Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious meals, and most importantly, family togetherness. While the turkey roasts and the pies bake, why not add an extra layer of fun to the holiday with games that everyone can enjoy? From toddlers to grandparents, here’s a curated list of Thanksgiving games that promise laughter, bonding, and memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into these engaging activities, each with detailed instructions to get your family ready for a day filled with joy.
1. Turkey Tag
This lively outdoor game is perfect for burning off some of that Thanksgiving feast!
What You Need: Colored cloth or bandanas to represent “tail feathers.”
How to Play: Each player tucks a bandana into their waistband, acting as their “tail feather.” The goal is to protect your feather while trying to steal others’. The last person with their feather intact wins.
Why It’s Fun: It’s fast-paced and gets everyone moving, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
2. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Put your artistic skills to the test with a Thanksgiving-themed version of Pictionary.
What You Need: Paper, markers, and a timer.
How to Play: Write Thanksgiving-related words (e.g., turkey, pumpkin pie, gratitude) on slips of paper. Players take turns drawing while their team guesses within a set time limit.
Why It’s Fun: This game sparks creativity and hilarious moments when drawings go awry.
3. Pumpkin Bowling
Turn your backyard into a bowling alley with this seasonal twist.
What You Need: Mini pumpkins and empty water bottles.
How to Play: Set up the bottles as bowling pins and use the pumpkins as bowling balls. Players take turns rolling the pumpkins to knock down the pins.
Why It’s Fun: It’s simple, requires minimal setup, and is a great way to entertain younger children.
4. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Encourage everyone to reflect on their blessings with this thoughtful game.
What You Need: A list of items or ideas related to gratitude (e.g., find something that makes you happy, something that smells good).
How to Play: Divide into teams and search for items that match the prompts. Share findings with the group.
Why It’s Fun: This game is meaningful and helps everyone appreciate the little things.
5. Turkey Trot Obstacle Course
Combine fitness and fun with this playful challenge.
What You Need: Household items like cones, hula hoops, and chairs.
How to Play: Create an obstacle course and have participants “waddle” through it like turkeys. Time each player to see who’s the fastest.
Why It’s Fun: The silly movements will have everyone in stitches, and it’s a great way to work up an appetite.
6. Thanksgiving Bingo
Classic bingo gets a festive makeover.
What You Need: Printable Thanksgiving-themed bingo cards and markers.
How to Play: Play just like traditional bingo, but with holiday-themed pictures or words. First to get a row shouts “Gobble Gobble!”
Why It’s Fun: Easy for all ages and provides a bit of quiet entertainment.
7. Family Trivia
Test everyone’s knowledge about your family’s history and Thanksgiving traditions.
What You Need: A list of trivia questions.
How to Play: Prepare questions ranging from “Who makes the best pumpkin pie?” to “What year did we start hosting Thanksgiving dinner?” The person with the most correct answers wins.
Why It’s Fun: It’s a heartwarming way to revisit family memories.
8. Pin the Tail on the Turkey
A Thanksgiving twist on the classic party game.
What You Need: A large turkey poster and paper feathers with tape.
How to Play: Blindfold players and have them attempt to pin the feather closest to the turkey’s tail.
Why It’s Fun: Kids love the challenge, and it’s entertaining for onlookers too.
9. Stuff the Turkey
This game combines speed and strategy.
What You Need: A large cardboard cutout of a turkey with an open “mouth” and small beanbags.
How to Play: Players have a set time to throw as many beanbags as possible into the turkey’s mouth.
Why It’s Fun: The competitive element keeps everyone engaged.
10. Leaf Pile Relay
Make use of those autumn leaves in your yard.
What You Need: Rakes and a pile of leaves.
How to Play: Divide into teams and race to create the biggest leaf pile within a time limit. Bonus points for creativity!
Why It’s Fun: It’s active, seasonal, and provides a good excuse to clean up the yard.
11. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
A creative twist on the classic game.
What You Need: A large board (chalk on pavement works) and mini pumpkins in two different colors.
How to Play: Play as you would regular tic-tac-toe, but with pumpkins as markers.
Why It’s Fun: It’s visually appealing and perfect for young children.
12. Pass the Pumpkin
This game is a Thanksgiving version of Hot Potato.
What You Need: A small pumpkin and music.
How to Play: Sit in a circle and pass the pumpkin while the music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the pumpkin is out.
Why It’s Fun: The suspense and music keep everyone entertained.
13. Thanksgiving Charades
Act out Thanksgiving-related themes for a game night full of laughter.
What You Need: Slips of paper with themes or actions.
How to Play: One player acts out the word while their team guesses. No speaking allowed!
Why It’s Fun: Perfect for sparking hilarious performances.
14. Apple Stack Challenge
Test your balancing skills with this fun activity.
What You Need: Apples.
How to Play: Players take turns stacking apples. The highest stack that stands for 10 seconds wins.
Why It’s Fun: It’s a simple yet challenging game that even young kids can try.
15. Pie Eating Contest
End the day with a sweet and messy game.
What You Need: Mini pies and napkins.
How to Play: Contestants race to finish their pie without using their hands. First to finish wins.
Why It’s Fun: This is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, with lots of laughter and a bit of indulgence.
By incorporating these games into your Thanksgiving celebration, you’re sure to create a day that’s as memorable as it is fun. Each activity brings something unique to the table, ensuring everyone, from the youngest cousin to the wisest grandparent, has a reason to smile. So, gather your loved ones, get your game supplies ready, and let the festivities begin. Happy Thanksgiving!
And don’t forget, Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to dress your little ones in the cutest outfits! At PatPat, we offer an adorable range of kids’ clothing, toddler clothing, and kids shoes that combine style, comfort, and affordability. From festive dresses to cozy sweaters and matching family outfits, we have everything you need to make your holiday picture-perfect.
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