48+ Best Thanksgiving Activities For The Entire Family

Thanksgiving activities bring everyone together, making the holiday even more special and enjoyable. As family and friends gather around for the Thanksgiving celebration, there’s no better way to enhance the experience than with some fun-filled activities for all ages. Explore this list of engaging Thanksgiving Day activities to find the perfect ways to elevate your holiday gathering and keep everyone smiling. Stay tuned to discover meaningful and entertaining ideas for your Thanksgiving festivities!

Thanksgiving Activities For Kids

Make this Thanksgiving one to remember with hands-on activities that engage kids in exciting, creative ways. From crafty projects to lively games, these ideas are designed to keep little ones entertained and teach them the spirit of the season. This is the thanksgiving day activities collection that helps you make your Thanksgiving celebration extra special for the kids.

1/ Make A Cornucopia For Kids

Get kids involved by having them create their own mini-cornucopias. Start with a paper cone or a small wicker basket as the base. Let them fill it with goodies like fruits, candy, or even colorful leaves collected from outside. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about abundance and gratitude while keeping their little hands busy. To top it off, encourage them to give their finished cornucopia to a family member or friend.

2/ Craft A Turkey Crown

Turn kids into proud little turkeys with paper crowns! Simply cut out paper strips to fit their heads, and supply colorful feathers, googly eyes, and markers. Have them glue on the feathers and draw silly turkey faces. The fun doesn’t stop at crafting—the best part is wearing the crowns throughout the day. You can even organize a mini turkey parade to show off their creations!

3/ Play Cornhole For Kids 

Bring the classic cornhole game to life with a kid-friendly twist! Use lightweight beanbags and decorate boards with fall-themed designs like pumpkins or turkeys. Set up the boards at an easy distance and keep score with stickers or tokens to make it fun for younger players. It’s the perfect outdoor game that promotes coordination while adding a bit of friendly competition to the festivities.

4/ Thanksgiving Sidewalk Chalk Masterpiece 

Head outdoors and let kids transform your driveway or sidewalk into a Thanksgiving art gallery. Provide them with a variety of chalk colors and some ideas to draw—think turkeys, pies, and autumn trees. This activity encourages teamwork and creativity, plus the whole family can join in by adding their own artistic touches. Once finished, take pictures to preserve their masterpiece before the next rain!

5/ DIY Paper Plate Autumn Leaf Wreaths 

Help kids make festive wreaths using just a paper plate and some art supplies. Cut the center out of the plate to form the base, then let them glue on paper leaves, real twigs, or small pinecones. Add ribbons or stickers for a bit of flair. Hang the finished wreaths around the house to display their handiwork. This simple project not only keeps kids entertained but also gives your home a cozy Thanksgiving touch.

>> Projects like DIY Paper Plate Autumn Leaf Wreaths help children celebrate the season’s beauty. Incorporating thanksgiving family quotes such as, “Thankful hearts make joyful families,” encourages kids to appreciate the love and connection behind these creative moments.

Thanksgiving Activities For Adults

Thanksgiving is about more than just good food—it’s also the perfect time to enjoy meaningful moments with friends and family through Thanksgiving celebration ideas. If you’re looking for activities to do on Thanksgiving that spark laughter or ones that create lasting memories, there are plenty of ways to keep everyone engaged. Get ready to fill the day with fun, connection, and a few unforgettable moments with a collection of activities of Thanksgiving!

6/ Thanksgiving Heads Up

Transform a casual gathering into a lively game night with Thanksgiving Heads Up. Create cards with holiday-inspired words or phrases like “stuffing,” “turkey trot,” or “Black Friday shopping.” Players hold a card to their forehead without peeking, while their teammates offer clues. You can even play in pairs, making it great for smaller adult gatherings.

7/ Thanksgiving Charades

Add some drama to your celebration with a few rounds of Thanksgiving Charades. Prepare phrases that suit the crowd, from reenacting “carving the turkey” to miming “falling asleep after dessert.” For added fun, make it a tournament where the winning team gets first dibs on the dessert table. Charades encourages quick thinking, acting skills, and lots of laughter, making it the perfect addition to an adult Thanksgiving get-together.

