45 Creative Thanksgiving Activities for the Whole Family
Spark holiday spirit with fun crafts, games, and traditions that unite every generation.
When it comes to creating cherished memories, Thanksgiving offers the ideal opportunity to bring family and friends together for more than just a delicious meal. If you’re looking to infuse your holiday gathering with laughter, creativity, and lasting traditions, these Thanksgiving activities cover everyone—from kids to adults, from the sentimental to the spirited. Read on for fresh spins on games, crafts, storytelling, and simple joys that turn Turkey Day into a celebration you’ll never forget.
1. Paint Pumpkins for Festive Fun
Skip the carving mess and let your guests’ creativity shine by painting pumpkins. Simply set out a variety of small gourds, brushes, paints, and decorative accents. Everyone, regardless of age, can join in, and you’ll have handmade Thanksgiving décor as a bonus. Let kids choose bright colors, while adults might opt for intricate patterns or hand-lettered messages.
2. Give a Thanksgiving History Lesson
The meaning behind Thanksgiving can sometimes get lost in the bustle of cooking and visiting. Take a moment to gather everyone and share the historical background of the holiday. Prepare a few fun facts about Thanksgiving origins, stories of Pilgrims and Native Americans, or present-day traditions across the country. Kids can even prepare a short skit or bring their own facts to share with the group.
3. Tell Recent Stories
There’s no better time to reconnect with relatives than Thanksgiving. Make it a tradition to set aside a storytelling hour, where everyone gets to update the family on milestones, funny anecdotes, or favorite moments of the year. This is a wonderful way to stay close to extended family and hear about each person’s unique adventures.
4. Host Thanksgiving Karaoke
Bring a musical twist to your gathering with a round of karaoke. Set up a simple karaoke machine or use lyric videos on your television. Choose Thanksgiving-themed songs, classic favorites, or silly tunes that get everyone laughing. Watch as family members—especially grandparents—belt out ballads, turning the living room into an impromptu concert hall.
5. Play in the Leaves
Embrace the fall atmosphere by taking things outdoors. Rake leaves into big piles and let the kids—and the young at heart—jump right in. Make it a competition: who can make the biggest pile or the highest leap? Afterward, gather some of the most beautiful leaves for crafts or table decorations.
6. Make Warm Fall Drinks
Cozy up with mugs of steaming beverages. Prepare apple cider, homemade hot chocolate, spiced pumpkin lattes, and even adult-friendly buttered rum. Set up a DIY drink bar so everyone can mix, top, and garnish their own creations. Include marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, and citrus twists for extra flair.
7. Start a Family Thanksgiving Scrapbook
Set up a table with paper, markers, stickers, and an empty scrapbook, encouraging guests to add drawings, notes, photos, or reflections about the day. Over the years, this book will become a treasured keepsake filled with gratitude and memories.
8. Organize a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of Thanksgiving- or fall-themed items for guests to find indoors or outside. Include things like a pinecone, a red leaf, someone wearing orange, or a special family recipe card. This activity can be adapted for all ages and is sure to get everyone moving and giggling.
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9. Bake and Decorate Thanksgiving Cookies
Set up a cookie decorating station with various shapes, icing colors, and toppings. Kids love this hands-on activity—and adults often join in, too. Display the finished cookies as edible centerpieces, or wrap them up for guests to take home.
10. Hold a Family Football Game
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a friendly game of football in the yard. Play touch or flag football to keep things safe—and focus on fun, not winning. This is a great way to burn off some energy before the big meal.
11. Create Thankful Cards or a Gratitude Tree
Invite everyone to write down something they’re thankful for on a card or a paper leaf. Hang the leaves on a painted branch set in a vase, creating a gratitude tree, or compile the cards in a decorative bowl. Share some aloud for a touching moment before dinner.
12. Enjoy a Puzzle or Board Game Marathon
Break out classic board games, card games, or a big jigsaw puzzle to play as a group. This is perfect for after dinner, when everyone’s relaxing and digesting. Choose games that are easy to learn so all ages can join in.
13. Make Homemade Place Cards or Napkin Rings
Let the kids help with the Thanksgiving table by creating personalized place cards or napkin rings. Use craft supplies like construction paper, ribbon, stamps, and stickers. This activity keeps little hands busy and adds a homey touch to your meal.
14. Host a Thanksgiving Cooking Show
Turn your kitchen into a stage and let family members demonstrate their favorite holiday dishes. Stream the show for relatives who can’t be there, or record it to watch later together. Don’t forget to give out silly awards for the most creative chef or best presentation.
