37+ Exciting Thanksgiving Activities For Kids To Enjoy This Year

Get ready to make this holiday season extra special with some fun Thanksgiving activities for kids that bring the whole family together. These activities are perfect for all ages, these kid-friendly ideas transform your gathering into a day filled with laughter and memories. Either your children enjoy hands-on crafts or engaging Thanksgiving games for kids, there’s something here to make everyone smile. Stick around for more festive ideas that’ll keep the holiday spirit alive and your young guests happily engaged.

Fun Thanksgiving Activities For Kids

Looking for exciting activities for kids on Thanksgiving? These fun kid activities for Thanksgiving will keep little ones entertained while adding a festive touch to the holiday. Get your kids involved with a Thanksgiving countdown chain or a gratitude list chain to make the holiday even more meaningful and memorable.

1/ Pumpkin Balloon Stomping Game

Bring on the giggles and stomps with this lively game! Fill balloons with tiny prizes and draw pumpkin faces on them. Let kids race to stomp the balloons and pop them for a surprise. Set a timer to see who can stomp the most pumpkins the quickest—it’s high-energy fun that’s sure to leave everyone smiling!

2/ Sponge-Painted Turkey

Turn crafting into an adventure with sponge painting! Cut sponges into fun feather shapes and dip them in bright fall colors. Kids can stamp away to create turkeys full of colorful feathers. It’s all about getting messy and having a blast while making their very own turkey artwork.

3/ Leaf Print Art

Bring the outdoors in with this hands-on craft! Collect some leaves, dip them in paint, and press them onto paper to make beautiful prints. It’s perfect for little artists who love experimenting with colors and patterns. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get outside and gather nature’s art supplies!

4/ Thanksgiving Countdown Chain

Build up the holiday excitement with a fun countdown chain! Each day, have kids write or draw something they’re thankful for on a paper strip and add it to the chain. Watch it grow longer as Thanksgiving gets closer—it’s a daily dose of gratitude that turns into a colorful holiday decoration.

5/ Paper Bag Turkey Legs for Lunch Pack

Give lunchtime a festive twist with paper bag turkey legs! Fill brown paper bags with snacks, shape them into turkey legs, and seal with paper “bones.” The kids will get a kick out of munching on their “drumstick” treats, and it’s a simple way to add some Thanksgiving spirit to their meal.

6/ Make A Gratitude List Thanksgiving Chain!

Turn thankfulness into a fun craft by creating a gratitude chain. Let each kid write one thing they’re grateful for on paper strips, then link them together to form a colorful chain. It’s a cheerful way to spread positivity, and it looks great hanging around the room for everyone to admire.

>> Crafting projects like Sponge-Painted Turkeys or Leaf Print Art feel even more special with thoughtful thankful quotes. Sharing words like, “The more thankful I am, the more beauty I see,” helps kids connect their creative work to the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Activity Ideas For Preschool

In this section, we've got you covered with these exciting activities for preschoolers Thanksgiving! From crafty projects to hands-on experiments, these ideas will keep preschoolers entertained and in the holiday spirit. Get ready to gobble up the fun with turkey-themed crafts, sensory play, and more. 

7/ Create A Turkey Wreath

Get the kids in the Thanksgiving spirit by making a fun turkey wreath! Provide a foam or cardboard circle as the base, and let them decorate it with colorful paper feathers, googly eyes, and a beak. Hang it up on the door for a festive touch that shows off their crafting skills. It’s an easy way to add some holiday flair while keeping little hands busy.

8/ Create A Contact Paper Scene

Let imaginations run wild with this sticky fun! Tape a piece of contact paper, sticky side up, onto a table and let kids arrange leaves, feathers, or small cutouts to create their own Thanksgiving scene. It’s mess-free, easy to set up, and gives them a chance to make their masterpiece come to life!

9/ Cut A Turkey Crown

Crown your little turkeys with this easy craft! Cut out a strip of paper to fit around the head and let kids decorate with paper feathers, googly eyes, and a beak. Once their crowns are ready, they can strut around like the kings and queens of Thanksgiving!

10/ Feather Necklace Craft

Turn feathers into wearable art with this simple craft! Have kids string colorful feathers onto a piece of yarn or ribbon to make their own necklaces. It’s a fun way to dress up and show off their crafty side during Thanksgiving.

11/ Corn Painting

Bring some textured fun into painting with corn! Use actual corn on the cob as a stamp, rolling it in paint and pressing it onto paper. It creates a unique pattern that little artists will love experimenting with. It’s perfect for adding a creative twist to classic painting!

12/ Dancing Popcorn

Make science fun with this exciting experiment! Use rainbow corn and add it to a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Watch as the kernels dance around in the bubbly liquid. It’s a colorful, fizzy activity that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

>> Hands-on activities like Corn Painting and Dancing Popcorn are great opportunities to discuss thanksgiving symbols such as harvest grains and family gatherings. This makes the activities not only enjoyable but also educational, helping kids grasp the importance of holiday traditions.