8/ Turkey Bowling

Turkey bowling is a hilarious outdoor activity that both kids and adults can enjoy. Use plastic bowling pins (or even water bottles filled with rice) and a lightweight ball decorated like a turkey. Set up your “pins” at the end of the lawn or driveway and let each player take a turn bowling the “turkey ball.” Award points for strikes and spares, and crown the winner the “Turkey Bowling Champ” of the day. It’s a perfect blend of competition and silliness for Thanksgiving fun.

9/ Handprint Make Matching T-Shirts

Let the whole family or friend group make matching Thanksgiving T-shirts as a creative keepsake! Provide plain T-shirts, fabric paints, and stencils. Each person dips their hand in paint and stamps their handprint on their shirt to create a turkey design. Add names, dates, or fun messages to personalize each one. These shirts become a fun memory of the holiday and are perfect to wear again next year!

10/ Have A Fall Photo Shoot

Capture the beauty of the season with a Thanksgiving-themed photo shoot. Head outside to parks or leafy backyards and take pictures amid colorful fall foliage. Use pumpkins, scarves, or cozy blankets as props. For an extra festive touch, let everyone wear their Thanksgiving-themed outfits or crowns from earlier activities. You can also create a DIY photo booth with simple backdrops and props.

>> Playful games like Thanksgiving Heads Up or Coloring Tablecloths become opportunities to pause and express appreciation. A gratitude quote like, “Gratitude is the memory of the heart,” encourages adults to enjoy each moment and carry the joy beyond the holiday.

Fun Thanksgiving Activities

If you’re gathering with family or friends, the right mix of games and creative projects can turn your celebration into something truly memorable. From friendly competitions to hands-on crafts, these activities of Thanksgiving ensure everyone stays entertained throughout the day. With something for all ages, these activities to do on Thanksgiving will keep the energy high and the holiday spirit alive, making your Thanksgiving extra special.

11/ What Do You Meme

Liven up your Thanksgiving gathering with a hilarious round of What Do You Meme! This card game challenges players to pair funny captions with popular meme images, and it’s guaranteed to spark endless laughter. Add a Thanksgiving twist by introducing custom meme captions based on family traditions, awkward holiday moments, or funny things relatives say.

12/ Poetry For Neanderthals 

Bring out everyone’s inner caveman with Poetry for Neanderthals, a word-guessing game where players describe a word or phrase using only one-syllable words. Perfect for groups who love silly word games, it’s great for sharpening wit and vocabulary, all while keeping things light-hearted and entertaining. For extra fun, add Thanksgiving-themed words like “pumpkin pie” or “turkey.”

13/ Exploding Kittens

Spice up your Thanksgiving with Exploding Kittens, a fast-paced card game packed with quirky humor. Players take turns drawing cards while avoiding the dreaded exploding kitten. The game is easy to learn and keeps everyone engaged, making it ideal for holiday gatherings with family or friends. You can even set up a cozy game corner where guests can hop in and play between courses.

14/ Make A DIY Candle

Add a hands-on crafting element to your Thanksgiving celebration with a DIY candle-making station. Provide guests with wax, wicks, jars, and fall-inspired scents like cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Encourage participants to decorate their candles with ribbons or dried leaves for that extra festive touch. This calming project offers a lovely break from the day’s excitement.

15/ Touch Football

Get everyone moving with a friendly game of touch football before the big meal. Perfect for burning off some energy, this no-tackle version ensures fun for all ages and skill levels. With a football in hand and some simple rules, you'll create a spirited game that fosters teamwork and laughter—whether you score touchdowns or not!

16/ Coloring Tablecloth

Transform your dinner table into a canvas with a coloring tablecloth. Spread out a large, printable tablecloth covered with Thanksgiving-themed designs, and set out markers for guests to color while they wait for the meal. It’s a creative way to keep everyone engaged and entertained, from kids to adults. Once the meal is over, you’ll have a beautiful, collaborative masterpiece that reflects everyone’s creativity!

>> With so many options—from Exploding Kittens to Coloring Tablecloths—a thanksgiving checklist becomes essential. It ensures every game and activity gets the attention it deserves, helping everyone stay in the moment and fully enjoy the celebration.

