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Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and the comfort of home-cooked food. Often, it can feel like Thanksgiving gets lost in the anticipation of Christmas coming. This year make it a priority to create some Thanksgiving Magic in your home that your family will look forward to every year! It’s a wonderful time to involve kids in the celebrations and start family traditions they’ll look forward to each year!
Here are some kid-friendly ideas to make Thanksgiving memorable, from fun ways to help out to easy games and new family traditions.
Ways Kids Can Help Prepare for Thanksgiving
Getting kids involved in Thanksgiving prep not only gives them a sense of responsibility but also makes them feel like an important part of the day. Here are a few easy, mess-free ways to have them pitch in:
- Create Table Decor: Let kids set up and decorate the table with easy crafts. They could make place cards, arrange mini pumpkins, or even add some hand-drawn “I’m Thankful For” cards that guests can fill out.
- Help with Simple Dishes: Older kids can help mix ingredients, while younger ones can arrange marshmallows on the sweet potatoes or sprinkle cinnamon on the pumpkin pie!
- Set Up a Kids’ Table: If you have multiple little ones attending, they can help create a cozy kids’ table with activities, treats, and even coloring pages to keep everyone busy.
We love these Thanksgiving Coloring Placemats! This can either be a fun table activity for the kids while dinner is wrapping up or they can color them in advance for everyone who is coming to thanksgiving! Kids love getting to be included, and this is a great way for them to feel like they made their mark on the Thanksgiving table!
Add some Thanksgiving stickers to the Kids Table! Not only will the kids (and adults) be entertained with an activity, but it can be a funny one too!
Grab a pack of these fun Thanksgiving Glasses to pass out to everyone! Sometimes it’s the little things like this idea that can really help people get into the holiday spirit!.
Fun Family Thanksgiving Traditions to Start
Starting new traditions is a meaningful way to make the holiday memorable for everyone. Here are some ideas that will add a special touch to your family Thanksgiving:
- Thankful Tree or Garland: Create a Thankful Tree with branches, or make a garland by hanging paper leaves. Have each family member write down something they’re thankful for on a leaf and add it to the tree or garland throughout the day. Read our post about how to make a Thankful Banner here!
- Thanksgiving Gratitude Jar: Place a jar and small pieces of paper on the table. Throughout the day, let everyone write down something they’re thankful for and read them out loud before dinner. This can also make a wonderful keepsake! If you want to make this really easy, get a premade Gratitude Jar with cut leaves to write on!
- The Annual Family Recipe Book: Each Thanksgiving, add a new recipe or write down family favorites. Kids can help decorate the book or write their favorite part about each dish. Over the years, this will become a beautiful record of your Thanksgiving memories.
- Family Football Game: After a big meal, get outside! A friendly family football game or even a short walk around the neighborhood is a great way to get everyone moving and bonding.
- Holiday Cookie Making/Decorating: Thanksgiving is a holiday kick-off time for many families. End the day making and decorating holiday cookies for people to take home! To make it super easy, have the cookies premade to make it an easy cookie decorating activity.
Thanksgiving Games & Activities for Kids
When kids need a break from the table or just a little entertainment, these games and activities will keep them happy and active:
- Thanksgiving Bingo: Create a bingo card with Thanksgiving-themed pictures (turkey, pumpkin pie, football, etc.) and give out small prizes, like this pack of Thanksgiving Themed little Squishy Toys!
- Pin the Feather on the Turkey: A holiday twist on the classic party game! Make a paper turkey without feathers and let kids try to pin them on blindfolded.
- Turkey Tag: Head outside for a game of Turkey Tag, where one person is the “turkey,” and everyone else chases them. Once tagged, the next person becomes the turkey!
- Pumpkin Bowling: Grab a few mini pumpkins and some empty water bottles to create a simple DIY bowling game. Kids will love rolling pumpkins to see who can knock over the most pins.
- Coloring and Activity Sheets: Keep a stack of Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages and crayons on hand to keep younger kids busy while the adults chat.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to slow down, appreciate family, and create lasting memories together. With a few simple ideas, you can make this holiday full of joy, gratitude, and fun for every family member. Happy Thanksgiving!
