Here Are the Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy This Thanksgiving
Here Are the Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind. You have extended family to entertain, cringe-worthy political commentary to avoid, and—not to mention—a turkey to bake and baste perfectly. And all of this exists before you add kids into the mix. Suddenly you’re juggling four side dishes as well as a bored four-year-old, and guests arrive in an hour. Keeping the kids distracted and engaged is a challenge in itself, but with these 30 best Thanksgiving activities, at least one thing can be taken off of your metaphorical plate.
Turkey Crown
Turkey headbands are a classic. This option from Printable Crush is easily assembled, and sure to be a crowd pleaser.
"I'm Thankful for..." Pumpkin Pie
Get children in the spirit of the holiday by having them construct a pumpkin pie craft that offers a reminder of what to be thankful for. From Natural Beach Living, this activity will have them longing for dessert.
Thanksgiving Turkey Finger Puppets
Dinner and a show! With these finger puppets from I Heart Crafty Things, Thanksgiving fun can continue even after the meal has ended.
Turkey Snack Bags
If your Thanksgiving involves a road trip, (or perhaps a movie night like my family’s does) these turkey snack bags from Jamonkey are a must. Fill with any snack you'd like, but for full effect, seasonal colors are recommended.
Pilgrim Hat Crayon Cups
Cute as well as practical, these crayon cups from Lil Luna will keep any kids’ table organized and ready for fun.
Woodland Critters Napkin Rings
Add some festive cheer to any table setting with these Woodland Creature Napkin Rings from Paper Source. As a bonus, these cute critters aren't Thanksgiving specific, so they can be used all season long!
Pony Bead Corn
These beaded Thanksgiving favorites from Cutesy Crafts are a perfect craft for kids' table decor. They'll also ensure everyone is occupied long enough for you to whip up another side dish.
Fingerprint Turkeys
For fans of the classic hand-print turkey, but who might want a more minimalist approach. These finger print turkeys from HGTV, shown on to-go containers, are the perfect design addition to your holiday meal.
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
This idea from Project Kid gives typical, autumnal pumpkins a second life by turning them into tic-tac-toe. Simply paint X’s and O’s and let the kids run wild.
Thanksgiving Turkey Mask Kit
Be the best dressed this Thanksgiving holiday with Paper Source's Turkey Mask Kit. Perfect for photo booth props or as an all-day festive costume.
Popsicle Stick Turkey
Any craft roundup is incomplete without a popsicle stick element. Kids of all ages will love crafting their own popsicle stick turkey centerpiece from The Spruce Crafts.
Fan Folded Autumn Leaves
These beautiful fan-folded leaves from BHG will keep the kids busy. You can also use them to decorate your home all season long.
No-Sew Sock Turkey
You finally have a purpose for all of those random, single socks. This little guy from Easy Peasy and Fun is a perfect Thanksgiving Day companion.
Autumn Leaves Centerpiece
Put the kids to work and have them build this feast-worthy centerpiece from Ecstasy Coffee. They get an adventure gathering leaves and branches while you get some much-needed quiet.
Edible Thanksgiving Turkey Centerpiece
These Thanksgiving centerpieces from HGTV look good enough to eat! The kids will love being able to make their own table decor.
Autumnal Owl Puppet and Hat
Tired of turkey? Change it up with autumn’s other favorite animal: the owl! This paper owl craft from Good Housekeeping is bound to add seasonal flare to any Thanksgiving gathering.
Thanksgiving Play-Doh Station
A Thanksgiving themed Play-Doh station, similar to this one from Fantastic Fun and Learning, requires very little effort on your part, but is guaranteed to keep children occupied and out of the kitchen.
Autumn Leaves Garland
If you’re looking to incorporate more rustic decor into your Thanksgiving Day, try this Autumn Leaves Garland. From House of Jade, this beautiful decor piece is simple enough to let the kids complete, and adds some sparkle to your holiday.
Thanksgiving Turkey Favor Baskets
You'll have kids running to their seats with these Thanksgiving turkey treat baskets from Etsy. Perfect for any kids' table, just add names for a great place card.
Thanksgiving Turkey Paper Bag Puppets
Paper bag puppets were a staple of my childhood. With a Thanksgiving edition from I Heart Crafty Things, kids can create the turkey of their dreams.
Kraft Paper Table Runner
The kids’ table is going to get messy anyway, By Dawn Nicole says why not encourage it? Using butcher or kraft paper in place of a table cloth will pair perfectly with both crayons and the inevitable dessert spillage.
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Coloring pages are a fail-safe option for any holiday gathering. These pages from Crazy Little Projects are a great choice for kids of all ages.
Turkey Bowling
For something a little more active, try Turkey Bowling. From Tastefully Frugal, this craft is just as fun to make as it is a play!
Origami Turkey Craft
Simple yet impactful, this origami turkey craft from The Spruce is great for minimal Thanksgiving Day decorations.
Washi Tape Turkey
Let the creativity run wild with Washi Tape Turkeys from Three Dinosaurs. Each child can put their own unique spin on this Thanksgiving favorite.
Turkey Ring Accessory
These turkey rings from I Heart Crafty Things are the best Thanksgiving accessory for kiddos. They do require some parental involvement as hot glue is required for construction, but it makes for some valuable family time.
Autumn Leaves Candle Cups
Give your Thanksgiving table a little rustic flair with Paper Source's autumn leaves candle craft. Easy enough for kids to complete themselves, and pretty enough for even the adult table.
Paper Pumpkins
This fun fall craft is a great way to spruce up your table decor, or even the rest of your home. Simply opt for regular glue, as opposed to hot glue, for a kid-friendly holiday activity from DIY Inspired.
Gobbler Place Cards
Sweeten up your Thanksgiving table decor with these cupcake liner turkey place cards from Parents.com. Perfect for a kids' craft, these cute place cards are one less thing you have to worry about.
Thanksgiving Turkey Centerpiece
Whether you choose to display it as a table centerpiece or hanging on your wall, this turkey from Paper Source is sure to be a showstopper. As a bonus it comes in a craft kit, so the kids will have everything they need at their fingertips.
The real saving grace of Thanksgiving may be the safety scissors and crayons.