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14 Fun Thanksgiving Activities To Do Besides Eating

As the warmth of Thanksgiving settles in, families often come together to share a bountiful feast. But what happens when the plates are cleared and the conversation starts to wane? Will you let your guests depart as quickly as they arrived, or will you have a plan in place to keep everyone engaged until the evening’s wrap?

Fear not if you haven’t thought ahead, as we’ve got 14 fun Thanksgiving activities up our sleeve that go beyond the main event – and can help create memories that’ll be cherished long after the leftovers are devoured.

Free Printable Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Free Printable Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Looking for a enjoyable way to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends? Consider hosting a fun and interactive Thanksgiving scavenger hunt! With just a few simple tools – including a printable, camera, and pen – you can create a memorable experience that will leave everyone feeling grateful and entertained. Just grab your printable and get started!

Turkey Shape Craft for Toddlers and Preschool

Turkey Shape Craft for Toddlers and Preschool

Discovering shapes with young children doesn’t have to be a dry or mundane experience. With the right approach, learning can be an engaging and enjoyable journey for your little ones. One effective way to do this is by incorporating fun activities that help them develop their understanding of various shapes.

Thanksgiving Crossword

Thanksgiving Crossword

For a fun and interactive way to keep your guests entertained during Thanksgiving gatherings, consider using this free printable crossword puzzle. Not only is it an engaging activity for kids and adults alike, but it also adds a touch of festivity to your table setting. As you put the finishing touches on dinner, this puzzle will keep everyone occupied and having fun.

DIY Thanksgiving Gratitude Game

DIY Thanksgiving Gratitude Game

This Thanksgiving, bring a new level of appreciation to your family gathering by playing a fun and interactive gratitude game. With this free printable activity, you’ll not only focus on the things that matter most, but also discover more about your loved ones and create lasting memories.

Printable Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

Printable Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

Get creative this Thanksgiving with our complimentary coloring pages, designed specifically for teens and kids to enjoy at the dinner table. Perfect for keeping little hands occupied during a lengthy feast, these charming sheets are available for download and printing right now.

Thankful Pumpkin Printable

Thankful Pumpkin Printable

I recently stumbled upon the concept of ‘thankful pumpkins’ – adorable gourds adorned with markers bearing heartfelt messages of gratitude. The idea is undeniably charming, and I can see why many families would enjoy this creative activity together. However, as a parent to two young children, aged almost two and three, I opted for a safer alternative: designing a simple thankful pumpkin printable for our family to reflect on the things we’re grateful for this year.

Free Thanksgiving Word Search Printables

Free Thanksgiving Word Search Printables

For kids in gradeschool, I’ve prepared two special Thanksgiving-themed word searches that are both fun and educational. The unique twist? They’re shaped like turkeys! To make it even easier for young learners, a key is provided at the bottom. Feel free to print as many copies as you’d like for your little ones to enjoy.

Thanksgiving Word Scramble

Thanksgiving Word Scramble

There’s something truly special about a traditional Thanksgiving feast. The anticipation builds as the aroma of roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet pies wafts through the air. As you wait for the main event to unfold, why not pass the time with a fun activity? Try your hand at this year’s Thanksgiving word scramble, available for check-out here.

Family Handprint Turkey

Family Handprint Turkey

In this charming take on the classic handprint turkey craft, you’ll join forces with your little ones to create an unforgettable keepsake. As parents and kids work together, they’ll discover that even the most unlikely of partners – mom, dad, or anyone in between – can contribute to a masterpiece. This inclusive project is perfect for families of all sizes, from cozy duos to bustling broods.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Gratitude Pumpkin

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Gratitude Pumpkin

As the holiday season approaches, teaching children to cultivate a sense of gratitude is an excellent way to foster a positive mindset and appreciation for the good things in life. One creative approach is to create a gratitude pumpkin with your kids, making it a fun and engaging activity for November and Thanksgiving. This simple yet meaningful project helps young minds focus on the blessings they have, rather than getting caught up in material possessions or wants.

Hilarious Thanksgiving Games Everyone Will Love

Hilarious Thanksgiving Games Everyone Will Love

When it comes to filling the downtime on Thanksgiving, these games are a wonderful way to bring everyone together – whether you’re hosting kids, adults, or a mix of both. They offer a delightful combination of fun and social interaction that can be enjoyed by all.

DIY Thanksgiving Paper Chain Garland

DIY Thanksgiving Paper Chain Garland

Crafting a thoughtful paper chain garland is an ideal way to spend quality time with your loved ones during Thanksgiving, and its beauty lies in the fact that it can be cherished and displayed throughout the entire year. Not only does this activity bring people together, but it also serves as a wonderful conversation starter when friends and family come over.

Ideas to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Ideas to Celebrate Thanksgiving

As the world continues to navigate the challenges of 2020, many families are facing an unconventional Thanksgiving this year. What’s typically a time for loved ones to come together and share in gratitude will likely be a more subdued celebration for those who can’t physically be with their family units due to the ongoing pandemic.

DIY Thanksgiving Turkey Glitter Jar for Kids

DIY Thanksgiving Turkey Glitter Jar for Kids

As the holiday season approaches, get ready to spark some creativity and fun in the classroom or at home with a simple yet engaging project: making turkey glitter jars with the kids! These mesmerizing sensory bottles are an ideal activity for preschoolers, perfect for fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation around Thanksgiving. Not only do they provide a unique way to explore textures and colors, but also serve as a great conversation starter about the holiday’s themes and traditions.