22 fun Thanksgiving activities for kids
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Key takeaways
For many, Thanksgiving is about more than food. It’s also a chance to slow down, spend time with family, and pass along Thanksgiving traditions. But for kids, waiting to eat the big meal can feel like forever. That’s why planning Thanksgiving activities for kids can keep the day fun, screen-free, and memorable.
From gratitude crafts to kid-friendly cooking, here are ideas to help families celebrate together.
Thanksgiving crafts that double as décor
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Crafting can keep kids busy while contributing to the holiday atmosphere. Try:
Gratitude tree: Have kids write what they’re thankful for on paper leaves, then hang them on branches in a vase.
Pinecone turkeys: A classic craft using pinecones, paper feathers, and googly eyes.
Handprint table runners: Let kids trace their hands on butcher paper, then decorate with markers for a festive, personal touch.
DIY place cards: Kids can design name cards for each dinner guest, adding a personal touch to the table.
Games that bring the whole family together
Thanksgiving games are perfect before or after dinner:
Turkey tag: Similar to freeze tag, but kids “waddle” to free teammates.
Scavenger hunt: Hide mini pumpkins, paper turkeys, or Thanksgiving-themed clues around the house.
Family trivia: Mix in family history questions with Thanksgiving fun facts and trivia.
Pumpkin bowling: Use a small pumpkin as the ball and empty plastic bottles as pins.
Outdoor activities to burn off energy
If the weather cooperates, head outside:
Backyard turkey trot: Host a short fun-run or obstacle course for kids.
Football toss: Even little ones can join in a game of catch.
Leaf pile jumping: Simple, seasonal, and guaranteed laughter.
Nature walk: Collect acorns, leaves, and pinecones for crafts later.
Cooking activities for little helpers
Bringing kids into the kitchen helps them feel included in the day’s festivities:
Mini pumpkin pies: Kids can fill pre-made tart shells with pumpkin filling.
Turkey-shaped veggie platters: Let kids arrange vegetables into a turkey design.
Cookie decorating: Keep frosting and sprinkles handy for a sweet activity.
Homemade butter: Kids can shake heavy cream in a jar until it turns into butter.
Gratitude and giving traditions
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reinforce values:
Gratitude jar: Throughout the day, kids and adults write down thankful notes to read aloud at dinner.
Donation drive: Have kids help collect canned goods or toys for families in need.
Acts of kindness list: Encourage kids to write out simple kind actions they can do in the coming week.
Family giving goal: Set aside part of the holiday budget to donate. Kids can help decide where the money goes.
Giving with purpose: In Greenlight’s Giving category, kids can donate to verified charities through Charity Navigator. Donations start at $10 and are made from their Giving bucket, with parental approval for every gift.
Thank-you card station: Set up a table where kids can write cards for teachers, neighbors, or community helpers.
Create lasting memories
The best Thanksgiving activities for kids are the ones that become traditions. Whether it’s a pre-dinner scavenger hunt, decorating cookies, or sharing gratitude notes, these little moments can turn into big memories.
Have more fun — and learn more money skills. Greenlight teaches money lessons in engaging, bite-sized challenges that make learning fun for kids. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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