Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, family, and fun! But what happens after the delicious meal and heartfelt conversations? Well, it’s time to break out the games and laughter! Whether you’re a family of five or a clan of twenty, these 12 fun and festive family games thanksgiving day ideas are sure to bring everyone together for a memorable Thanksgiving Day.
So, gather ’round the table, put down your forks, and get ready for some good old-fashioned family fun!
Thanksgiving Games for All Ages
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the fun! Gather your family and friends for a day of laughter and good cheer with these engaging family games thanksgiving day ideas.
1. Classic Game: Charades
Give the classic game of Charades a Thanksgiving twist! Act out Thanksgiving-themed words and phrases, from “gobble gobble” to “pumpkin pie slices.” This simple yet hilarious game is a great way to get everyone involved, regardless of age.
2. Scavenger Hunt
Embark on a Thanksgiving treasure hunt! Hide clues around your home or backyard that lead to a delicious prize, like a homemade pie or a special Thanksgiving treat.
You can even create a Thanksgiving-themed story to accompany the clues, making it a truly memorable experience.
Creative Activities for Kids
Keep the little ones entertained at the kids’ table and engaged with these fun and festive Thanksgiving crafts.
According to High Point Federal Credit Union, “If you’re hosting families with children, create a kid-friendly area with games, coloring books, and activities to keep the little ones engaged. This way, parents can enjoy the meal without worrying about bored and restless kids. You can also offer kid-friendly menu options like fries and chicken nuggets to keep guests of all ages happy and well-fed.”
3. Make-A-Turkey Crafts
Let your child’s imagination soar with a DIY turkey craft station! Provide a variety of materials like construction paper, googly eyes, feathers, and markers. They can create a unique turkey, adding their own personal touch.
4. Handprint Leaf Turkey
A simple yet adorable craft, the handprint leaf turkey is perfect for little hands. Trace your child’s handprint on construction paper and transform it into a colorful turkey. Add some leaf-shaped cutouts and a few googly eyes to complete the look.
Active Games for Turkey Day
Get your whole family moving and grooving with these active family games thanksgiving day ideas:
5. Classic Sack Race
A timeless favorite, the sack race is a hilarious way to get everyone moving. Use brown paper bags or burlap sacks and have participants hop to the finish line. Set up a festive course with obstacles like cones or pumpkins to add an extra challenge.
6. Turkey Leg Wrap
Transform your guests into hilarious turkeys with this silly Thanksgiving game! Divide into teams and race to wrap a team member in brown burlap or streamers to create the “turkey legs” effect. The first team to fully wrap their “turkey” wins!
Word Games and Trivia
Challenge your mind and have some fun with these engaging word games and trivia:
7. Thanksgiving Word Search
A classic word game, the Thanksgiving word search is a great way to keep kids and adults entertained. Create a grid of letters and hide words related to Thanksgiving, such as “turkey,” “pumpkin,” “pilgrim,” and “gratitude.” You can even add a challenge by incorporating Thanksgiving-themed riddles or clues.
8. Thanksgiving Trivia Game Cards
Test your knowledge of history and traditions with a fun trivia family games thanksgiving day. Create a deck of cards with questions like:
– What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?
– Who was the Native American leader who helped the Pilgrims?
– What is the traditional Thanksgiving dessert?
– In what year was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
You can also include visual trivia questions, such as identifying historical figures or Thanksgiving symbols.
Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Incorporate these fun ideas into your Thanksgiving dinner to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
9. DIY Place Settings
Add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table with DIY place settings. Set up a craft station with materials like construction paper, markers, glue, and various decorations like candy corn. Let your guests, especially kids, design their own placemats, name cards, or napkin rings. This is a fun and creative way to involve everyone in the table-setting process.
10. Thanksgiving Dinner Conversation Starters
Keep the conversation flowing at your Thanksgiving dinner with a set of thought-provoking questions. You can write them on cards and place them on the table, or simply ask them aloud. Here are a few ideas:
– What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
– What are you most grateful for this year?
– If you could invite anyone, living or dead, to Thanksgiving dinner, who would it be?
– What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
– What is a unique Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
Other Ideas for a Fun Thanksgiving
You can also go for these other miscellaneous family games thanksgiving day ideas:
11. DIY Escape Room Kit
Turn your Thanksgiving gathering into a thrilling adventure with a DIY escape room! Create a series of puzzles, riddles, and codes that lead to a final prize, such as a special dessert or a family game night.
