These are the best 25 fun Thanksgiving activities for families that are sure to make this Thanksgiving the most memorable one yet! These are 25 fun Thanksgiving activities for families that every parent should know about.
Experiencing fun Thanksgiving activities is such a big deal, so you want to make sure you have the absolute best fun Thanksgiving activities planned for all the people in your life! It’s so much fun to spend time with the ones you love while also engaging in fun Thanksgiving activities.
It feels like Thanksgiving was not too long ago, and now it’s here again. These are some of my very favorite fun Thanksgiving activities. Your family will be obsessed with these Thanksgiving activities for families. Plus, you will read about Thanksgiving activities for adults, creative Thanksgiving ideas and there is even Thanksgiving activities for students!This post is all about fun Thanksgiving activities:
Fun Thanksgiving Activities
1. Have a themed dinner party
If you’re looking to add a little more fun to your Thanksgiving celebration, why not throw a themed party?
There are lots of different options to choose from, so you can tailor the party to fit your own interests and preferences.
Some popular Thanksgiving-themed party ideas include:
• A feast with a traditional Thanksgiving menu
• A harvest party with autumnal decorations and foods
• A Friendsgiving celebration with a potluck dinner
• A themed scavenger hunt or other party game
No matter what theme you choose, make sure to set the scene with plenty of festive decorations and let your guests know what the theme is ahead of time so they can come dressed accordingly. And of course, don’t forget the turkey!
2. Make a Thanksgiving feast in your slow cooker
If you’re looking for a hands-off way to prepare your Thanksgiving feast this year, consider using your slow cooker. There are tons of delicious recipes that can be made in a slow cooker, so you’re sure to find one that fits your tastes.
Some of our favorite slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes include:
• Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Quinoa and Black Bean Stew
With a little bit of preparation ahead of time, you can easily have a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it!
3. Have a Thanksgiving movie marathon
Thanksgiving is the perfect time for a movie marathon! gather your friends and family together for an afternoon or evening of watching your favorite Thanksgiving-themed films.
Some of our recommendations include:
• Elf
• Home Alone
• The Holiday
• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
• Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Whether you’re looking for funny, heartwarming, or just downright silly movies to watch on Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered. So grab some snacks and get ready for a festive movie marathon!
4. Make a thankful tree
A thankful tree is a fun way to get everyone in your family involved in the Thanksgiving celebration. All you need is a piece of paper, some markers or crayons, and some creativity.
The idea is simple – each person in your family writes down something they’re grateful for on individual leaves, then attaches them to a tree (real or virtual). You can either come up with your own design for the tree or use one of the many free templates available online. This is a great activity to do together as a family – it’s simple, fun, and everyone gets to share what they’re grateful for.
5. Have a pumpkin carving contest
Pumpkin carving is a classic Thanksgiving activity, and it’s one that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to bond with your kids or just want to show off your creative skills, a pumpkin carving contest is the perfect solution.
To make things even more fun, you can set up a voting system so that everyone gets to vote for their favorite pumpkin. The winner gets a prize, and everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labor!
6. Go on a hayride
Hayrides are a great way to get outside and enjoy the autumn weather. If you’re lucky enough to live near a farm that offers hayrides, take advantage of it! This is a fun activity for both kids and adults, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the fall scenery.
7. Make Thanksgiving-themed crafts
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get crafty! There are tons of different crafts you can make, from turkey handprint art to thankful trees. These crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained, and they also make for beautiful Thanksgiving decorations.
8. Have a picnic
If the weather is nice, why not have a Thanksgiving picnic? This is a great activity for families with kids, and it’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. Just make sure to pack plenty of Thanksgiving-themed snacks!
9. Go on a nature walk
Nature walks are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the autumn scenery. If you live near a park or forest, take advantage of it! This is also a great opportunity to teach kids about the changing of the seasons.
10. Decorate your home with autumn leaves
Decorating your home with autumn leaves is a simple and affordable way to add some festive cheer to your surroundings. All you need is a few bunches of leaves, some string or ribbon, and a creative eye.