Thanksgiving Activities For Students

Make Thanksgiving engaging in the classroom with creative and interactive Thanksgiving activities for students. If it’s fun games or thoughtful projects, these activities of Thanksgiving help students connect with the holiday’s themes while developing teamwork and creativity.

17/ Thankful Tree For Kids

Create a Thankful Tree with the kids to showcase gratitude in a fun, visual way. Use a small branch in a vase or craft a tree on the wall with paper. Cut out colorful leaf shapes and have children write what they are thankful for on each leaf. As the leaves are added to the tree, it grows into a beautiful reminder of all the good things in life. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and reflection that kids will love.

18/ Thanksgiving Word Find

Challenge young minds with a Thanksgiving-themed word find! Create or print puzzles filled with festive words like “pumpkin,” “turkey,” and “gravy.” This activity promotes focus and spelling skills, keeping kids engaged while they wait for dinner. You can add an extra layer of fun by timing the challenge or offering small prizes to those who find all the words the fastest.

19/ Cranberry Spoon Race

Get kids moving with a Cranberry Spoon Race, a playful twist on the classic egg-and-spoon game. Each child balances a cranberry on a spoon and races to the finish line without dropping it. To make it more challenging, try it with teams in relay style or introduce obstacles. It’s a simple, mess-free game that encourages coordination and guarantees laughter along the way.

20/ Count Thanksgiving Calories

Turn math into a fun challenge by encouraging kids to count Thanksgiving calories. Create worksheets with food items like mashed potatoes, turkey, and pie, and have students calculate the total calories for a typical plate. It’s a light-hearted way to teach math while also raising awareness of portion sizes—without spoiling the fun of indulging in Thanksgiving treats.

21/ Classroom Gratitude Chain

Help students reflect on what they appreciate by making a Gratitude Chain. Give each student a strip of colored paper to write something they are thankful for. Link the strips together into a long chain to hang around the classroom. As the chain grows, it becomes a visual reminder of shared gratitude and community. This simple activity not only decorates the space but also encourages meaningful conversations among students.

>> Activities like a Thankful Tree or Classroom Gratitude Chain naturally encourage students to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. Thankful quotes such as, “A thankful heart is a happy heart,” inspire students to appreciate the little joys in life and build emotional connections.

Thanksgiving Activities For Elementary Students

Keep young learners engaged and entertained with hands-on Thanksgiving activities that blend fun with a touch of learning. These activities for Thanksgiving not only spark creativity but also help kids explore festive themes while developing fine motor skills and teamwork. Get ready for an exciting day filled with laughter and colorful crafts!

22/ Discover The Life Cycle Of The Pumpkin

Teach students about nature’s wonders by exploring the life cycle of a pumpkin. Use visuals like seed packets, photos, and real pumpkins to walk through each stage—from planting to harvest. For added fun, let students plant their own pumpkin seeds in small pots to take home. This activity blends science with Thanksgiving themes, helping kids understand the journey from farm to feast.

23/ Make Turkey Placemats

Turn Thanksgiving prep into an art project with DIY turkey placemats. Provide construction paper, markers, and decorative feathers. Kids can trace their hands to form the turkey’s body and add fun elements like googly eyes and stickers. These personalized placemats will brighten up the dinner table and make kids proud of their holiday contribution!

24/ Pumpkin Seed Art

Transform ordinary pumpkin seeds into beautiful works of art. Let students paint the seeds with bright colors and glue them onto paper to create festive designs like turkeys, pumpkins, or autumn leaves. This pumpkin seed art activity boosts creativity and helps children develop their fine motor skills while making fall-themed decorations to take home or display in the classroom.

25/ Turkey Feather Hunt

Bring excitement to the classroom with a Turkey Feather Hunt. Hide colorful paper feathers around the room, and challenge kids to find them and place them on a large turkey cutout. To add a fun twist, write simple tasks on some feathers (like “gobble three times”) for kids to complete when they find them. This game encourages movement, teamwork, and laughter.

