25 Thanksgiving Kids Activities for 2025

The family gathered, warm food on the table, everyone relaxed. But if you have kids, you know the reality looks different. 

They get restless fast, the kitchen turns into chaos, and you try to cook while little hands tug at you every five minutes. 

They are not trying to be difficult. They are bored. If you have wished for a way to keep them happy without turning your house upside down.

You are in the right place. You can finish cooking, enjoy time with your guests and still make the day special for them too.

How Do You Entertain Kids on Thanksgiving?

When they have something fun to do, they are less likely to wander into the kitchen or get restless at the table. 

Set up a small kids zone where they can play or create without your help. A corner with a table, crayons, coloring pages, or simple craft supplies can buy you real cooking time.

You can also make them feel part of the day by giving them simple jobs. Ask them to set the kids table, hand out napkins, or decorate name cards. 

When kids have a role, they stay focused and feel proud of what they did. If you are hosting a big group, group activities work even better. 

Try a scavenger hunt, bingo, or a gratitude jar to keep them engaged and talking to each other, not glued to screens.

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Thanksgiving Kids’ Table Setup

Place it near the main dining area so you can keep an eye on them. Use placemats and small favors. 

Warm overhead light makes the banner. It is festive, easy to clean, and great for keeping kids busy. 

A themed kids table makes little guests feel included and gives them their own space. Keep it fun and simple.

Feathered Friends Craft

This little craft is a perfect hands-on activity for kids. Set it up on a craft table or in a covered corner of the kitchen. 

Paint a wood slice, glue on feathers, add googly eyes, and let kids make their own Thanksgiving turkeys. 

Bright feather colors pop under warm ambient or string lights, and the finished crafts look cheerful.

Thanksgiving Handprint Art

You need paint, cardstock and a little table space. Kids press painted hands to make simple prints.

Decorate with markers or stickers. Bright natural light or warm indoor light helps the colors pop. Once dry, these become sweet keepsakes or quick wall decor for the day.

Thanksgiving Crayon Station

These themed crayons make coloring feel like part of the celebration. Set up a small coloring corner.

The kids table with printable placemats. The fun shapes of the leaf, pumpkin grab attention. Keep little hands busy. 

Warm ambient light makes the shapes pop. It is a low mess, creative for keeping younger kids entertained.

Feather Craft Station

This setup creates a fun, hands-on corner for kids. Set it on a small craft table where they can gather and create. 

With feathers, paper plates and popsicle sticks, they can make small themed crafts. Great for group crafting 

Warm light keeps the space bright without glare and makes colors pop. It is playful, easy to clean.

Gratitude Wall Display

This is a simple way to add meaning to the fun. Kids write what they are thankful for on colorful feathers.

It works best on a hallway or entryway wall where everyone can see it. Warm light makes the colors feel cozy. 

It is easy to set up, encourages gratitude, and adds a sweet personal touch to the celebration.

Sticker Decorating Game

This activity keeps little hands busy while adults prep. Kids use stickers to dress up with hats, eyes. 

Set it up at a kids craft station. Bright indoor light makes the colors pop and helps them see details. 

It is a low mess, easy to clean up, and lets each child create a funny turkey design.

Dress-Up Parade Fun

Turning kids into little turkeys is a sure way to spark laughter. This works best outdoors on a playground.

They can move freely. With paper bags and simple cutouts, each child can make a costume in minutes. 

Natural daylight makes the colors pop and gives the activity a festive feel. It is easy, budget friendly.

Thanksgiving Counting Game Station

Kids match colorful pom poms and gems to the number on each card, building counting skills without noticing. 

Set it on a low table and play mat where kids can sit together. Bright, even light helps them see colors clearly. 

Kids’ Thanksgiving Activity Table

This setup keeps little hands busy. Place it on a side table with mini pumpkins, small toys, and coloring sheets. 

Add crayons and simple gratitude prompts to make it feel special. Bright overhead light keeps everything visible. 

Stamp Art Craft

This activity is great for toddlers and preschoolers who love hands-on fun. Kids stamp fall colors onto paper.

Sponges or textured materials, then add a simple cutout on top. Set it up on a protected craft table.

Bright natural light makes the colors pop. It is quick to set up, easy to clean and perfect for displaying on walls.

Mask Coloring Station

This activity mixes creativity and play. Set it up on a long table with printable masks and simple craft supplies. 

Kids color and decorate their masks. Wear them for games. Soft string lights and warm indoor light.

Make the setup feel cozy. It is easy to prep, keeps kids focused and turns their artwork into something they can wear.

DIY Thanksgiving Craft Kit

This grab-and-go kit makes setup easy. Each bundle includes simple craft supplies like crayons, balloons.

