10 Fun Thanksgiving Activities To Keep Everyone Happy All Day Long
Here are some fun ideas to entertain every age group from morning until evening, plus six family film recommendations and tips for creating your own traditions without the stress.
Thanksgiving revolves around the three Fs: family, food, and fun. (Or friends if you’re doing Friendsgiving!)
The turkey might be the star, but keeping everyone entertained throughout the day? That’s what makes or breaks the celebration.
This post may contain affiliate links.Privacy Policy. Follow us on PINTEREST
You need activities for while the bird’s roasting. Something to do after everyone’s stuffed. And ideally, ideas that work for your five-year-old nephew AND your seventy-year-old mum.
These ten activities cover morning energy-burners through to evening wind-down options. No matter your gathering size, you’ll have something ready to go.
Morning Motivators
1. Treat Making Challenge
Do this on Thanksgiving morning Thanksgiving (or do it the day before rather than competing for kitchen space on the big day).
It’s perfect for houseguests staying over. Challenge everyone to make something Thanksgiving-themed, then award prizes (or just enjoy eating everything).
Use my roundup of the cutest, easy to make (many are no-bake) Thanksgiving Treats.
2. Turkey Trot Family Run
Start Thanksgiving morning with a family-friendly Turkey Trot. This is basically a light run or walk (usually 5K or less) that gets everyone moving before the feast.
Everyone can participate at their own pace – walking, jogging, or running.
The best part? You can make it competitive with small prizes.
Want to go all out? Tell everyone to bring turkey hats (how cute is this one?!) or festive gear. It’s silly and fun, which is exactly the point.
3. DIY Thanksgiving Parade
Can’t make it to watch the big parade? Create your own version at home.
Kids can make “floats” using toy cars or wagons. Then parade them around the living room (or garden if weather permits).
It’s chaotic in the best possible way.
Keeping Hands Busy During Meal Prep
4. Thanksgiving Craft Station
This isn’t just for kids. Craft stations are brilliant for getting different generations chatting together.
Use my roundup of the cutest Thanksgiving crafts for kids to make (adults can join in too!) to find a project that works.
The real win? Little hands stay busy while you focus on cooking without constant interruptions.
5. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Challenge your family and guests to a scavenger hunt with a Thanksgiving flavour. The first to find all the items on the hunt list wins a prize!
Grab Our Free Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Pop your email address in the form at the end of this post and it’ll be in your inbox before you know it.
After-Dinner Activities
6. Family Gratitude Circle
Once everyone’s finished eating, gather for a gratitude circle. Each person shares something they’re thankful for.
Here’s a sweet twist: Give everyone small cards to write their thoughts down first. Then take a group photo of everyone holding their cards.
You’ll have a lovely keepsake, and it embraces the actual spirit of the day.
Maybe provide a snack and treat laden Thanksgiving Themed Charcuterie Board for everyone to graze on as they give gratitude.
7. Thanksgiving Photo Booth
It’s easy to forget taking photos when you’re caught up in the day.
Set up a designated photo zone with autumnal decorations. Provide props like turkey or pilgrim hats.
You’ll end up with an album’s worth of happy memories without having to chase people around with your camera.
8. Family Game Time
Pull out charades, board games, or Thanksgiving trivia. There’s genuinely something for every age group here.
If you’re hosting adults in the evening, consider games specifically designed for grown-ups.
Want ready-made games? I’ve created a bundle of 11 family-friendly Thanksgiving games that you can grab in my shop.
The bundle includes:
- Thanksgiving A-Z Race – Gratitude Words
- Thanksgiving Scattergories x 2
- Thanksgiving Word Scramble
- Thanksgiving Trivia Game – Fact Or Fiction
- Thanksgiving What’s On Your Phone?
- Thanksgiving Word Search
- Thanksgiving Charades
- Thanksgiving Candy Dice
- Thanksgiving This Or That
- Thanksgiving Find Someone Who
There’s a mix of games that will keep all ages entertained throughout the day.
Outdoor Fun (Weather Permitting)
9. Pumpkin Bowling
Use mini pumpkins as bowling balls and tins or bottles as pins.
It’s quirky enough to get everyone laughing, and works for any age. Plus, you can play this in your garden or even a large living room.
Evening Wind-Down
10. Cosy Up For A Movie
Set up a cosy film session with blankets, popcorn, and a hot drink station.
Here are five family-friendly options:
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (All Ages) – A timeless classic about friendship and gratitude, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
- Free Birds (Ages 5+) – An animated adventure where turkeys try to change Thanksgiving history, offering lots of laughs and action for the family.
- The Blind Side (Ages 10+) – A heartwarming true story of kindness, compassion, and family, making it a touching watch for the holidays.
- Coco (Ages 7+) – A colourful, musical journey that highlights the importance of family and traditions, making it a meaningful holiday watch.
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Teens and Adults) – A hilarious film about two men trying to get home for Thanksgiving, ideal for older audiences with some mature humour.
Creating Your Own Traditions
Thanksgiving works best when it feels right for your family.
You don’t need to use every idea here. Pick what suits your group and your space.
The goal is togetherness and enjoying time with your favourite people. Whether you’re starting new traditions or adding to existing ones, these activities give you options for every moment of the day.
Your Thanksgiving, your way.
Grab Your Free Scavenger Hunt
You can get your free printable right here: Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Pin to save:
Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. The site is full of useful and fun ideas for life and seasonal celebrations. Plus a growing selection of instantly downloadable fun printables and party planners. Read more.