26/ Pumpkin Pie Playdough Fun

Let kids dive into sensory play with pumpkin pie-scented playdough. Provide cinnamon-scented dough and tools like cookie cutters, rolling pins, and plastic utensils. Encourage students to shape pretend pies, pumpkins, or turkeys. It’s a mess-free, creative way to keep them engaged while introducing festive scents that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving.

>> As students make Pumpkin Seed Art or create Turkey Placemats, they explore the rich tradition behind thanksgiving symbols. Explaining the symbolism of cornucopias or turkey feathers adds depth to these projects, helping kids connect with the holiday in a meaningful way.

Thanksgiving Activities For Middle Schoolers

Keep the holiday spirit alive with engaging Thanksgiving celebration ideas for middle schoolers that balance fun with learning. At this age, students enjoy a mix of creative projects and friendly competition, making it the perfect time to introduce Thanksgiving celebration ideas they’ll love. 

27/ Thanksgiving Trivia Competition

Test students' knowledge with a lively Thanksgiving trivia competition! Prepare questions about the holiday’s origins, traditions, and food. Divide students into teams and turn it into a friendly contest with prizes like stickers or small treats. You can make it more engaging by adding “lightning rounds” or bonus questions about their favorite Thanksgiving dishes. This game sharpens quick thinking and teamwork, all while introducing fun holiday facts.

28/ Recipe Writing Challenge

Encourage creativity with a Thanksgiving recipe writing challenge. Ask students to come up with silly or imaginative recipes, like “Pumpkin Pizza” or “Turkey Sundae.” They can include whimsical instructions such as “bake until the turkey starts dancing” or “garnish with magic gravy.” It’s a fun way to boost writing skills, and students can even present their recipes aloud for extra laughs!

29/ Thanksgiving Comic Strips

Let students unleash their artistic side by creating Thanksgiving-themed comic strips. Provide them with blank comic templates and prompts like “a turkey escapes Thanksgiving dinner” or “Grandma’s secret stuffing recipe revealed.” This activity helps develop storytelling skills and offers a humorous outlet to explore Thanksgiving traditions. Students can display their comics around the classroom for a mini art exhibit.

30/ Build A Tabletop Parade Float

Bring the festive spirit into the classroom by having students build small-scale Thanksgiving parade floats. Using recycled materials like shoeboxes, paper, and string, students design and decorate their own floats. Add a competitive twist by organizing a mini “parade” where students present or race their creations. This project encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, making it a memorable part of the holiday celebrations.

>> A project like building a Tabletop Parade Float encourages collaboration, making it an ideal time to share appreciation quotes. Phrases like, “Appreciation turns routine tasks into joy,” help students focus on teamwork and the value of recognizing each other’s efforts.

Thanksgiving Activities For High School Students

Engage high school students with thoughtful, interactive activities that bring both fun and learning to the Thanksgiving season. These Thanksgiving games encourage critical thinking, cultural awareness, teamwork, and creativity—perfect for students looking to make the holiday meaningful and memorable.

31/ Thanksgiving Debate

Spark some lively discussion by hosting a Thanksgiving-themed debate. Present light-hearted topics like "Pumpkin Pie vs. Apple Pie: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert" or "Should Thanksgiving Dinner Be Served Buffet-Style?" Divide students into teams, give them time to prepare arguments, and let the debate begin. This activity sharpens public speaking and critical thinking skills while keeping things fun and festive.

32/ Cultural Exploration Project

Encourage students to dive deeper into global traditions with a Cultural Exploration Project. Have them research how other cultures celebrate gratitude-based holidays, like Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day or Korea’s Chuseok. Students can present their findings in class, offering insight into global perspectives. 

33/ Thanksgiving Film Review

Bring some cinematic fun to the classroom with a Thanksgiving film review. Choose a holiday-themed movie or short film—like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving—and have students watch and analyze it. Afterward, hold a class discussion or assign a review essay where they reflect on themes, characters, and how the story captures the holiday spirit. This activity blends entertainment with analytical skills.

