Yahoo Finance Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids That'll Keep Them Busy All Day Long
- 1/27
Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids That'll Keep Them Busy All Day Long
When Thanksgiving arrives, you are guaranteed to have your fill of all the turkey and pumpkin pie you can eat, but while the feasting (plus all the prep to get that sumptuous spread on the table!) is the holiday's main event, there's certainly more space left in the day, especially for little ones who can get bored at a dinner table (and while you are cooking) quite quickly. So with grown-up time in mind, we have rounded up 25 Thanksgiving activities for kids sure to keep their them busy while having a festively good time. Whether you've got preschoolers, elementary students, or family members of all ages who are young at heart, these crafts and more are sure to make Thanksgiving more fun too! Plus after they are done your table and/or home will be more festively decorated for the holiday too, and many you can pull out in future years to bring back memories too.
Looking for other Thanksgiving day activities? Consider DIYing a festive centerpiece, playing a holiday-themed family game, or planning a fun Turkey Day craft kids (or adults) to keep special family time going all day long.
Sugar and Charm - 2/27
Butcher Paper Tablecloths
When it comes to pint-size partygoers, embrace the butcher paper. It evokes a rustic feel, doubles as a coloring surface, and makes for quick cleanup. You can also add an “I’m thankful for” fill-in-the-blank activity at each place setting and bundle colored pencils with the napkin topping each vintage enamelware plate. Store-bought turkey hats serve up particularly precious photo ops.
Becky Luigart-Stayner - 3/27
DIY Thanksgiving Piñata
If this is your very first introduction to the idea of a "Thanksgiving piñata," well...you're welcome! Stuff this paper bird with confetti and small candies, then let kids have at it once the meal is through. In the meantime, it can act as a gorgeous kids' table centerpiece.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Studio DIY - 4/27
Turkey Tail Napkin Rings
Here's an activity that can double as a pretty place card and a napkin ring all in one. Cut out the turkey, arrange the napkin within it as pictured, then set out a few crayons and let the fun begin!
Get the tutorial at Darcy Miller Designs.
Darcy Miller Designs - 5/27
Fall Leaves Suncatchers
PunchofColor
Etsy
$12.50
Kids create their own fall leaves with brightly hued tissue paper. It's an easy, colorful way to add a festive fall touch to windows.
Etsy/PunchofColor - 6/27
Woodland Creatures Wood Painting Craft
InkandTrinketKids
etsy.com
$19.99
As far as we're concerned, it's never too early to kick off the holidays. Little ones can start by painting these adorable woodland animal ornaments. The kit comes with everything they'll need, including paint, twine, and pre-cut wood disks.
Etsy - 7/27
Thanksgiving Kids' Table Game
You can get the kids to help make the pieces for this game, a colorful take on the easy dice contest "Left Center Right," or just let them roll with it at the children's table.
Get the tutorial at Chica and Jo.
Chica and Jo - 8/27
'I'm So Grateful' Coloring Sheets
Feeling frazzled? Coloring sheets to the rescue! These printables are one-part placemat, one-part coloring sheet, and one-part thoughtful gratitude activity.
Get the tutorial at Thirty Handmade Days.
Thirty Handmade Days - 9/27
DIY Gourd Turkeys
All you need to make these gourd turkeys come to life is a bit of imagination, some feathers, and of course googly eyes. The gourds themselves are easy to find at any supermarket around Thanksgiving time.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
Design Improvised - 10/27
Color Sorting Activity
Ages 2-8 can participate in this fun, simple sorting activity. It's as educational as it is easy to explain.
Get the tutorial at Smart Schoolhouse.
Smart Schoolhouse - 11/27
Turkey Banner Craft Kit
UnplannedWhimsy
etsy.com
$12.00
This felt turkey banner kit for little crafters comes with all the pieces pre-cut and ready to assemble. Hang it on the front door, or have kids each make one for their rooms.
