27 Fun Thanksgiving Kids Table Activities to Keep Them Busy While You Cook
Keep them happy—and out of the kitchen!
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When Thanksgiving day arrives there is no doubt that you will to have your fill of all the turkey and pumpkin pie you can eat. But while the feasting (plus all the prep that goes into getting that sumptuous spread on the table!) is the holiday's main event we all know that the little ones can get bored at a dinner table (and during dinner prep) quite quickly.
So with grown-up time in mind, we have rounded up a selection of Thanksgiving activities for kids that are sure to keep them busy while also 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 entertaining and full of joy! A napkin folded into the shape of the pumpkin will put a smile on everyone's face. While using butcher paper to cover the table and setting out a selection of coloring pencils will create loads of table-time entertainment. Plus after they are done your table and home will be more festively decorated for the holiday. And many of these ideas you can pull out in future years to bring back memories.
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.
Pumpkin Napkin
Have the little help fold pumpkin napkins to set a festive, seasonal table.
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.
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.
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.
Kids can create fall leaf suncatchers with this fun and easy craft. It's an easy, colorful way to add a festive fall touch to windows.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
UnplannedWhimsy Turkey Banner Craft Kit
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.
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.
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 these placemats instead—and get ready to make your littlest guests really, really happy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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