15. Collect Leaves for Craft Projects
Go on a nature walk to collect colorful fall leaves. Use them for decorating the table, making leaf prints with paint, or crafting garlands for the mantel. This activity combines outdoor fun with at-home creativity.
16. Roast S’mores Over a Fire Pit
If weather permits, gather everyone outdoors around a fire pit to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Share stories and warm up under cozy blankets. This sweet treat brings a magical close to the holiday.
17. Take a Family Photo
Capture Thanksgiving memories with an annual family photo. Set up a tripod or ask a neighbor to help. Try themed props, coordinated outfits, or silly faces to make the photo extra special. Print copies for everyone or add them to your family scrapbook.
18. Watch a Thanksgiving Movie
Wind down with a festive film after dinner. Pick classics like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” or go for a family favorite that everyone enjoys. Pop some popcorn and create a mini theater experience at home.
19. Organize a Thanksgiving Parade
Too chilly to go outside? Host your own parade at home. Let kids make floats from cardboard boxes, decorate hats, and march to music around the house. Invite grandparents and adults to serve as the “audience.” Everyone gets a front-row seat!
20. Have a Pie-Tasting Contest
Encourage guests to bring their favorite homemade pie. Set up a tasting table and vote on categories like “most classic,” “most creative,” or “best crust.” Sample bites and award fun prizes to the winners.
21. Make Thank-You Notes for Community Workers
Set out supplies for crafting thank-you notes to teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters, or anyone who deserves extra appreciation. Mail or deliver them after the holiday to spread gratitude beyond your home.
22. Plan a Family Volunteer Project
Teach the spirit of giving by organizing a volunteer activity as part of your Thanksgiving tradition. Pack meals for a local shelter, rake leaves for neighbors, or collect canned goods. Even the youngest family members can participate and learn the value of service.
23. Arrange a Thanksgiving-Themed Photo Booth
Create a fun photo booth area with themed props—turkey hats, paper pilgrim bonnets, or fall garlands. Encourage guests to strike silly poses. Print or text the photos for instant smiles and lasting memories.
24. Try Out a Thanksgiving Bingo Game
Make (or print) bingo cards featuring holiday symbols: turkey, pumpkins, footballs, pies, and more. Hand out small prizes to the winners. This simple game keeps kids entertained during the busy meal prep.
25. Host a Turkey Trot Walk or Run
Start the day with some fresh air and activity. Organize a mini Turkey Trot in your neighborhood or yard. Encourage family members to dress in costumes, and hand out homemade medals to all participants—no competition required!
26. Decorate a Festive Centerpiece
Gather natural elements like pinecones, mini pumpkins, berries, and greenery to assemble a showstopping table centerpiece together. Assign kids to arrange each item, or create multiple mini displays for various spaces throughout your home.
27. Share Jokes and Riddles Around the Table
Have each guest come prepared with a Thanksgiving-themed joke or riddle to share. This light-hearted tradition gets everyone laughing and sets a joyful mood for the feast.
28. Choreograph a Thanksgiving Dance
Put on some upbeat music and choreograph a silly Thanksgiving dance as a group. Record a video to watch in future years, or compete in teams for the most creative moves. Dancing is a surefire way to shake off the food coma!
29. Set Up a Popcorn Stringing Station
Stringing popcorn is a classic fall craft that’s easy and calming. Supply bowls of popped corn, cranberries, and thread. String together long garlands to drape on mantles or doorways.
30. Invent a Thanksgiving Mad Libs Game
Write your own Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs—or find some online—and fill them out as a family. The hilarious results are guaranteed to create giggles, especially when read aloud before dessert.
31. Host a Turkey Drawing Contest
Pass out paper and crayons for a friendly drawing competition. Encourage everyone to draw their best Thanksgiving turkey. Give out prizes for “funniest feathers,” “most lifelike,” and “most colorful.” Display the masterpieces proudly!
32. Create Mason Jar Luminaries
Use Mason jars, tissue paper, and glue to craft autumn-themed luminaries. Place battery-operated candles inside and use them as glowing centerpieces when it gets dark.
33. Compile a Thanksgiving Playlist
Set the mood by compiling a playlist of Thanksgiving or autumn-themed songs. Include family favorites, folk music, or instrumental pieces. Let music play in the background all day, culminating with a sing-along in the evening.