Here are a few ideas for using autumn leaves to decorate your home:
• Hang leaves from the ceiling or rafters with ribbon or string.
• Make a wreath out of leaves and hang it on your door.
• Stick leaves to windows or mirrors with adhesive tape.
• Put a bunch of leaves in a vase or jar and use them as a centerpiece on your dining table.
With just a little bit of effort, you can turn your home into a cozy autumn oasis.
11. Make a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids entertained, and they can be easily customized to fit any holiday or theme. For a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt, hide small items around your house or yard that have to do with the holiday (e.g., a small pumpkin, a turkey figurine, etc.). The person who finds the most items wins the game!
12. Have a virtual Thanksgiving dinner
If you can’t be with your family or friends in person this Thanksgiving, have a virtual dinner instead! Set up a video call using Skype or another program, and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal together. You can even make it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish to the virtual feast.
13. Bake pies together
There are endless possibilities when it comes to Thanksgiving pies, but here are a few of our favorites:
1. Pumpkin pie
2. Apple pie
3. Cranberry pie
4. Sweet potato pie
5. Pecan pie
No matter which pies you choose to bake, they’re sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner!
14. Visit a pumpkin patch
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving, why not visit a pumpkin patch? This is a great activity for families with kids, and it’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. You can pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve, and you can also enjoy some delicious pumpkin pie!
15. Make Thanksgiving-themed crafts
There are endless possibilities when it comes to Thanksgiving crafts, but here are a few of our favorites:
1. Turkey handprint art
2. Thankful trees
3. Pilgrim hats
4. Cornucopias
5. Thanksgiving banners
6. Decorated pine cones
7. Thanksgiving wreaths
8. Turkey suncatchers
9. Paper plate turkeys
These crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained, and they also make for beautiful Thanksgiving decorations. So get creative and have fun!
16. Have a bonfire
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving, why not have a bonfire? You can roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and enjoy the warm glow of the fire. Just be sure to stay safe and supervise the fire at all times.
17. Go on a nature hike and look for signs of autumn
One of the best ways to enjoy Thanksgiving is by spending time outdoors, and what better way to do that than by going on a nature walk? Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but you can also look for signs of autumn. Here are a few tips for identifying autumn in nature:
1. Look for changes in the color of the leaves. In most cases, the leaves will start to change color in late September or early October.
2. Look for falling leaves. Once the leaves have changed color, they will start to fall off the trees.
3. Look for changes in the texture of the leaves. The leaves will become drier and crisper as they start to die off.
4. Look for changes in the shape of the leaves. The leaves will start to curl up and wither away as they die off.
5. Listen for the sound of falling leaves. The leaves will make a rustling noise as they fall from the trees.
6. Smell the air for hints of autumn. The air will smell earthier and more fragrant as autumn approaches.
7. Feel the ground for changes in temperature and moisture levels. The ground will be colder and harder in winter, and it will be wetter after rain or snowfall.
18. Make caramel apples
There are endless possibilities when it comes to making caramel apples, but here are a few of our favorites:
1. The classic caramel apple: This is the most basic type of caramel apple, and it’s a favorite for a reason! It’s simple, but delicious.
2. The chocolate-covered caramel apple: For a decadent twist on the classic caramel apple, try coating it in chocolate!
3. The nutty caramel apple: If you love nuts, you’ll love this nutty caramel apple recipe. It’s loaded with delicious roasted nuts.
4. The fruity caramel apple: This fruity caramel apple recipe is perfect for those who want a bit of sweetness and tartness in their caramel apples.
5. The festive caramel apple: Add a bit of festivity to your Thanksgiving feast with this festive caramel apple recipe. It’s decorated with colorful candy sprinkles.
19. Go apple picking
Apple picking is a fun fall activity that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great way to get some exercise, and you can also stock up on delicious apples for Thanksgiving. Here are a few tips for making the most of your apple picking trip:
1. Go with a friend or family member. It’s more fun to go apple picking with someone, and it’s also a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones.
2. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
3. Bring a picnic lunch. There’s nothing better than a picnic lunch in the apple orchard! Pack some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, and enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors.
4. Stay hydrated. It can be easy to forget to drink water when you’re out picking apples, but it’s important to stay hydrated on hot days.
5. Enjoy some apple cider or apple pie. Once you’ve picked your apples, it’s time to enjoy some delicious apple cider or apple pie!
19. Make a Thanksgiving Day scrapbook
One of the best ways to enjoy Thanksgiving is by spending time with family and friends, and what better way to commemorate that time than by creating a Thanksgiving Day scrapbook? Here are a few ideas for what to include in your scrapbook:
1. Photos of you and your loved ones celebrating Thanksgiving.
2. Photos of the Thanksgiving feast.
3. Photos of you and your loved ones playing games or other Thanksgiving-themed activities.
4. Memorable quotes or sayings about Thanksgiving.
5. Newspaper clippings or articles about Thanksgiving.
6. Images of fall leaves, decorations, and other autumnal scenes.
20. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen
Volunteering at a soup kitchen around Thanksgiving is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. It’s a fun way to spend Thanksgiving Day, and you can feel good knowing that you’re helping others.
21. Collect canned goods for a food drive
One of the best ways to help those in need around Thanksgiving is by collecting canned goods for a food drive. This is a great way to give back to your community, and it’s also a great way to stock up on Thanksgiving food donations. Here are a few ideas for what to collect for your canned food drive:
1. Canned fruits and vegetables.
2. Canned soups and stews.
3. Canned meat and fish.
4. Canned fruits and vegetables.
5. Canned juices and drinks.
6. Canned desserts and snacks.
7. Canned pasta dishes.
22. Read Thanksgiving-themed books together
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food, and what better way to celebrate than by reading Thanksgiving-themed books together? Here are a few of our favorites:
1. The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh. This Caldecott Medal-winning book tells the story of the first Thanksgiving, from the arrival of the Pilgrims to the feast they shared with the Native Americans.
2. Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Devlin. This fun Thanksgiving story follows a family as they prepare for their Thanksgiving feast.
3. Turkey Trouble by Jean Craighead George. This humorous Thanksgiving story follows Farmer Brown as he tries to catch his runaway turkey, Tom.
4. Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper. This sweet Thanksgiving story follows a little girl as she helps her grandmother prepare a delicious pumpkin soup for the holiday feast.
5. The Night before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing. This rhyming picture book tells the story of two kids who are excited for Thanksgiving Day but can’t fall asleep because they’re so excited!
23. Write letters to soldiers
It’s important to write letters to soldiers during the holidays because they’re away from their families and friends, and they may not have access to many Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s a nice way to show them that we’re thinking of them, and it’s a great way to brighten their day.
24. Make homemade ice cream
Making homemade ice cream is a fun and easy way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
2. Heat the milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs and continue to cook the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Add the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Serve and enjoy!
25. Make a Thanksgiving Day feast for your pets!
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with your pets, you’ll want to make sure they have a special feast too! Here are a few ideas for pet-friendly Thanksgiving dishes:
1. Turkey – Pets can enjoy turkey just like people do. Just be sure to remove the bones and skin first.
2. Sweet potatoes – These are a healthy and delicious pet food option. You can either bake them or mashed them.
3. Green beans – Another healthy and tasty pet dish. You can either cook them or freeze them raw and give them to your pet later.
4. Rice – Cook up some rice for your pet and top it with some chicken or beef broth for added flavor.
5. Doggy treats – Don’t forget about doggy treats! They’ll love getting a special Thanksgiving treat just for them.
There are endless ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, but these are just a few of our favorites. So get out there and enjoy the holiday! And don’t forget to give thanks for all the blessings in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Other Posts you may like:
HERE’S EXACTLY HOW TO FIX YOUR THANKSGIVING HOME DECOR
25 INSANE THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES TO TRY RIGHT NOW