Kristin Otero, OTR/L, MSOT Kristin Otero, OTR/L, MSOT

15 Ideas for Thanksgiving Fun!

In the spirit of thanksgiving quickly approaching, we wanted to list some great activities that will keep those little ones busy. Many of us are having a smaller get-together this year due to the pandemic, so why not add something to bring the family together in a fun way. We wanted to keep the activities budget friendly, and something that everyone can participate in. There may be some younger ones that need adaptations, but most activities will be good for a range of ages. I’ll also provide some links to help with printable versions for some activities. 


Thanksgiving Themed Activities:

  1. Thanksgiving Family Feud: This is is ideal for families for older kids and adults, I might add this to my family’s thanksgiving plans! https://www.playpartyplan.com/family-feud-game-questions-and-answers/

  2. Feed the Turkey: You can make this using some recycled bottles, tongs from the kitchen, and pom poms (from the craft store) or even cotton balls from the bathroom. Add some colored paper wings to the bottle and a face to make a turkey, and place the cotton balls/pom poms on the table or floor. Encourage your kiddo with challenging her/him to do it as fast as they can, or making a race between siblings; use the tongs to get all the food into the turkey!

  3. Thanksgiving Charades: Act out some thanksgiving themed words. https://www.thegamegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Thanksgiving.pdf

  4. Mini Pumpkin (or any holiday themed item) Scavenger Hunt: Whether it’s outside or around the house, this will be a fun game for any age.

  5. Yam Race: It sounds ridiculous, but you might find it harder than you expected. Use a spoon to get a sweet potato or yam across the floor in a race.

  6. Word Scramble: https://www.bigactivities.com/word_scrambles/thanksgiving/easy/thanksgiving1.php

  7. Pin the Gobbler: https://www.etsy.com/listing/726535772/pin-the-gobbler-game-template-digital?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_thanksgiving_Paper_Goods_and_Party_Supplies&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiA2O39BRBjEiwApB2IksdeL3s9kr-0JXatkO-4TfCKKKNHHH-KxPLHGlK0qruTxgLPAapu-RoCfy0QAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_1707961425_69268699169_331635231567_aud-301856855998:pla-314261241107_c__726535772_108511663&utm_custom2=1707961425&gclid=CjwKCAiA2O39BRBjEiwApB2IksdeL3s9kr-0JXatkO-4TfCKKKNHHH-KxPLHGlK0qruTxgLPAapu-RoCfy0QAvD_BwE

  8. Guess How Many: Put a bunch of candy corn in to a jar or clear container and see who comes up with the most accurate number!

  9. Thanksgiving Kids Table Game: All you need is M&M’s, print out this template for $3.95, and some dice! https://www.etsy.com/listing/623356536/thanksgiving-kids-table-game-roll-a?utm_custom1=housebeautiful.com&awc=6220_1606167898_1a0f2d4d33bfafe58c05e87c138df6a0&source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_term=3657&utm_content=78888

  10. Thanksgiving I Spy: https://www.papertraildesign.com/free-printable-i-spy-thanksgiving-activity/

  11. Taboo Thanksgiving Edition: This is one of my favorite games, it may be more favorable for older kids 11-13 and up advised. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:thanksgiving%20taboo

  12. Baster Relay: use the turkey baster and a feather, see who can get the feather to the finish line the fastest!

  13. This next one is more abstract for older kids; go around the room saying, “For Thanksgiving I had…” and list an item. The next person has to remember what the person/people before them said in order, and add another item for it to continue. It’s a memory game for all things food/ thanksgiving related.

  14. Thanksgiving Bingo! https://www.happinessishomemade.net/free-printable-thanksgiving-bingo-cards/

  15. Memory: Print out some Thanksgiving items in doubles, and attach them to some cardboard cutouts or cards to match!

  16. Pumpkin Patch Stomp: blow up some orange balloons on the yard and have everyone try and pop them!

From my family to yours, I wish you a VERY happy Thanksgiving!

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