34. Decorate Pumpkin or Pie-Themed Hats
Purchase plain paper hats and provide materials for decorating them as pies, turkeys, or pumpkins. Hold a mini “hat parade” to show off each creation before mealtime begins.
35. Vote on the Best Thanksgiving Movie Moments
Pick scenes from popular Thanksgiving movies and have family members vote for their favorites. Discuss why they’re memorable and recreate a few classic lines or scenes just for fun.
36. Make Bird Feeders for the Backyard
Help wildlife get ready for the season, too. Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create simple feeders. Hang them outside and watch for feathered friends during the holiday weekend.
37. Organize a Thanksgiving Themed Charades Game
Create homemade charades cards featuring Thanksgiving-related phrases—like “carving the turkey” or “falling leaves.” This boisterous game is perfect for all generations to play together.
38. Build a DIY Cornhole Board
If you’re feeling crafty, make and decorate your own cornhole boards with autumn themes. This backyard game is perfect for friendly family competition and plenty of laughs on Thanksgiving Day.
39. Plan a Little Acts of Kindness Challenge
Give every guest a card listing simple acts of kindness they can do during the holiday weekend—helping clean up, serving food, or complimenting a cousin’s outfit. Celebrate everyone’s efforts at dessert time.
40. Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
Stock a corner with pillows, blankets, and holiday-themed picture books. Kids (and adults) can take turns reading aloud, providing a calm break from the festive energy.
41. Play Thanksgiving Pictionary
Similar to charades but with markers and a whiteboard, Thanksgiving Pictionary puts drawing skills—and guessing abilities—to the test. Prepare Thanksgiving words and phrases for more themed fun.
42. Decorate a Family Gratitude Banner
Roll out a long piece of butcher paper and invite each guest to write or draw something they’re grateful for. Hang it where everyone can see, adding to it next year for a growing tapestry of thanks.
43. Host a Leftover Lunch the Next Day
Extend the holiday joy by planning a leftovers lunch or brunch. Challenge everyone to come up with creative combinations starring turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Vote for the most inventive dishes.
44. Play Guess the Thanksgiving Ingredient
Blindfold guests and have them taste small bites of classic Thanksgiving foods, guessing what each one is. This game encourages trying new dishes and sparks fun conversation about family recipes.
45. End the Night with a Hot Chocolate Bar
Wind down the holiday with a cozy hot chocolate bar—complete with mix-ins like caramel, peppermint sticks, white chocolate, and mini cookies. Let each guest craft their perfect mug before gathering for a group toast to another year of Thanksgiving togetherness.
Thanksgiving Activities Table: At-A-Glance Guide
| Activity | Best For | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Pumpkins | Kids & Adults | Indoors |
| Scavenger Hunt | All Ages | Yard or Indoors |
| Storytelling | Extended Family | Living Room/Table |
| Karaoke | All Generations | Living Room |
| Pie Contest | Dessert Lovers | Dining Room |
| Football Game | Teens & Adults | Yard |
| Gratitude Crafts | Kids | Craft Table |
| Volunteer Project | All Ages | Community |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some easy Thanksgiving activities for kids?
A: Kid-friendly activities include painting mini pumpkins, making gratitude trees, crafting place cards, going on a leaf scavenger hunt, and stringing popcorn garlands.
Q: How can I involve the whole family in Thanksgiving games?
A: Opt for activities everyone can play, like charades, bingo, Pictionary, scavenger hunts, and family football—even seniors and toddlers can participate with a little modification.
Q: What are meaningful Thanksgiving traditions to start?
A: Consider a gratitude-sharing moment, creating an annual scrapbook, sending thank-you cards to community helpers, or beginning a Thanksgiving parade or cooking show tradition.
Q: Are there ways to keep guests entertained during meal prep?
A: Set up games, a craft station, or a mini movie marathon for younger guests. Offer a DIY drink or snack bar to keep everyone happily occupied before dinner.
Q: How can we extend the Thanksgiving spirit after the holiday?
A: Host a leftovers lunch, deliver gratitude notes to local heroes, or volunteer as a family in your community to keep the spirit of thankfulness and togetherness alive.
References
- https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/ree-drummond-shares-her-familys-thanksgiving-traditions.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g37223003/thanksgiving-activities/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ree-drummond-life/g63024257/ree-drummond-family-thanksgiving-2024-scrapbook/
- https://www.foodfanatic.com/news/the-pioneer-woman-review-turkey-day-leftovers/
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