34/ Host a Mock Friendsgiving 

Let students plan a Mock Friendsgiving to build community and celebrate friendship. Have them organize a classroom potluck, with each student bringing symbolic food items or snacks to share. They can explain the personal or cultural significance of their dish, creating a fun, inclusive environment. This activity promotes teamwork and helps students appreciate the importance of gratitude and connection.

35/ Volunteer Planning

Channel the spirit of giving by having students brainstorm volunteer projects for Thanksgiving. Ideas could include organizing a canned food drive, preparing care packages, or writing thank-you cards for essential workers. This activity teaches students the value of community service and gives them an opportunity to make a positive impact during the holiday season.

>> Hosting a Thanksgiving Debate or a Cultural Exploration Project provides the perfect opportunity to share insightful thanksgiving quotes like, “Thanksgiving isn’t just a day, it’s a way we can live all year.” These words inspire students to think about gratitude on a deeper level, adding meaning to their discussions and projects.

Family Thanksgiving Activities

Make the holiday extra special with engaging family Thanksgiving activities that bring everyone together. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving activities for families to do on Thanksgiving that inspire laughter and bonding, these family-friendly ideas will make your celebration unforgettable.

36/ Thanksgiving Storytelling Circle

Gather the family in a cozy spot and take turns telling stories. These can be personal Thanksgiving memories, funny experiences, or entirely made-up tales. Make it more interactive by adding a rule: each person continues the story where the last left off. This activity sparks creativity and keeps everyone entertained while strengthening family bonds. You might even end up with a new holiday tradition that kids and adults look forward to every year!

37/ Family Recipe Swap and Cooking Day

Celebrate Thanksgiving by getting everyone in the kitchen! Have each family member bring a recipe and prepare their dish together. From Grandma’s famous stuffing to a new dessert idea, this activity teaches kids about family traditions while encouraging collaboration. Once the meal is ready, everyone can share the story behind their recipe. It’s a great way to learn from each other and discover new holiday favorites that could become part of future celebrations.

38/ Thanksgiving Karaoke Party

Turn your Thanksgiving gathering into a singalong celebration with a karaoke party! Set up a karaoke machine or download a karaoke app, and get ready for some fun. Include family-favorite songs and throw in a few Thanksgiving-themed tunes for laughs. Encourage everyone to perform—even if they sing off-key! This activity is sure to fill the house with laughter and create unforgettable moments. Bonus points for duets or fun group performances.

39/ Thanksgiving Play Parade Bingo  

Make the parade viewing extra fun by playing Thanksgiving Parade Bingo. Create bingo cards with items you expect to see in the Thanksgiving Day parade, such as a specific float, a marching band, or a giant balloon. Offer small prizes for kids (like candy or small toys) and more grown-up rewards for adults, like cozy blankets or festive mugs. It’s a simple yet engaging way to keep everyone involved during the parade.

>> Family games such as Thanksgiving Karaoke or Play Parade Bingo provide excellent moments to express gratitude with a simple thank you message for gift. Saying, “Your kindness means the world to me,” fosters a sense of appreciation during these fun-filled activities.

Thanksgiving Activities At Work

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy meaningful activities that bring everyone closer. If it’s sharing stories, cooking together, or singing family-favorite songs, these Thanksgiving activities for the office will create moments to cherish for years to come.

40/ Office “Turkey Trot” Relay Race

Gather everyone around and start a Thanksgiving storytelling circle. Each person shares a personal memory or makes up a holiday tale, with a fun twist—each participant continues where the previous one left off. The results can be hilarious, heartwarming, or surprising! This activity encourages creativity, strengthens family bonds, and keeps everyone engaged in the moment.

41/ Thanksgiving Potluck with a Twist

Turn your office celebration into a culinary adventure with a Thanksgiving potluck with a twist! Add some playful rules—like “all dishes must use cranberries” or “only bring foods that start with the letter P.” Divide co workers into teams or departments, assigning each a theme or category. Encourage participants to get creative with their recipes and presentation. Wrap up the event by voting on the most surprising dish or best presentation to keep the excitement going!

42/ Gratitude Wall

Create a Gratitude Wall where employees can write messages about what they are thankful for—whether it's a colleague, a team achievement, or a fun project. Use sticky notes or notecards to make it easy, and encourage everyone to contribute throughout the week. This activity fosters a positive work environment by highlighting appreciation and spreading good vibes.

