Thanksgiving Activities & Family Fun: Tips & Games To Play

Thanksgiving Activities & Fun Family Games to Play

After the meal, why not gather everyone for some family games? These activities can bring everyone together, from grandparents to the youngest kids, creating moments you’ll cherish.

1. Turkey Trivia

Test everyone’s knowledge of Thanksgiving with a trivia game! You can make up questions or use printable trivia sheets found online. Topics can range from Thanksgiving history to fun facts about family members.

2. Thanksgiving Bingo

Make a Thanksgiving-themed Bingo game with items related to the holiday: turkey, pumpkin pie, autumn leaves, etc. It’s simple, easy to set up, and great for all ages.

3. Charades or Pictionary – Thanksgiving Style

Create a list of Thanksgiving-related words or phrases (like “stuffing the turkey” or “falling asleep after dinner”) and play a few rounds of charades or Pictionary.

4. Gratitude Circle

Have each person share something they’re grateful for this year. For a fun twist, try making it a game where everyone writes their gratitude on slips of paper, places them in a bowl, and then guesses who wrote each one.

5. Pumpkin Hunt (Like an Easter Egg Hunt)

This is especially fun for younger kids! Hide small pumpkins or autumn-themed trinkets around the house or yard and let the kids search for them.

Preparing for Kids at Thanksgiving

Having kids at Thanksgiving can bring lots of energy (and noise!), so creating a kid-friendly space and activities can make things go smoothly. Setting up a dedicated kids’ area with activities and a “kids’ table” makes them feel included and keeps them happily entertained.

1. Set Up a Kids’ Table

A folding table makes a perfect kids’ table. Cover it with butcher paper or a Thanksgiving-themed tablecloth, and add a few small buckets of crayons, coloring sheets, or simple crafts to keep them occupied.

2. Thanksgiving Crafts Station

Have a small craft station with materials to make easy Thanksgiving crafts like paper turkeys, bead necklaces, or leaf crowns. You can also provide a “Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree” where kids write what they’re thankful for on leaves to attach to a paper tree.

3. Create a Movie Corner

Set up a comfy movie corner with blankets and pillows, and play family-friendly Thanksgiving or autumn-themed movies. Some great options include A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Free Birds. This is an excellent way for kids to wind down after the meal.

4. Thanksgiving Storytime

If you have a mix of younger and older kids, consider organizing a quick storytime. Have one of the older kids or an adult read a Thanksgiving-themed book to keep the younger children entertained.

Thanksgiving Meal Timing: Why 2 PM is Perfect

Most families tend to eat Thanksgiving dinner in the mid-afternoon, around 2 PM. This time is ideal because it allows everyone to enjoy the meal without feeling rushed, and it leaves enough time in the evening for leftovers and more family activities. Here’s a typical Thanksgiving timeline:

8:00 AM: Begin meal preparations and cooking.
1:00 PM: Set up the dining area, arrange side dishes, and put the finishing touches on the main meal.
2:00 PM: Serve Thanksgiving dinner! After everyone enjoys the main meal, take a break before dessert.
4:00 PM: Serve dessert and coffee, giving everyone time to relax and digest.
5:00 PM: Begin family games, movie time, or other planned activities.

Thanksgiving Family Traditions to Try This Year

Creating Thanksgiving traditions gives the day extra meaning and brings everyone closer. Here are some family tradition ideas you can start (or continue) this Thanksgiving:

1. Share the Family Recipe Book

If you have a family recipe book, bring it out on Thanksgiving and let everyone add their favorite recipes. It’s a beautiful way to preserve family history and share special memories.

2. The Annual Family Photo

Capture the day by taking an annual family photo. Whether you set up a tripod for a group picture or snap candid shots throughout the day, these photos will become treasured memories.

3. Thanksgiving Walk

After the meal, gather everyone for a walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park. It’s a great way to enjoy fall weather, aid digestion, and appreciate the beauty of the season.

4. Recipe Swap

Invite each family member to bring a favorite Thanksgiving dish along with recipe cards to share. It’s a fun way to introduce everyone to new recipes and create a collaborative Thanksgiving feast.

5. Plan for Leftover Care Packages

Have some small containers or bags ready for guests to take home leftovers. It’s a practical and heartfelt way to share the abundance of Thanksgiving and keep the festivities going a bit longer.

With games, activities for kids, and family traditions, your Thanksgiving celebration can be as fun and memorable as it is delicious. Whether you’re setting up a separate table for kids or getting everyone involved in post-dinner games, these ideas will help create a warm, joyful holiday that your family will look forward to every year.

Check out “12 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes You’ll Love – Easy & Delicious Ideas!”

~~ And as always friends, take care, be kind to yourself and others, and always keep learning to be better and do better.

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