Etsy/UnplannedWhimsy - 12/27
Tom Turkey's Word Search
Word searches are the perfect quiet, non-rowdy activity for kids of all ages. This one, which features a silly Thanksgiving theme, is exciting and rewarding to boot.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Sugar and Charm - 13/27
Thanksgiving Coloring Placemats
ShopHadleyDesigns
etsy.com
$4.99
We know things can get a little hectic on Thanksgiving Day. If you don't have time to DIY a coloring placemat this year, grab this printable instead—and get ready to make your littlest guests really, really happy.
etsy.com - 14/27
Turkey Crowns
To ensure these crowns are sturdy and ready to make a statement, print 'em on heavier cardstock, which kids can color and paint on, too.
Get the tutorial at Printable Crush.
Courtesy of Printable Crush - 15/27
Sponge-Painted Thanksgiving Turkey Craft
Your kids will love sponge painting the turkey's "feathers," while you'll adore how inexpensive crafting with paper plates can be.
Get the tutorial at The Resourceful Mama.
The Resourceful Mama - 16/27
Leaf Foxes
Send the kids outside to forage for the brightest leaves they can find before dinner. Not only will they burn off some energy, but they'll also find the perfect pieces to make these cute critters.
Get the tutorial at Glued to My Craft Blog.
Courtesy of Glued to My Crafts Blog - 17/27
Candy Cornucopia Thanksgiving Craft
This horn of plenty is fun for kids of all ages to create, and when stuffed with autumn-themed sweets like candy corn and pumpkins it will make for a charming table centerpiece.
Get the tutorial at Happiness is Homemade.
Happiness is Homemade - 18/27
Gratitude Jar
Have little ones—or everyone!—share what they're thankful for by placing this jar, strips of paper, and a few pens at the table. After dinner, wrap up your feast on a sweet note by having kiddos read the slips aloud while dessert is served.
Get the tutorial at Doodle Bug Blog.
Courtesy of Doodle Bug Blog - 19/27
I Spy Game
If there's one activity that will keep 'em occupied all dinner (heck, all day!), it's this scavenger hunt game.
Get the tutorial at Live Laugh Rowe.
Courtesy of Live Laugh Rowe - 20/27
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
If your table is tight on space, you can make a more compact version with small rocks and washi tape.
Get the tutorial at Project Kid.
Courtesy of Project Kid - 21/27
Word Scramble
Encourage everyone in the family to put that noggin to use while they nom the night away with this fun one-sheeter.
Get the tutorial at Landeelu.
Courtesy of Landeelu - 22/27
Felt Leaf Finger Puppets
Now only will these adorbs finger puppets keep the kiddos occupied while they're making them, they'll keep their attention as they play with them—leaving you free to keep an eye on the bird.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Crafts by Amanda - 23/27
Turkey Tracks
This fun and thrifty craft will keep your kids busy until Thanksgiving dinner is served.
Get the tutorial at Fun-A-Day.
Courtesy of Fun-A-Day - 24/27
Thanksgiving Turkey Play Dough
Set out some craft supplies and brown play dough so kids can create their own turkeys.
Get the tutorial at Fantastic Fun and Learning.
Courtesy of Fantastic Fun and Learning - 25/27
Chocolate Covered Pretzels in a Turkey Jar
Place this Thanksgiving arrangement in the center of the table. Kids will love getting to gobble on a delicious dessert all night long.
Get the tutorial at Inside Bru Crew Life.
Courtesy of Inside Bru Crew Life - 26/27
Thankful Tree with Clay Gratitude Leaves
Teach the kiddos the reason for the season while making this lovely thankful tree. The marbled clay leaves can be hand stamped or hand written with words of gratitude.
Get the tutorial at Rhythms of Play.
Rhythms of Play - 27/27
Fall Wind Chimes Craft
This project begins with a walk in the woods with the kids to gather sticks, pinecones, rocks, and other goodies, and ends with a wonderful set of autumn-themed wind chimes you'll be proud to hang on your front porch.
Get the tutorial at The Benson Street.
The Benson Street