43/ Charity Drive: “Stuff the Turkey” Challenge

Encourage community involvement with a Stuff the Turkey challenge. Set up donation bins shaped like turkeys and assign teams to “stuff” them with canned goods, clothing, or other items for local charities. Track progress with a friendly competition to see which team can collect the most. It’s a feel-good way to give back while building team spirit.

44/ Thanksgiving Costume Day

Get festive with a Thanksgiving Costume Day and invite employees to dress up as turkeys, pilgrims, or fall-themed characters. Make it fun by holding a vote for the best costume, funniest outfit, or most creative look. It’s an easy way to add humor and light-heartedness to the office, making everyone feel more connected and in the holiday spirit.

>> Celebrating with activities like Thanksgiving Costume Day or a Stuff the Turkey Challenge inspires lighthearted exchanges. Sharing thank you messages for coworkers during these moments builds camaraderie and shows appreciation for the little things that make teamwork successful.

Outdoor Thanksgiving Games

Get everyone outside and moving with exciting outdoor games perfect for Thanksgiving Day! If you’re entertaining kids, adults, or the whole family, these Thanksgiving day activities are designed to create laughter, friendly competition, and a bit of exercise before or after the big meal. They’ll keep the fun going while making your holiday gathering one to remember.

45/ Turkey Tag

Bring energy and laughter to your Thanksgiving celebration with Turkey Tag! Designate one person as the “Turkey,” who wears a scarf or hat to stand out. The rest of the group chases the Turkey, trying to snatch the scarf. Whoever captures it becomes the new Turkey, and the game continues! This high-energy game is easy to set up, works for all ages, and guarantees plenty of laughs as everyone races around trying to be the next lucky bird.

46/ Stuff the Scarecrow Relay

Put teamwork and creativity to the test with a Stuff the Scarecrow Relay. Divide participants into teams, provide a pile of old clothes (shirts, pants, hats), and some hay or crumpled paper. Teams race to stuff and assemble a complete scarecrow, with the first team to finish declared the winner. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that gets everyone involved, perfect for kids and adults alike. Bonus points for the most stylish scarecrow!

47/ Thanksgiving Danger Words

Teammates try to get their partners to guess a word without accidentally saying the “danger word” that leads to a hilarious consequence. It’s a fast-paced, family-friendly game that challenges both creativity and quick thinking. Customize it with Thanksgiving-themed words for an extra festive touch, and prepare for bursts of laughter as players try to avoid the dreaded danger word!

48/ Turkey Balloon Pop

Tie balloons to players' ankles and let them loose in a free-for-all pop fest! The goal is to stomp on and pop other players' balloons while keeping your own safe. The last person with an unpopped balloon wins. You can make it more festive by filling balloons with Thanksgiving-themed challenges or dares for added fun.

49/ DIY Muggle Quidditch Pitch

Bring out the playful side of your guests with a spirited Muggle Quidditch match. Set up your pitch using hula hoops for goals and use a volleyball or soccer ball as the quaffle. Players take on roles such as seekers and beaters, creating a dynamic outdoor game that’s bound to spark some friendly competition. Whether your guests are Potter fans or not, the mix of teamwork and action will have everyone engaged and entertained.

>> Outdoor activities like Turkey Tag or a Stuff the Scarecrow Relay create moments to reflect on effort and reward, making karma quotes like, “What you give comes back to you,” a fitting part of the experience.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving activities bring everyone together, creating joyful moments that turn the holiday into a cherished celebration. From exciting thanksgiving day activities to engaging games, these ideas provide meaningful ways to connect with family and friends. With options tailored for all ages, you’ll find activities of thanksgiving that suit every gathering, indoors or outdoors. 

Thanksgiving celebration ideas like these remind us of the simple joy in shared experiences, helping make each moment precious and memorable. By choosing activities for thanksgiving that encourage participation, you’ll build lasting memories and add warmth to the day. No matter how you celebrate, these thoughtfully selected activities will uplift your holiday, leaving everyone with smiles and stories to share long after the festivities end.