Make this holiday season memorable with a variety of Thanksgiving activities for kids and adults designed to bring family, friends, and loved ones together. From games and crafts to entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as you celebrate the season of gratitude.
Thanksgiving games and activities for the family
The holiday isn’t just about the feast, it’s about the fun that happens between bites. These family-friendly Thanksgiving games and activities will get everyone laughing, moving, and making memories together.
🪶 Shake your tail feathers – Players strap a feather-filled tissue box to their waist and wiggle, dance, and shimmy to see who can shake all their “turkey” feathers out first.
🏈 Football flick competition – Make paper footballs or buy mini foam footballs and set up buckets across the room at varying distances and point values.
🙏 Gratitude bingo – Print out thankfulness bingo cards to play a gratitude game. Mark off the squares as you share and complete the prompts.
🍗 Turkey leg wrap race – In this goofy race, teams of two have one minute to transform a family member into a “turkey leg” by wrapping them in brown burlap and topping them with a chef’s hat.
Thanksgiving games and activities for kids
Keep the little ones entertained and giggling on Thanksgiving Day with these playful games made just for them. Whether they’re racing, gobbling, or giggling through the silliness, these activities are perfect for siblings and cousins to bond over during the holiday fun.
🔍 Gobble gobble seek – Send one child out while you hide a small object, then have them return to search as the others guide the scavenger hunt with turkey gobbles, soft when they’re far away and loud when they’re getting close.
🍬 Candy relay – Balance a candy pumpkin or candy corn on a spoon and race to the finish line (using just one hand). If your sweet treat tumbles off, you’re out, or you have to start over.
🏃 Turkey trot – Partners toss a rubber turkey back and forth to music, but when it stops, whoever’s holding the bird must dodge their partner’s tag. If caught, they must surrender the turkey and flap their wings and gobble three times before they’re able to try again.
🎳 Turkey bowling – Decorate cups to look like turkeys, arrange them in a triangle, and then roll a mini-pumpkin (or tennis ball) to knock over as many as you can.
Thanksgiving crafts for all ages
Get crafty this Thanksgiving with creative projects everyone can enjoy, from kids to grown-ups alike. These hands-on activities add a personal touch to your celebration and make for charming keepsakes.
🤠 Thanksgiving hats – Design your own festive hats shaped like turkey drumsticks, pumpkin pie slices, or autumn leaves. It’s a fun, silly way to get into the spirit.
🍁 Leaf people – Gather fallen leaves and turn them into creative characters. Add googly eyes, markers, or sticks for arms to bring them to life.
🎉 Mini-Thanksgiving floats – Use tissue boxes, toy figures, and craft supplies to make your own tiny parade floats. Then, host your very own mini “Macy’s” parade!
🍂 Leaf garland – Cut paper leaves to make a garland of gratitude. Write something you’re thankful for on each leaf before stringing them together.
Thanksgiving games and activities for a Friendsgiving
Make your Friendsgiving unforgettable with fun activities that keep everyone laughing and connecting. From movies and games to interactive icebreakers and festive drinks, these ideas are perfect for celebrating friendship and good times together.
🎞️ Friendsgiving movie party – Set up a projector and have a holiday movie marathon. Add popcorn, cozy blankets, and mulled cider for bonus points.
🍸 Play a drinking game – Serve up specialty cocktails like a cranberry cinnamon whiskey sour or Thanksgiving punch, and select your drinking game rules.
🙋 Find someone who – A perfect icebreaker for big groups! Hand out cards with Thanksgiving-themed prompts, like “Find someone who brought dessert” or “Find someone who loves leftovers.”
🎮 Exciting game night – Keep the energy high with interactive party games like charades, Jackbox, or trivia. It’s the best way to fend off that post-dinner drowsiness.
Thanksgiving entertainment
Take your Thanksgiving celebration to the next level with entertainment that delights guests of all ages. From live music and interactive game shows to photo booths and caricaturists, these ideas keep the fun going in one-of-a-kind ways.
🎸 Private concert – Hire a singing guitarist or pianist for a cozy in-home performance. It’s an unforgettable way to end the evening with live music and good company.
🎤 Game show – Bring in a lively host to set up a unique Thanksgiving game for the family. Expect laughs, surprises, and maybe a friendly rivalry or two!
📸 Photo booth – Set up a themed booth with silly hats, turkey props, and fall backdrops. Guests can snap goofy or sentimental photos to remember the day.
✏️ Caricaturist – Give your Thanksgiving family portraits a hilarious twist by hiring a caricaturist. Everyone leaves with a keepsake that’s sure to spark laughter for years to come!
Whether you’re hosting family, kids, or a Friendsgiving, these Thanksgiving activities are sure to create laughter, connection, and lasting memories. Mix and match games, crafts, and entertainment to make your holiday celebration truly special. 🦃 😁
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Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.