Thanksgiving Activities For Kindergarteners

Let the kids rip and tear their way to fun with this turkey craft! Provide colored paper and let them tear it into pieces to create a textured turkey. These kid activities for Thanksgiving are perfect for little hands to practice fine motor skills while making something special for Thanksgiving.

13/ Paint or Color Taped Wall Turkey

Transform a wall into a giant turkey canvas! Use painter’s tape to outline a large turkey on the wall and let the kids fill it in with paint or crayons. This group activity is perfect for creating a colorful Thanksgiving decoration together, and it’s easy to clean up once the fun is done!

14/ Lion Leaf Craft

Turn fall leaves into a king of the jungle with this creative craft! Use a paper plate as the lion’s face, glue leaves around the edges for the mane, and add eyes and a nose. It’s a fun way to mix nature and imagination while crafting a wild Thanksgiving decoration.

15/ Felt Pie-Slice Garland

Decorate for Thanksgiving with a pie-themed garland! Cut felt into triangle shapes to resemble pie slices, then decorate each “slice” with colored felt toppings like whipped cream or berries. String them together to make a garland that looks good enough to eat!

16/ Mini Roast Turkey Piñata

Add a twist to traditional piñatas with a mini roast turkey version! Use paper mache or a cardboard base to shape the turkey, then cover with tissue paper. Fill it with candy or small treats, and let the kids take turns giving it a whack—it’s a sweet way to spice up the festivities.

17/ Apple Stamping Pumpkin Craft

Use apples as stamps to create pumpkin-shaped art! Cut an apple in half, dip it in orange paint, and stamp it onto paper. Add a stem and leaf with green paint to complete the pumpkin look. It’s a simple, mess-free craft that celebrates both fall fruits in one activity.

18/ Candy Cornucopia

Make edible cornucopias with ice cream cones and candy! Let kids fill the cones with candy corn, chocolates, or other small treats to create a sweet Thanksgiving snack. It’s an easy way to introduce the cornucopia tradition while letting them munch on their own creations.

>> Coloring a Taped Wall Turkey or making an Apple Stamping Pumpkin Craft becomes even more meaningful with gentle reminders through gratitude quotes. A simple quote like, “Gratitude makes what we have enough,” encourages young minds to reflect on the joy of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Activities For Toddlers

Get your little turkeys excited for the holiday with these Thanksgiving activities for toddlers! We've rounded up a bundle of kid-friendly Thanksgiving games and crafts that are perfect for tiny hands and curious minds. So, let's gobble up some fun and create lasting memories with these activities for toddlers on Thanksgiving designed especially for your littlest family members!

19/ Cut A Thanksgiving Felt Board

Engage little hands with a felt board decorated for Thanksgiving! Cut out turkey shapes, fall leaves, and pumpkins from felt, then let toddlers arrange and rearrange them on the board. This activity encourages creativity while helping them learn about the holiday in a hands-on way.

20/ Try Feather Color Sorting

Turn color learning into a playful activity with feather sorting. Provide colorful feathers and matching cups or bins, and ask toddlers to sort the feathers by color. It’s a simple yet effective way to teach color recognition and sorting skills while keeping them engaged.

21/ Turkey Sensory Bag

Introduce some sensory play with a turkey-themed sensory bag. Fill a zip-top bag with hair gel, googly eyes, and foam feathers, then seal it tight. Toddlers can squish the bag to explore textures and watch how the different materials move inside without making a mess.

22/ Turkey Sticker Sort

Give toddlers a collection of turkey stickers and let them sort them by size or color onto a turkey-shaped mat. This activity not only keeps little hands busy but also helps develop sorting skills and hand-eye coordination.

23/ Turkey Pudding Cups

Combine snack time with craft time by decorating pudding cups as turkeys. Use candy eyes, a paper beak, and feather cutouts to transform each cup. Toddlers will enjoy the chance to decorate their treat, and it's a delicious way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

24/ Turkey Salt Painting

Introduce an easy and colorful craft with turkey salt painting. Draw a simple turkey shape using glue, cover it with salt, then let toddlers paint it with watercolors. The colors spread along the salt lines, creating a vibrant and textured art piece.

25/ Pumpkin Volcano

Make science come alive with a mini pumpkin volcano experiment! Hollow out a small pumpkin, fill it with baking soda, and add vinegar to create a bubbling, fizzy eruption. This activity is a fun introduction to simple science concepts while adding a bit of excitement to the day.

>> While creating sensory experiences like a Turkey Sensory Bag or playing with a Pumpkin Volcano, using blessings quotes—such as, “A thankful heart is a magnet for blessings”—helps toddlers grasp the concept of joy in small moments, making their playtime meaningful.

Thanksgiving Games For Kids

Ready to add some extra fun to your Thanksgiving celebration? These Thanksgiving games for kids are sure to be a hit! These kid-friendly Thanksgiving activities are perfect for burning off energy before the big meal or keeping everyone entertained while the turkey cooks. Let's turn up the fun factor and make this Thanksgiving one to remember with these exciting kids Thanksgiving activities!

