12 Best Thanksgiving Activities for Kids:
Joy, Laughter, and Gratitude
Mia | 4th, Nov
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie—it’s about connection, laughter, and the tiny, heartwarming moments that remind us what gratitude truly feels like. If you’ve ever tried to keep the kids entertained while the grown-ups hustle in the kitchen, you know it can get a little chaotic. But with the right mix of fun and creativity, Thanksgiving can become everyone’s favorite family day—yes, even for the littlest ones.
So, here are 12 Thanksgiving activities for kids that blend joy, imagination, and gratitude. Some get them moving, some help them create, and others spark those quiet, meaningful moments we all need more of.
1. Thanksgiving Wind Chimes
Take a walk outside and gather natural treasures—sticks, pinecones, acorns, or stones. Once you’re home, tie them together with twine or string and hang them near your porch or window.
Every time the wind blows, it’ll carry the sounds of the season. It’s a hands-on, sensory craft that lets kids explore nature and creativity all at once. And honestly? They’ll feel proud every time they hear their own handmade wind chime jingling in the breeze.
2. Kitchen Helpers: Cooking Together
Let’s be real—kids love being part of the action. So instead of shooing them out, bring them in!
They can fill mini pie shells with pumpkin filling, arrange veggie trays into turkey shapes, or decorate sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Want a little science fun? Show them how to shake heavy cream in a jar until it turns into homemade butter.
Cooking together isn’t just about food—it’s about creating memories. And yes, it might get a little messy, but isn’t that half the fun?
Let’s be real—kids love being part of the action. So instead of shooing them out, bring them in!
They can fill mini pie shells with pumpkin filling, arrange veggie trays into turkey shapes, or decorate sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Want a little science fun? Show them how to shake heavy cream in a jar until it turns into homemade butter.
Cooking together isn’t just about food—it’s about creating memories. And yes, it might get a little messy, but isn’t that half the fun?
3. Indoor (or Snowy) Snowball Fight
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, bundle up and head outside for an epic family snowball fight.
But if not, no worries! You can make soft “snowballs” out of white fabric or socks and turn your living room into a no-injury battle zone. This one always ends with laughter, and maybe a few dramatic “defeats” on the couch.
4. Balance Bike Backyard Races
When the house gets crowded and you need to send the kids outside, nothing beats a backyard balance bike race.
Set up a small obstacle course with cones, leaves, or chalk paths and let them ride their hearts out. Don’t forget helmets and pads for safety! One of our favorites is the adorable KRIDDO balance bike—it even comes with protective gear and a customizable nameplate.
When the house gets crowded and you need to send the kids outside, nothing beats a backyard balance bike race.
Set up a small obstacle course with cones, leaves, or chalk paths and let them ride their hearts out. Don’t forget helmets and pads for safety! One of our favorites is the adorable KRIDDO balance bike—it even comes with protective gear and a customizable nameplate.
5. Pumpkin Bowling
Here’s a classic that keeps kids busy for hours. Set up “pins” made of mini gourds or small bottles filled with rice, and roll a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. You can number the pins for scorekeeping—or just celebrate every tumble with cheers. It’s simple, a little messy, and wonderfully festive. Plus, it’s one of those thanksgiving activities for kids that doesn’t need any special prep—just a few pumpkins and a hallway.
6. Giving Back: Acts of Kindness and Donation Drive
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind kids that gratitude grows when we share it. Organize a simple donation drive—let children help collect canned foods, gently used toys, or winter clothing to give to families in need. They’ll feel proud knowing their small actions can make a big difference.
Then, start a Kindness List together. Encourage each child to write down a few simple good deeds they can do in the coming week—like helping a neighbor carry groceries, writing a thank-you note to a teacher, or sharing lunch with a friend.
It’s a beautiful way to teach compassion, empathy, and the joy of giving—a Thanksgiving lesson that lasts far beyond the holiday.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind kids that gratitude grows when we share it. Organize a simple donation drive—let children help collect canned foods, gently used toys, or winter clothing to give to families in need. They’ll feel proud knowing their small actions can make a big difference.
Then, start a Kindness List together. Encourage each child to write down a few simple good deeds they can do in the coming week—like helping a neighbor carry groceries, writing a thank-you note to a teacher, or sharing lunch with a friend.
It’s a beautiful way to teach compassion, empathy, and the joy of giving—a Thanksgiving lesson that lasts far beyond the holiday.
7. The “I’m Thankful For…” Project
Give each child a few sheets of paper and markers to write or draw what they’re grateful for. Cut them out into feathers and tape them onto a giant paper turkey on the wall.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a colorful, heartwarming display of gratitude that represents the whole family. It’s a wonderful classroom or hallway project—and an easy way to help kids understand the joy of giving thanks.
8. Turkey Hide and Seek
Think of it as freeze tag with a festive twist! In this version, the “turkey” is the one doing the chasing. When someone gets tagged, they must freeze in place—until another player waddles like a turkey to rescue them.
It’s silly, it’s simple, and it burns off that pre-dinner energy. The giggles alone make this game worth it, especially when the adults join in.
9. Thanksgiving Treasure Hunt
Hide small pumpkins, paper turkeys, or Thanksgiving-themed clues around your house or yard. Each clue leads to the next, ending with a fun little surprise—perhaps a small treat or a “special helper” coupon for dinner.
You can sneak in a few family trivia questions, too—like “Who always burns the rolls?” or “What’s Grandma’s favorite pie?” The mix of laughter and memories makes this game feel like a family time capsule.
10. Family Story Hour
There’s something magical about curling up together with a pile of Thanksgiving books. Create a cozy reading corner with blankets, pillows, and a soft lamp. Read aloud from classics or pick a few new titles from your local library (just remember to grab them early—holiday books go fast!).
For quiet kids—or those who just need a calm break from the chaos—storytime is one of the best thanksgiving activities for kids. It gives everyone a reason to slow down and simply enjoy the warmth of the season.
11. Bonus Fun: Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
Okay, one last treat—because who can resist that pumpkin spice smell? Make edible pumpkin pie play dough with a simple mix of flour, salt, oil, and pumpkin spice. Give the kids cookie cutters, rolling pins, and small pie tins, and let them “bake” their own creations. It smells amazing and keeps their hands busy while you finish the real pie.
12. Gratitude Parade
End your Thanksgiving afternoon with something memorable—a mini Gratitude Parade!
Kids can make simple floats out of shoeboxes, wagons, or cardboard boxes decorated with leaves and turkeys. Let them carry signs or wear paper hats showing what they’re thankful for, and parade around the house or yard while music plays.
It’s wholesome, hilarious, and a perfect way to wrap up the day with laughter and pride. Plus, it’s a photo-worthy family moment you’ll look back on for years.
A Season to Remember
Thanksgiving doesn’t need to be fancy to be unforgettable. With these creative Thanksgiving activities for kids, you’re not just keeping them entertained—you’re helping them build traditions they’ll cherish.
From running balance bike races to whispering thanks into a gratitude jar, these moments weave together into something magical: family, laughter, and love.
So this year, when the turkey’s in the oven and the kids start asking, “What can we do now?”, you’ll have plenty of joyful answers.
