In this post, we will walk you through 23 fun Thanksgiving activities ideas that will make your holiday more special.
Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends, reflect on the blessings in our lives, and celebrate the season with delicious food and cherished traditions.
Beyond the feast, adding some fun and meaningful activities can create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and offer everyone an opportunity to engage in the true spirit of gratitude.
From classic games like Thanksgiving Bingo and scavenger hunts to creative crafts like gratitude wreaths and turkey crafts, these activities bring joy for all ages.
If you’re looking for something active, like a friendly football game, or a cozy movie marathon to unwind after dinner, these 23 fun Thanksgiving activities ideas have you covered.
Thanksgiving activities like decorating cookies, crafting thank-you cards and a family talent show can make the holiday extra special, giving everyone a way to participate in the festivities.
With these 23 fun Thanksgiving activities, you’ll create a holiday that’s full of laughter, warmth, and gratitude for everyone around the table.
23 FUN THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE.
1. Turkey Trot
Organize a family-friendly 5K walk or run around the neighborhood or local park. Participants can dress in festive attire or even as turkeys! This tradition is not only fun but also a great way to get some exercise before the big meal.
2. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of Thanksgiving-themed items (like acorns, mini pumpkins, a turkey decoration) for kids to find around the house or yard. Give small prizes for those who find the most items, or make it a group effort to find everything together.
3. Gratitude Jar
Provide slips of paper and pens so everyone can write down what they’re thankful for and place it in a jar. During dinner, read the notes aloud, or wait until dessert for a sweet moment of reflection and gratitude.
4. Thanksgiving Bingo
Make Bingo cards with Thanksgiving-related images or words, like “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” “parade,” etc. Use small candies like candy corn or cranberries as Bingo markers for added festivity!
5. DIY Thankful Tree
Place a small branch in a vase or pot to create a “tree,” and let each person write what they’re thankful for on a paper leaf. Hang the leaves on the branches as a beautiful decoration and a heartfelt reminder of gratitude.
6. Turkey Tag
This is a fun twist on regular tag where the “turkey” wears a tail made of paper feathers or cloth. When the turkey is tagged, they pass the tail to the next “turkey,” and the game continues. It’s an active and entertaining way for kids to burn off energy.
7. Thanksgiving Trivia
Prepare trivia questions related to Thanksgiving history, traditional foods, and American culture. You can divide players into teams, and whoever scores the highest gets a small prize, like a slice of pie!
8. Pumpkin Bowling
Gather a few mini pumpkins to use as “bowling balls” and set up plastic bottles as pins. Decorate the bottles with Thanksgiving themes or colors to make it more festive. The lightweight pumpkins make it a fun and safe game for all ages.
9. Decorate Thanksgiving Cookies
Bake sugar cookies shaped like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves beforehand. Set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, and candy for a deliciously fun activity. Let everyone unleash their creativity, and enjoy the treats after!
10. Thanksgiving Charades
Come up with Thanksgiving-related charade prompts like “carving a turkey,” “eating too much,” or “watching the parade.” Divide players into teams and have a blast as each person acts out the phrases without speaking.
11. Macy’s Parade Watch Party
Make watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade a family tradition. Get cozy with blankets, hot chocolate, and snacks while enjoying the floats and performances. Let kids pick their favorite balloons, and add commentary for even more fun.
12. Football Game in the Backyard
Start a family tradition with a casual game of touch or flag football in the backyard. Split into teams and enjoy the friendly competition. It’s a great way to get outside, be active, and spend time together.
13. Craft a Cornucopia
Set up a crafting table with paper or wicker cornucopias and various goodies like mini gourds, leaves, pinecones, or faux fruit. Each person can create their own centerpiece to take home or display on the dinner table.
14. Gratitude Wreath
Cut out paper leaves and have everyone write down something they’re grateful for. Attach the leaves to a wreath frame or grapevine wreath. Display it as a centerpiece or hang it on the door as a welcoming decoration.
15. Create DIY Centerpieces
Provide materials like candles, pumpkins, fall leaves, and twine so each family member can create their own unique centerpiece. Encourage creativity, and display them on the Thanksgiving table or around the house.
16. Family Talent Show
Let everyone in the family showcase their talents—singing, dancing, storytelling, or even funny impressions. Set up a mini “stage” in the living room and let each family member have their moment to shine. This is sure to bring laughs and applause!
17. Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Print Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages featuring turkeys, pumpkins, and pilgrims. Provide crayons or colored pencils for both kids and adults to enjoy some relaxing coloring time before or after the meal.
18. Guess the Ingredient Game
Blindfold each participant and have them taste a Thanksgiving dish or smell a spice. The goal is to guess the key ingredients or flavor. This game can be funny and challenging, especially when the ingredients are unique!
19. Turkey Crafts for Kids
Set up a crafting station for children to make turkeys using paper, pinecones, or felt. They can add feathers, googly eyes, and beaks to create their own unique turkey decorations to display at the dinner table.
20. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Write down Thanksgiving-related items on small slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Each player draws a slip and then draws the item on paper or a whiteboard, while the others guess what it is. It’s a great way to get everyone laughing and competing.
21. Movie Marathon
Select a few Thanksgiving or autumn-themed movies, such as “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” After the meal, gather with blankets, popcorn, and some pie slices to enjoy a cozy movie marathon as a family.
22. DIY Thank You Cards
Set out card-making supplies so that each person can make a “thank you” card for another family member or someone they’re grateful for. This is a wonderful way to express appreciation and share kind words.
23. Play Board Games
Dust off classic board games or bring out a Thanksgiving-specific game if you have one. Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or even a puzzle can keep the family engaged and entertained well into the evening.
This post will lead you to 23 fun Thanksgiving activities ideas that will make your holiday more special.
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