26/ Thanksgiving Pictionary Game

Bring out the giggles and creativity with a Thanksgiving-themed Pictionary game. Create cards with holiday-related words like "turkey," "pilgrim," or "pumpkin pie," and let kids take turns drawing the clues while others guess. This game is perfect for adding some friendly competition and laughter to the celebration.

27/ Turkey Scratch-Off Game

Make the fun interactive with a turkey scratch-off game. Prepare scratch-off cards featuring hidden images or words related to Thanksgiving. As kids scratch away the top layer to reveal what's underneath, they can compete to see who uncovers the most turkeys or festive symbols. It’s an exciting way to keep them entertained.

28/ Sack Race

Get the kids moving with a classic sack race! Hand out burlap or cloth sacks and mark a start and finish line. Have the children hop their way to victory, and consider adding Thanksgiving-themed challenges like collecting a “turkey egg” halfway through. This game burns energy while bringing smiles all around.

29/ Turkey Paper Fortune Tellers

Create paper fortune tellers with a Thanksgiving twist. Write fun fortunes or silly tasks inside each fold, like “Gobble like a turkey” or “Name three things you're thankful for.” Let the kids take turns using the fortune tellers for a mix of fun and gratitude.

30/ Pumpkin Sweep

Turn pumpkins into a racing game with pumpkin sweeping! Use small pumpkins and brooms, and have kids "sweep" their pumpkin from the start line to the finish line. It’s a playful way to get them moving and laughing as they try to steer their pumpkins across the room.

31/ Football Bingo

Combine a love of football with some classic bingo fun. Create bingo cards with football-related terms or actions, and let kids mark off the squares as they watch a game or participate in their own backyard match. It’s a great way to add a bit of competition while keeping them engaged.

32/ Pumpkin Twister

Add a festive twist to the classic Twister game! Replace the traditional colored circles with cut-out pumpkin shapes, and call out moves like “Right hand on orange pumpkin.” It’s a fun way to keep kids active and flexible while enjoying some holiday-themed fun.

>> As kids compete in a Thanksgiving Pictionary Game or a Sack Race, thanksgiving family quotes—like, “Thanksgiving is best spent with those you love”—enhance the spirit of fun by reminding children about the joy of celebrating with family.

Thanksgiving Food Ideas For Kids

Make Thanksgiving dinner exciting for the little ones with dishes they'll love with these Thanksgiving games for kids about food. Serve classic kid-approved sides like mashed potatoes, homemade mac & cheese, and turkey-shaped snacks. Including simple recipes in the meal planning lets them feel involved and more likely to enjoy the spread, making the holiday extra special for everyone.

33/ Turkey Cheese Ball

Make a turkey-shaped cheese ball using cream cheese and shredded cheese mixed together. Shape the mixture into a round ball, then add pretzels for feathers, a baby carrot for the beak, and olives for eyes. Let the kids help with the decorations. It’s a tasty way to keep them busy while waiting for dinner.

34/ Cranberry Crescent Rolls

Roll a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside crescent dough, then bake according to package instructions. Let kids help roll the dough and place it on the baking sheet. Serve as a sweet and tangy addition to the meal that combines flavors kids love with a touch of holiday flair.

35/ Homemade Mac & Cheese

Prepare macaroni according to package directions. In a separate pot, melt butter, stir in flour, then gradually add milk and cheese until you have a creamy sauce. Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and bake for 20 minutes. Get the kids involved by letting them stir the sauce or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.

36/ Cinnamon Roll Turkeys

Bake cinnamon rolls as directed, then decorate them with candy eyes, pretzel sticks for feathers, and a candy corn beak to resemble turkeys. Kids can enjoy personalizing their own roll, making it a sweet and playful breakfast option.

37/ Pumpkin Pancakes

Mix pancake batter with canned pumpkin and a touch of cinnamon. Pour the batter into pumpkin shapes on a hot griddle. Let kids help with adding chocolate chip eyes or whipped cream “leaves.” The festive shapes and flavors make these pancakes a hit.

38/ Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding

Start the day with a warm bowl of apple cinnamon rice pudding. Cook rice, apple slices, milk, cinnamon, and a bit of sweetener in the crockpot on low for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Kids can help add the ingredients to the pot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors for breakfast.

>> Offering kids the chance to help with simple dishes such as a Turkey Cheese Ball fosters a sense of accomplishment. Sharing thank you god quotes like, “Thank you, God, for giving us more than we deserve,” helps children reflect on gratitude as part of the holiday celebration.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving activities for kids can transform a potentially dull holiday into a magical adventure for the whole family. As the aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, keep your little ones entertained and engaged with a cornucopia of fun-filled games and crafts. 

These kid-friendly Thanksgiving activities not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable opportunities to teach youngsters about gratitude, family traditions, and the rich history behind this cherished American holiday. So, gather the kids, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make this Thanksgiving a memorable celebration filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories.