Thanksgiving is a special time of year—a season of gratitude, family gatherings, and warm traditions. While adults prepare the feast, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to involve children in fun and meaningful activities. At The Kids Point, we believe that Thanksgiving should be filled with joy, laughter, and creativity for the whole family—especially kids.
From festive crafts and playful games to educational activities, there are endless ways to make Thanksgiving more memorable for children. These activities not only keep kids engaged but also help them learn about gratitude, teamwork, and cultural traditions in a fun and hands-on way.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Thanksgiving ideas for kids to make and play—perfect for home, classrooms, or holiday gatherings.
Why Thanksgiving Activities Matter for Kids
Thanksgiving offers much more than a delicious meal. It’s a chance to:
- Teach gratitude and kindness in meaningful ways.
- Strengthen family bonds through shared activities.
- Encourage creativity and imagination with themed crafts.
- Create lasting memories kids will cherish.
- Develop skills like communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.
We’ve seen how simple holiday activities can help kids feel included, valued, and excited about traditions.
Thanksgiving Crafts – Creative Fun for Little Hands
Crafting is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with kids. It allows them to express themselves while learning about the holiday’s meaning.
Paper Turkey Craft
Materials: Colored paper, scissors, glue, markers, googly eyes
How to do it:
- Cut out a round body and feather shapes from colored paper.
- Let kids decorate each feather with something they’re thankful for.
- Assemble the feathers around the body to make a colorful turkey.
Learning benefits:
- Teaches gratitude.
- Builds fine motor skills.
- Encourages self-expression.
Handprint Wreath of Thanks
Materials: Construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, cardboard ring
How to do it:
- Trace and cut out handprints in autumn colors.
- Write one thing to be thankful for on each handprint.
- Glue the handprints around the ring to form a wreath.
Learning benefits:
- Encourages teamwork if done as a group project.
- Helps kids reflect on gratitude.
- Makes a great home or classroom decoration.
Pinecone Turkeys
Materials: Pinecones, felt, googly eyes, feathers, glue
How to do it:
- Use a pinecone as the body.
- Add felt beaks, googly eyes, and colorful feathers.
- Let kids personalize their turkey friends.
Learning benefits:
- Enhances creativity.
- Encourages use of natural materials.
- Strengthens fine motor skills.
Thanksgiving Games – Laughter and Bonding
Games are a fantastic way to keep kids active and entertained during Thanksgiving gatherings. These can be set up indoors or outdoors depending on the weather.
Turkey Feather Hunt
How to play:
- Hide colorful paper feathers around the house or yard.
- Give kids a small basket to collect them.
- Offer small prizes or treats for completing the hunt.
Benefits:
- Promotes physical activity.
- Enhances observation skills.
- Great for group play.
Thanksgiving Bingo
How to play:
- Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images (turkey, pumpkin, pie, leaves, etc.).
- Use candy corn or buttons as markers.
- Call out images and let kids mark their cards.
Benefits:
- Improves listening skills.
- Teaches visual recognition.
- Encourages friendly competition.
Pass the Pumpkin
How to play:
- Similar to musical chairs.
- Kids sit in a circle and pass a mini pumpkin as music plays.
- When the music stops, the child holding the pumpkin is out or performs a fun task (like saying something they’re thankful for).
Benefits:
- Encourages teamwork.
- Teaches turn-taking.
- Brings lots of giggles!
Pin the Feather on the Turkey
How to play:
- Draw or print a large turkey without feathers.
- Blindfold each child and give them a paper feather with tape.
- Spin them around and let them try to “pin” the feather on the turkey.
Benefits:
- Strengthens coordination.
- Encourages laughter and participation.
- Perfect for all ages.
Thanksgiving Baking and Food Activities for Kids
Thanksgiving is famous for its delicious meals, and kids love being part of it. Involving them in simple, safe kitchen activities makes them feel proud and included.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Let kids fill pre-made pie crusts with pumpkin filling, sprinkle cinnamon, and decorate the tops. Bake and enjoy a sweet treat made by little hands.
Learning benefits:
- Teaches basic cooking skills.
- Encourages responsibility and teamwork.
- Strengthens math skills through measuring.
Turkey Sandwiches
Use turkey-shaped cookie cutters to make festive sandwiches. Kids can help assemble their own lunch using healthy ingredients.
Learning benefits:
- Encourages healthy eating.
- Improves fine motor coordination.
- Makes mealtime fun.
Apple Slice “Pies”
Let kids decorate apple slices with peanut butter (or alternatives), raisins, granola, and cinnamon. A healthier Thanksgiving snack!
Learning benefits:
- Teaches kids to make nutritious choices.
- Builds confidence in the kitchen.
- Inspires creativity with food.
We love turning food prep into hands-on learning moments for children.
Gratitude Activities – Teaching the True Spirit of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is about more than food and decorations. It’s a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Teaching kids the value of gratitude can make the holiday more meaningful.
Gratitude Tree
- Draw or craft a tree trunk on a wall or board.
- Cut out paper leaves.
- Ask kids to write or draw what they’re thankful for on each leaf.
- Add the leaves to the tree to create a beautiful display.
Benefits:
- Builds emotional awareness.
- Encourages positive reflection.
- Creates a lasting holiday memory.
Thank You Cards
Let kids design and decorate handmade cards to give to family members, teachers, or community helpers.
Benefits:
- Teaches kindness and appreciation.
- Strengthens writing and drawing skills.
- Creates meaningful keepsakes.
Thankful Jar
- Place an empty jar on a table.
- Provide small slips of paper and pens.
- Ask kids (and adults!) to write what they’re thankful for and drop it in the jar.
- Read them aloud before dinner.
Benefits:
- Fosters gratitude and reflection.
- Brings families together.
