help create. These treats are simple, festive, and delicious.
Getting kids involved in snack prep makes mealtime more exciting and teaches them about ingredients and kitchen safety in a fun way. Plus, it’s a tasty activity!
All these snack ideas fit perfectly with the Thanksgiving theme and are designed to be kid-friendly in both taste and preparation.
21. Turkey Fruit Kabobs – Skewer grapes, berries, and melon pieces arranged to look like a colorful turkey.
22. Pretzel Stick Corn on the Cob – Use yellow candy melts on pretzel rods for a sweet, crunchy snack resembling corn.
23. Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats – Shape classic treats into pumpkins, decorated with orange icing and green candy stems.
24. Apple Slice Turkeys – Apple slices with peanut butter and pretzels make cute, edible turkeys.
25. Mini Stuffed Peppers – Fill sweet mini peppers with cream cheese or hummus for a colorful appetizer.
26. Thanksgiving Trail Mix – Mix nuts, dried cranberries, popcorn, and chocolate chips for a sweet and salty snack.
27. Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups – Chocolate pudding layered with crushed cookies and topped with candy pumpkins.
28. Turkey Cheese and Cracker Plates – Arrange crackers, cheese, and olives to form turkey faces on plates.
29. Carrot Stick Feathers – Serve carrot sticks with ranch dip, calling them turkey feathers for a fun twist.
30. Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats – Use marshmallows, chocolate squares, and licorice to create edible pilgrim hats.
With bellies happily filled, kids will love sitting down to enjoy some stories and quiet activities next, perfect for winding down the party.
Storytime and Quiet Activities
After a day full of excitement, it’s nice to have calm moments where kids can listen and reflect. Storytime is a wonderful way to share Thanksgiving values and spark imagination.
Quiet activities like puzzles and coloring also give kids a chance to rest while keeping their minds engaged. These moments can be cozy and meaningful.
This section offers ideas to bring a gentle close to the energetic holiday festivities, perfect for winding down before dessert.
31. Thanksgiving Storybook Reading – Gather kids around to read classics like “Turkey Trouble” or “The Thankful Book.”
32. Thankful Drawing Time – Kids draw pictures of what they’re grateful for, encouraging creativity and gratitude.
33. Thanksgiving Puzzle Play – Provide holiday-themed puzzles to challenge little minds quietly.
34. Gratitude Mad Libs – Fill-in-the-blank story games that get kids laughing and thinking about thankfulness.
35. Bookmark Making – Craft holiday-themed bookmarks to keep or gift, combining creativity with literacy.
36. Thanksgiving Word Search – Printable word searches with festive vocabulary for a fun brain teaser.
37. Thanksgiving Coloring Books – Use themed coloring books to help kids relax and express themselves.
38. Quiet Turkey Trot Walk – A calm walk around the yard to spot signs of fall and talk about nature.
39. Memory Game with Thanksgiving Cards – A matching game that sharpens attention and is fun for all ages.
40. Thanksgiving Sticker Scenes – Use stickers to create festive pictures on paper backgrounds.
These quiet activities help balance the party, making sure every child has a chance to enjoy the day at their own pace. Finally, let’s look at some festive decorations you can make together.
Simple Decorations Kids Can Make
Decorations set the mood for any party, and involving kids in making them adds to the excitement. These simple projects turn your home into a Thanksgiving wonderland.
Using craft supplies and natural materials, children can create decorations that are both charming and easy to assemble. It’s a fun way to contribute to the holiday atmosphere.
These ideas are perfect for kids to display their handiwork proudly and see how their efforts brighten up the party space.
41. Paper Bag Lanterns – Decorate paper bags with fall motifs and place battery-operated candles inside for a cozy glow.
42. Leaf Print Table Runner – Use paint and real leaves to create a colorful runner for your Thanksgiving table.
43. Turkey Centerpieces – Craft turkeys from paper cups, feathers, and googly eyes to brighten dining tables.
44. Thanksgiving Window Clings – Make static clings with tissue paper to decorate windows without mess.
45. Grateful Jar – Decorate a jar where guests can drop notes of gratitude throughout the party.
46. Pumpkin Paper Chains – Link paper pumpkins into chains to hang around the room or doorway.
47. Acorn Place Card Holders – Use acorns and small cards to mark seating in a cute, natural way.
48. Mini Cornucopia Baskets – Fill small baskets with fake fruits and nuts as table accents.
49. Thanksgiving Banner – Create a banner with colorful letters spelling out festive messages to hang in your party area.
50. Gratitude Stones – Paint smooth stones with thankful words and scatter them around the party space for inspiration.
These decorations double as fun projects and lasting memories, perfect for ending our list of Thanksgiving party ideas for kids. Now your celebration is sure to be filled with joy and creativity!
Thank you for exploring these fun Thanksgiving party ideas for kids with me. Hopefully, you found plenty of inspiration to keep the little ones smiling all day long.
Remember, the best part of any holiday is making memories together, and these activities are sure to do just that. Don’t hesitate to mix and match ideas to fit your family’s unique style.
Happy Thanksgiving, and here’s to a joyful, laughter-filled celebration with your kids this year!
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