Looking for thanksgiving activities for kids that go beyond just watching the parade on TV? These 15 ideas mix gratitude, crafts, games, and a little bit of wiggle time so the whole family — toddlers included — has something to do while the turkey cooks. As HealthyChildren.org puts it, “the habit of gratitude can help us get off the treadmill of everyday life and acknowledge the small victories that we all have every single day” — and Thanksgiving is the perfect low-pressure day to start building that habit with kids.
Every one of these thanksgiving activities for kids uses stuff you probably already have around the house, and most take 15 minutes or less, so you can fit them in between cooking and cleanup.
Gratitude Activities for Thanksgiving
These gratitude-focused thanksgiving activities for kids work well as a quiet start to the day, before things get busy in the kitchen.
- Gratitude Turkey: Trace your child’s hand on paper and have them write or draw one thing they’re thankful for on each “feather.”
- Thankful Jar: Set out a jar and slips of paper all month so family members can drop in things they’re grateful for, then read them aloud at dinner.
- Gratitude Chain: Make a paper chain where each link names something a family member appreciates, and hang it somewhere visible until the big day.
- Thank-You Cards: Have kids draw or dictate a short thank-you note to a relative, teacher, or friend — a small, concrete way to practice gratitude out loud.
Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids and Toddlers
- Handprint Turkey: The classic for a reason — toddlers can paint their palm and fingers to make a simple turkey shape.
- Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats: Cut and fold a paper plate into a simple hat shape for pretend play at the table.
- Pinecone Turkeys: Glue feathers, googly eyes, and a small beak onto a pinecone for a table centerpiece kids can be proud of.
- Corn Kernel Mosaic: Glue dried corn kernels onto a simple outline — a pumpkin, leaf, or turkey — for a textured sensory craft.
Active and Sensory Thanksgiving Activities
These active thanksgiving activities for kids are especially good for burning off pre-dinner energy before everyone sits down at the table.
- Turkey Trot Relay: Set up a simple obstacle in the yard or living room and have kids “waddle” through it like a turkey.
- Pumpkin and Gourd Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with mini pumpkins, gourds, and dried leaves for toddlers to sort and explore by touch.
- Leaf Scavenger Hunt: Send kids outside with a simple checklist of fall colors and shapes to find before dinner.
Thanksgiving Games for the Whole Family
When the meal is done and everyone needs something to do before pie, these thanksgiving activities for kids double as games grandparents and cousins can join in on too.
- Thanksgiving Bingo: Make a quick homemade bingo board with turkey, pie, and pilgrim hat squares for younger kids.
- Pin the Feather on the Turkey: A Thanksgiving twist on the classic party game, easy to set up with paper and tape.
- Would You Rather, Thanksgiving Edition: Ask silly food-themed questions around the table to get even shy relatives talking.
- Guess the Pie: Blindfold kids and let them guess pie flavors by smell before dessert is served.
Free Printable Thanksgiving Activity Checklist
To make picking from these thanksgiving activities for kids even easier, we put together a free printable checklist you can hang on the fridge and check off as the day goes — handy for keeping toddlers and older siblings both occupied without needing your full attention every five minutes.
Bottom Line
You don’t need a big budget or a pile of craft supplies to keep kids engaged on Thanksgiving — a handful of gratitude activities, simple crafts, and low-key games covers toddlers through school-age kids with almost nothing bought specially for the day. Pick two or three from this list of thanksgiving activities for kids based on your child’s age and how much mess you’re up for, and build the rest of the day around whatever they enjoy most.
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About the Author: Family Hobby Hub
The Family Hobby Hub team researches and puts together simple, screen-free activity ideas for parents, grandparents, and caregivers — indoor play and sensory activities, backyard and outdoor games, on-the-go entertainment for car rides and waiting rooms, and easy learning and STEM activities for kids of different ages. Every guide is built around things most families already have around the house, takes only a few minutes to set up, and comes with a free printable checklist or activity sheet whenever possible. We are not child development specialists, educators, or licensed childcare professionals, and our activity ideas are general suggestions for family fun rather than professional guidance. Always supervise children during any activity and use your own judgment about what is appropriate for your child's age, interests, and abilities.