- Encourages participation from everyone.
Thanksgiving Storytelling and Role Play
Storytelling and imaginative play help children understand the history and values behind Thanksgiving in a fun and age-appropriate way.
Thanksgiving Puppet Show
How to do it:
- Make simple puppets using socks, paper bags, or craft sticks.
- Encourage kids to act out a Thanksgiving-themed story.
Benefits:
- Builds language and communication skills.
- Enhances creativity.
- Encourages teamwork.
Dress-Up and Reenactment
Let kids dress up as turkeys, pilgrims, or autumn characters and put on a mini Thanksgiving play for the family.
Benefits:
- Boosts confidence and performance skills.
- Makes learning history fun.
- Encourages cooperative play.
Gratitude Story Circle
Gather everyone in a circle and take turns sharing short stories or memories about gratitude. Let kids lead the storytelling!
Benefits:
- Strengthens listening and speaking skills.
- Encourages self-expression.
- Creates meaningful family connections.
Educational Thanksgiving Activities
You can make Thanksgiving both fun and educational by integrating learning into themed activities.
Thanksgiving Word Search or Crossword
Create puzzles with words like “thankful,” “turkey,” “harvest,” and “family.”
Benefits:
- Improves vocabulary and spelling.
- Encourages problem-solving.
- Keeps kids engaged.
Math with Thanksgiving Treats
Use candy corn, cranberries, or nuts to practice counting, sorting, or making patterns.
Benefits:
- Makes math hands-on and fun.
- Strengthens number recognition.
- Great for younger children.
Science with Thanksgiving Colors
Do simple experiments like mixing fall-colored paints or exploring why leaves change color in autumn.
Benefits:
- Encourages curiosity and observation.
- Teaches basic science concepts.
- Inspires a love for learning.
Outdoor Thanksgiving Activities
If the weather allows, take the fun outside with simple and active games that let kids enjoy the autumn season.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of fall-themed items (pinecones, colorful leaves, acorns, pumpkins) and let kids find them in the yard or park.
Benefits:
- Encourages exploration.
- Builds observation skills.
- Great for family bonding.
Pumpkin Bowling
- Line up empty plastic bottles or cans as pins.
- Use a small pumpkin as a bowling ball.
- Let kids take turns knocking down the pins.
Benefits:
- Improves motor skills.
- Encourages friendly competition.
- Lots of laughter guaranteed.
Turkey Tag
- One player is the “turkey” and the others are “hunters.”
- Hunters try to tag the turkey—but only with soft cloth or paper feathers.
- Switch roles to keep everyone playing.
Benefits:
- Promotes physical activity.
- Builds teamwork and agility.
- Keeps energy high before the feast.
Thanksgiving Art and Decor Projects
Involving kids in creating Thanksgiving decorations adds a personal and festive touch to the holiday.
Placemat Creations
Provide blank placemats and let kids decorate them with Thanksgiving drawings, stickers, or stamps.
Benefits:
- Makes the dinner table special.
- Encourages creativity.
- Gives kids a role in preparing the celebration.
Pumpkin Painting
Instead of carving, let kids paint mini pumpkins with fun patterns or Thanksgiving messages.
Benefits:
- Safe and easy for young kids.
- Encourages artistic expression.
- Doubles as decoration.
Gratitude Banners
Let kids create banners with thankful messages and hang them around the house.
Benefits:
- Promotes gratitude.
- Makes the home festive.
- Encourages teamwork.
Tips for a Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Celebration
We’ve learned that the best Thanksgiving celebrations include kids in every part of the day. Here are some tips to make the holiday smooth, joyful, and memorable:
Plan Activities Ahead: Prepare a few simple crafts and games to keep kids entertained throughout the day.
Set Up a Kids’ Table: Decorate a special table where kids can eat, play, and create together.
Give Kids Special Roles: Let them help set the table, pass out napkins, or decorate. Feeling included makes the holiday more meaningful.
Focus on Fun, Not Perfection: Messy crafts and laughter are part of the joy. Let kids explore freely.
Incorporate Gratitude: Use activities like the Gratitude Tree or Thankful Jar to help kids understand the meaning of the holiday.
Benefits of Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
Thanksgiving activities offer much more than entertainment. They help children:
- Develop social and emotional skills through gratitude and teamwork.
- Boost creativity and imagination with crafts and games.
- Enhance physical and cognitive skills through active play and problem-solving.
- Feel included and valued as part of family traditions.
- Create lasting holiday memories that they’ll cherish for years.
FAQs – Fun Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids
What are some easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids?
Simple crafts like paper turkeys, handprint wreaths, and pumpkin painting are fun and easy for all ages.
How can I keep kids entertained on Thanksgiving Day?
Plan engaging games like a turkey feather hunt, Thanksgiving bingo, or pumpkin bowling to keep them active and happy.
What are some gratitude activities for children?
A Gratitude Tree, Thankful Jar, or handmade thank-you cards help kids express and understand thankfulness.
Can kids help with Thanksgiving cooking?
Yes! Kids can safely help make mini pumpkin pies, decorate apple snacks, or assemble sandwiches with supervision.
How can I make Thanksgiving more meaningful for kids?
Include them in crafts, games, and gratitude activities to make them feel involved and teach the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Thanksgiving the Fun Way
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a chance to come together, give thanks, and create beautiful memories. By including kids in fun crafts, games, food prep, and gratitude activities, you make the day truly special for them.
At The Kids Point, we believe in turning every celebration into a meaningful learning experience. Whether it’s a handmade turkey craft, a playful scavenger hunt, or a heartfelt gratitude activity, these Thanksgiving ideas are designed to keep kids happy, creative, and connected.
This holiday season, give children the gift of joyful traditions and hands-on fun. Watch their faces light up as they make, play, and give thanks.