As a mom who cherishes Thanksgiving for family time, I’m always on the hunt for fun, engaging activities that can keep the kids occupied without resorting to screens.
After all, Thanksgiving is about connection, laughter, and creativity—not endless rounds of cartoons!
Over the years, I’ve found that having a variety of hands-on crafts and activities available helps the little ones stay entertained while we prep for the big feast.
Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving activities that will keep your kids busy and happy!
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The Paper Pumpkin Tradition
I still remember last Thanksgiving vividly. The aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven, the sound of laughter filling the kitchen as the kids got creative with their crafts.
My youngest, Lily, was giggling as she glued paper strips together, proudly creating her paper pumpkin. It’s a craft we’ve done year after year, and it never fails to bring a smile to her face.
Plus, it’s easy, mess-free, and a perfect way to spark their imagination.
Thanksgiving Paper Strip Pumpkin Craft Kit
This kit is a simple yet adorable activity that lets kids build their own 3D pumpkins using colorful paper strips. It’s perfect for little hands and helps them develop fine motor skills. Get it here!
Giant Thanksgiving Coloring Poster
The kitchen table might be filled with pie ingredients, but the kids can claim the living room floor with this next favorite. Lay out a Thanksgiving Giant Coloring Poster/Tablecloth and let them go wild with their crayons and markers. It keeps multiple kids entertained at once, and they love seeing their masterpiece unfold as they color together! Find it on Amazon!
Thanksgiving Stickers & More
Stickers are the unsung heroes of any craft day. My kids can spend hours creating with themed stickers, and Thanksgiving is no exception.
- Thanksgiving Stickers for Kids are perfect for decorating cards, notebooks, or even place settings.
- The Thanksgiving Make-A-Turkey Stickers are always a hit! They let kids assemble their own goofy turkeys—feathers, beaks, and all. Grab yours here!
Color Your Own Turkey Crowns
How about a craft that doubles as a fashion statement? The Tiny Expressions Color Your Own Turkey Crowns are an interactive way for kids to make something they can actually wear at dinner. After coloring, they can proudly strut their turkey crowns around the house, adding to the festive spirit! Check it out here!
Table-Side Creativity
Sometimes, the simplest activities are the best. While everyone is gathered around the table, keep the kids entertained with Thanksgiving Coloring Activity Placemats. They can color in festive designs, play little games, and write down what they’re thankful for. It’s the perfect way to occupy them during that last stretch before dinner! Find it here!
Silly Turkey Masks & Jokes
I love seeing the kids get a little silly, and nothing does that better than Felt Turkey Masks! After crafting and decorating their own turkey faces, they can wear them and put on mini Thanksgiving plays—or just gobble around the house. Pair this with a few Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids, and you’ve got guaranteed giggles.
Thanksgiving Rock Painting & More Crafts
One of my all-time favorite fall crafts is rock painting. It’s something the kids love and can even do outside if the weather is nice. With the Thanksgiving Rock Painting Kit, they can create beautiful autumn designs and give them as gifts to family members. Check it out here!
Other fun options include:
- Fall Scarecrow Craft Kit: Let your little ones create their own scarecrows, adding to your autumn decor.
- Fall Coloring Wreath Crafts for Kids: These wreaths are perfect for decorating doors or walls, and the kids can color them to their hearts’ content.
Books & Quiet Time Activities
As the day winds down and the Thanksgiving energy starts to mellow, it’s always a great idea to have some quieter activities on hand. I like to wind down with storytime, and I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids is perfect for helping little ones understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
For calmer crafts, the Thanksgiving Paint Book or Thanksgiving Temporary Tattoos are perfect for relaxing while still engaging their creativity.
Thanksgiving is about more than just food—it’s about creating memories, and these crafts help do just that. Whether you’re making a turkey crown or painting rocks, your kids will love these activities, and you’ll love the peace and quiet as they craft away.
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