You can hide clues around your home or create a dedicated escape room space. This is a great way to spark creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
12. “Would You Rather” Questions
A classic game of “Would You Rather” can be a fun and engaging way to spark conversation and laughter. Create a list of Thanksgiving-themed version of questions, such as:
– Would you rather have a never-ending supply of mashed potatoes or stuffing?
– Would you rather be a pilgrim or a Native American for a day?
– Would you rather have a Thanksgiving feast in a cabin in the woods or a cozy home?
– Would you rather have a Thanksgiving dinner cooked by a famous chef or your grandma?
As a bonus, if you want something that is still exciting but will not require much movement, you can go with the good old Thanksgiving-themed bingo! Thanksgiving bingo is exactly what it sounds like – a bingo riddled with things that embody the Thanksgiving spirit. Just a few rounds of this will surely entertain the whole family.
Finding the Fun in Thanksgiving without Breaking the Bank
Enjoying family games thanksgiving day doesn’t have to be an expensive affair to be memorable.
By focusing on quality time, simple pleasures, and creative DIY projects, you can enjoy a heartwarming holiday without straining your budget.
Simple Pleasures
Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from the simplest things. Enjoying a cozy evening at home, sharing stories, and laying out some board games to play can be just as fulfilling as a grand celebration.
DIY Decorations
Get creative with DIY decorations. Use natural materials like leaves, pine cones, and berries to create beautiful centerpieces and table settings. You can also involve the kids in making paper crafts or painting pumpkins.
Home-Cooked Feast
A home-cooked meal is often more satisfying than a restaurant meal. Focus on a few key dishes that you can prepare yourself, and consider asking guests to bring a side dish or dessert.
According to Houma Today, “Resist the urge (if you have it) to use disposable plates, cups, utensils and glasses. If you don’t have enough silverware or other dinnerware for everyone who will be joining you, ask a guest to bring some to supplement what you have on hand.”
Community and Giving Back
Volunteering at a local food bank or shelter can be a rewarding way to give back to your community and spread the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Mindful Spending
Be mindful of your spending habits. Create a budget for your Thanksgiving celebration and stick to it. Consider using coupons, shopping for deals, and buying in bulk to save money.
According to MoneyFit, “Once you’ve planned your menu, you’ll know what to grab when shopping. However, before you drive to the grocery store, compare prices. You have two options when shopping around for bargains. You can drive around or check prices online. We recommend the latter because it will save you gas money.”
By prioritizing quality time, simple pleasures, and creative DIY projects, you can enjoy a heartwarming and affordable Thanksgiving.
To Wrap Up on Family Games Thanksgiving Day Ideas
With these 12 fun-filled ideas for family games Thanksgiving Day is sure to be a hit! Remember, the most important ingredient for a great holiday is spending quality time with loved ones. So, put away your phones, turn off the TV, and dive into these games.
Laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories await! Happy Thanksgiving!
Frequently Asked Questions
What game is played during Thanksgiving?
Charades with a Thanksgiving twist is a popular game. Players act out Thanksgiving-themed words or phrases like “gobble gobble” and “pumpkin pie slices,” making it a fun and interactive way for everyone to join in, regardless of age. Other games include Thanksgiving-themed Scavenger Hunts, Sack Races, and Word Searches, all of which can add excitement to the holiday.
How to make Thanksgiving fun for adults?
To keep adults entertained, you can set up Thanksgiving Trivia Game Cards or create a DIY Escape Room Kit with puzzles and clues. These options allow adults to engage in friendly competition, problem-solving, and team-building. Conversation starters and “Would You Rather” questions with Thanksgiving themes can also spark meaningful discussions and laughter, adding to the holiday’s fun atmosphere.
How can we keep kids entertained during Thanksgiving dinner?
Setting up a kid-friendly area with Make-A-Turkey Crafts, Handprint Leaf Turkeys, or a Thanksgiving word search can keep little ones engaged and entertained while adults enjoy the meal.
What are some affordable ways to make Thanksgiving memorable without overspending?
Focusing on DIY decorations, homemade meals, and family games like bingo or “Would You Rather” questions can create a festive atmosphere without a large expense.
