There is no better time then to start a fun Thanksgiving tradition then now. Thanksgiving is about spending time with family, sharing delicious meals, creating memories and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. So why not share in some fun Thanksgiving family games. The family will be entertained and it will be something you laugh about for years to come. I guarantee you your kids will talk about it for days, and even recreate it when they are older!
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or keeping it cozy with your immediate family, here are some delightful games that everyone—from grandparents to toddlers—can enjoy.
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1. Turkey Tag Thanksgiving game
Get the kids moving with a game of Turkey Tag! It’s a fun twist on the classic “tag” game, and all you need are some clothespins (or paper feathers) to pin onto players’ shirts. The objective? Try to grab as many “feathers” as you can while protecting your own. The player with the most feathers at the end wins! The person who catches the turkey gets to be the next one. Don’t forget to decorate your clothes pins or fathers and have fun!
What you need:
2. Thanksgiving Bingo
Create your own bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed images like turkeys, pumpkins, and cranberries. Or you can print your templates and from Etsy. The first person to complete a row yells, “Gobble, gobble!” and wins a small prize.
Add a little something extra for fun and use candy corn or buttons as bingo markers.
What you need:
3. Pumpkin Bowling Family Fun Game
Transform your hallway or backyard into a bowling alley with some empty plastic bottles and small pumpkins. Decorate the bottles as turkeys or with Thanksgiving stickers.Set up the bottles as pins and use the pumpkins to bowl. This game will create lots of laughter and fun!
What you need:
4. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Encourage everyone to think about what they’re thankful for with a gratitude scavenger hunt. Create a list of items or experiences related to gratitude (e.g., something that makes you smile, a favorite place in the house). Family members can take pictures or collect small items that represent each entry on the list. At the end, gather together and share what each person found.
For added fun you can use cameras or phones to capture the memories of each other or the things you found!
What you need:
- Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
- Phones or cameras
5. Thanksgiving Charades
Charades is a classic game with endless laughter, and it’s easy to put a Thanksgiving spin on it. Write Thanksgiving-related words or phrases on pieces of paper (e.g., “stuffing the turkey,” “fall leaves,” “pilgrim hat”) and have players act them out without speaking. Younger kids can draw pictures instead of acting if they’re shy.
You can also find a kids version to print out for last minute ideas.
What you need:
- Pieces of paper ( to write on)
- OR Charade cards
6. Cornucopia Toss
Decorate some buckets. Set them up around the room and give each player a set of bean bags, small balls, even Thanksgiving cornucopia items. The aim is to toss as many items as possible into the baskets within a time limit. Assign different point values to each basket, and keep score to see who the top cornhole champion is!
What you need:
7. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
Create a large turkey on a poster board and give each player a colorful paper feather. Blindfold players, spin them around, and have them try to pin their feather as close to the turkey as possible. The result is always hilarious, and the turkey ends up looking extra festive!
What you need:
- Poster board
- Colorful feathers
- Blindfold
- Double sided tape for feathers to stick in wall
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to cherish loved ones and create lasting memories. Starting a tradition of fun family Thanksgiving games your holiday gathering is a fantastic way to bond and keep the celebration lively. These games are sure to bring laughter, joy, and a sprinkle of friendly competition to your Thanksgiving festivities.
Here are some other Thanksgiving ideas:
Thanksgiving Activities for Students
18 Fall Themed Ideas for The Classroom
Best Fall Books for Elementary School
I'm 40 years old and a mom of 2 three year olds and a first grader. I am also a Special education teacher. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I started this blog.