Place them at the kids table or hand them out as party favors. Bright indoor light keeps everything visible.

Fall Painting Activity

Painting turkey printouts keeps kids focused and creative. Set it up on a small table with washable paints and brushes for quick, easy cleanup. 

Warm, even light helps them see colors clearly. It is calm, hands on, and ideal for keeping kids engaged while adults finish the meal or set the table.

Thanksgiving Craft Workshop

This group craft station is perfect for classrooms and big family gatherings. Set up a long table with colored paper.

Pre-cut shapes can join everyone without waiting. Bright overhead light keeps the area well lit and easy to work in. 

It is social, hands on, and lets kids create something personal while working side by side with friends.

Shape & Color Matching Game

This activity is great for toddlers and preschoolers learning colors . Tape a sunny window so natural light shines through the feathers. 

Kids match each colored feather to the right spot, building focus and coordination. Daylight creates a bright stained glass.

Thankful Wall Station

This giant turkey backdrop turns gratitude into a centerpiece. Place it on a main wall where kids can add notes.

Drawings about what they are thankful for. Warm light helps the bold design and banner stand out. 

It is a low effort to set up, encourages reflection, and creates a sweet visual reminder of the holiday’s meaning.

Festive Photo Frame Craft

This idea adds a personal touch to Thanksgiving decor. Kids decorate frames with colorful paper feathers.

Place a family photo in the center. Set it up on a craft table with plenty of space to spread out supplies. 

Warm indoor light brings out the bright fall colors. It is a sweet keepsake that also doubles as festive table decor.

Thankful Tree Activity

This wall tree turns gratitude into something fun. Kids write what they are thankful for on paper leaves.

Stick them on the branches. Place it on a hallway or living room wall where everyone can see it all day. 

Warm indoor light makes the colors feel inviting. It is meaningful and a great way to get kids talking about thankfulness.

Thanksgiving Hat Coloring Activity

This simple activity is great for younger kids who love to color. Set up a small table with a pilgrim hat.

Printouts and crayons, giving each child their own sheet. Place it in a well lit area so they can focus on the details. 

It is calm, easy to set up, and keeps kids engaged with little supervision perfect for busy prep hours.

Gratitude Stick Game

This game makes sharing thankfulness fun and interactive. Each stick color matches a prompt, like naming. 

Use it in a kids activity corner where everyone can take turns. Warm indoor light creates a cozy vibe. 

It is simple to set up, sparks meaningful talks, and gets kids engaged with the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Fall Coloring Station

This simple station keeps kids entertained while adults prep or chat. Set out fall themed coloring sheets.

Plenty of crayons. Place a small table near the dining area so kids can color while staying part of the celebration. 

Warm light makes colors look vibrant. It is easy to set up, quiet, and perfect for kids of all ages.

Thanksgiving Activity Placemats

Printable placemats keep kids busy at the table with no extra setup. Use them during dinner prep. 

Everyone eats, with puzzles, coloring, and word games to focus on. Place one at each seat with crayons. 

Warm overhead light makes the black and white designs easy to see. It is easy, neat, and helps keep the table calm.

Veggie Character Craft

This playful activity turns simple veggies into funny characters kids will love. Add googly eyes, felt pieces.

Pom poms to give each vegetable a personality. Set it up on a covered craft table with plenty of space.

Bright overhead light highlights the colors and details. It is easy to set up, encourages creativity, and makes fun.

Thanksgiving Craft Mix Station

This setup blends several easy, hands-on crafts kids can enjoy at once. Offer turkey pudding cups, handprint turkeys, letter stamping.

Feather crowns, each with minimal prep. Use a large craft table with clear sections for each project. 

Warm, even light keeps everything bright and inviting. It is perfect for mixed age groups and lets kids pick the activity they like most.

FAQs

What is the best theme for Thanksgiving?

The best Thanksgiving theme is one that feels warm, fun, and easy to bring to life. Classic fall colors orange, gold, and brown create a cozy setting.

Themes like “Gratitude Gathering” or “Rustic Farmhouse” keep it timeless. For families with kids, leaf décor.

A kid-friendly table makes the day feel extra special. The key is choosing a theme that matches your space, not overcomplicating it.

How to make Thanksgiving unique?

To make Thanksgiving stand out, focus on personal touches that reflect your family’s style. Add a gratitude wall, set up interactive kids’ stations and use DIY crafts as décor.

Little details like personalized place cards, homemade games and a cozy lighting setup make the celebration feel memorable without adding stress.

Mixing tradition with a few creative twists turns an ordinary dinner into a warm, meaningful gathering.

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