Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and creating lasting memories. As the holiday season approaches, consider incorporating some family-friendly activities into your Thanksgiving celebration to add an extra layer of joy and togetherness. So, let’s explore seven family-friendly Thanksgiving activities that you and your family will love. These fun and engaging ideas can make this Thanksgiving truly special for your loved ones.

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Whether you are headed outdoors, or you have opted to stay in, a scavenger hunt is just the thing to help add some much-needed fun to your Thanksgiving gathering. Create a list of items related to the Thanksgiving holiday, such as a mini pumpkin, a turkey decoration, or a cornucopia. Next, divide the family into teams, hand out your list of items, and then, watch as the friendly competition unfolds. This not only adds an element of fun but also encourages teamwork and collaboration among family members. A word of caution: Don’t break anything if you decide to play inside the house.

DIY Thanksgiving Crafts

Tap into your creative side by setting up a DIY crafting station for Thanksgiving. And, this craft station doesn’t have to only be for the kiddos. Adults can also join in the fun.

You start by gathering materials for the crafting projects like handprint turkeys, personalized placemats, or gratitude jars. Next, provide everyone with instructions and a demonstration. Then, the crafting fun can begin.

These hands-on activities will not only keeps everyone engaged, but they will also allows each family member to express themselves. The crafts created during this time can become cherished keepsakes, serving as a reminder of the special moments shared on Thanksgiving. So, definitely don’t forget to add a DIY craft activity to your list of seven family-friendly activities for Thanksgiving.

Family Recipe Exchange

Secret recipe sharing time! One of the most important things about family is tradition. And, these don’t just have to be confined to events or places. Family traditions can also include food…namely those special family recipes.

Food is an integral part of Thanksgiving, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing family recipes? Encourage each family member to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish or recipe to exchange. Encourage your family members to bring along their own recipe boxes, recipe cards, and/or recipe binders. This way they can save those favorite family recipes.

Sharing family recipes will not only adds variety to your Thanksgiving feast, but it will also create a sense of connection with family traditions. As you savor each dish, you’ll be sharing not just a meal, but the stories and memories behind the recipes. This makes adding a family recipe exchange a no-brainer for one of the seven family-friendly Thanksgiving activities.

Outdoor Activities

Depending on your location and the weather, consider taking your Thanksgiving celebration outdoors. Plan activities like a family-friendly football or soccer game, a nature walk, or a picnic in a local park. Here in the great state of Mississippi the weather is a little unpredictable, but Thanksgiving is generally mild. So, a few outdoors activities like a family football game can be easily organized. Embracing the outdoors provides a refreshing change of scenery after that large family meal. And, getting outdoors for some family fun will provide an opportunity for the family to bond over shared experiences in nature.

Thanksgiving Movie Marathon

Grab that popcorn! That’s if you still have room in your stomach after that Thanksgiving dinner. Either way, it’s movie time. So, get settled in for a cozy movie marathon. Create a comfortable viewing area with blankets and pillows and select a lineup of family-friendly Thanksgiving movies or animated specials. This laid-back activity offers a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy quality time together, all while indulging in some lighthearted holiday entertainment.

Here are a few suggestions:

Movie Title	Reasons We Love It
1. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”	Nostalgic classic with heartwarming moments, featuring the Peanuts gang celebrating Thanksgiving in their own unique way.
2. “Home for the Holidays”	A relatable and comedic portrayal of a dysfunctional family gathering, highlighting the ups and downs of Thanksgiving.
3. “Free Birds”	A family-friendly animated adventure with turkeys on a time-traveling mission to change the first Thanksgiving feast.
4. “The Blind Side”	Heartwarming film centered around the themes of gratitude and family, making it a perfect Thanksgiving viewing choice.
5. “Hannah and Her Sisters”	Woody Allen’s classic with a Thanksgiving backdrop, exploring complex relationships and family dynamics with humor.
6. “Dutch”	A comedic journey of an unconventional Thanksgiving road trip, showcasing unexpected bonds and lessons along the way.

Which is your favorite? A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is mine followed by Free Birds.

Gratitude Jar

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude, and what better way to do so than through a gratitude jars? Before or after the meal, allow each family member to write down at least 4 things that they are grateful for. Each family member then takes turns reading his/her list. This list is then placed inside of the Gratitude Jar. The Gratitude Jar is then place in a special place and let until next Thanksgiving. During the year, if a person needs to revisit The Gratitude Jar for some encouragement or as a friendly reminder of their blessings then they can. This simple yet powerful activity fosters a sense of appreciation and strengthens the bonds between family members as they share their thoughts and feelings. And, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. Be sure not to leave this activity off of your fun, family-friendly activities for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Give a creative twist to your Thanksgiving celebration with a pumpkin decorating contest. Purchase a variety of pumpkins and provide decorating supplies such as paint, markers, and stickers. Then, challenge your family members to unleash their creativity. Some categories to consider are “Most Creative”, “Funniest”, “Best Design”, and “Best Craftmanship”.

I like to take things up a notch. How? By giving the pumpkin decorating contest a theme. Themes could include book characters, farm animals, Disney characters, or movie characters. This friendly competition adds a colorful and imaginative touch to your Thanksgiving festivities.

As you prepare to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones, consider incorporating these seven family-friendly activities for Thanksgiving to create lasting memories. Whether you’re engaging in a scavenger hunt, crafting together, or sharing recipes, these activities add a special touch to the holiday and strengthen the bonds of family.

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