Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to slow down, make memories, and fill your home with gratitude (and maybe a little glitter). 🍁
As a mom of two daughters — and a big believer in mixing fun with family bonding — I’ve gathered our favorite Thanksgiving activities for kids that keep little hands busy, hearts happy, and your house full of cozy fall vibes.
Whether you’re crafting, baking, or having a family movie marathon, these activities will make this Thanksgiving break magical for everyone — even the grown-ups! 💛
🦃 1. DIY “Thankful Tree”
Supplies: Construction paper, markers, tape, or a small tree branch in a vase
Cut out paper leaves and have everyone write what they’re thankful for each day of break. Hang them on the tree or tape them to a wall for a beautiful family display.
🍂 Mom Tip: Keep it up all season long — it’s a great dinner conversation starter!
🎨 2. Turkey Handprint Crafts
A classic for a reason! Trace little hands, decorate them like turkeys, and write something kind about each family member on the feathers.
🖐️ Affiliate Picks: Fall Craft Kit | Washable Paint Set for Kids
🍪 3. Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating
Bake sugar cookies in leaf, acorn, and turkey shapes. Set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles.
🧡 Mom Hack: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
🍪 Affiliate Pick: Thanksgiving Cookie Cutter Set
📚 4. Fall Storytime Corner
Create a cozy reading nook with blankets and pillows. Read Thanksgiving-themed books or Disney favorites like Coco and Frozen Harvest Festival.
📖 Affiliate Pick: Thanksgiving Picture Book Bundle
🦸♀️ 5. Family Movie Marathon
Queue up kid-friendly favorites for Thanksgiving week:
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Coco
- Frozen II
- Encanto
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (for older kids!)
🍿 Affiliate Pick: Family Movie Night Popcorn Kit
🦴 6. Thanksgiving Dog Parade
If your family includes furry friends like ours 🐶, let the kids dress the dogs in cute fall bandanas and host a backyard “parade.”
🏆 Affiliate Picks: Dog Thanksgiving Bandanas | Pumpkin Dog Treats
🍁 7. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Take the kids outside for a nature walk! Give them a list of items to find — acorns, red leaves, pinecones, and more.
🌳 Mom Tip: Bring a basket and turn the finds into a craft later!
🧁 8. Mini Pumpkin Decorating
Too little for carving knives? No problem! Let the kids paint or sticker their pumpkins instead.
🎃 Affiliate Picks: Pumpkin Paint Kit | Disney Stickers Pack
🧵 9. Gratitude Bracelets
Use beads in autumn colors and let the kids make bracelets for friends and family. Each bead can represent something they’re thankful for.
💛 Affiliate Pick: Bead Kit – Fall Colors
🎲 10. Family Game Night
Turn off the screens and enjoy board games, puzzles, or a Thanksgiving-themed bingo night.
🦃 Affiliate Picks: Family Game Set | Thanksgiving Bingo Printables
🍎 11. Apple Taste Test
Buy a few different apple varieties and have a family “taste test.” Rank your favorites, then bake with the winners!
🥧 Bonus: Use leftovers for mini apple pies or crisp cups.
🎬 12. Disney-Inspired Family Talent Show
Kids can perform songs from their favorite Disney movies, tell jokes, or dance. It’s silly, sweet, and guaranteed to make everyone laugh.
🌟 Mom Tip: Record it — these are the memories you’ll treasure forever.
🍽️ 13. Kids’ Cooking Day
Get your little chefs in the kitchen! Let them help with mashed potatoes, pie filling, or setting the table.
🧑🍳 Affiliate Pick: Kids’ Cooking Apron Set
🦢 14. Volunteer or Donate Together
Teach gratitude by giving back. Deliver canned goods to a food pantry or donate gently used toys.
💛 Mom Lesson: Kids love being helpers — and it turns Thanksgiving into a lesson in kindness.
🌟 15. Family Gratitude Jar
Throughout the week, have everyone write small moments of gratitude on slips of paper. Read them aloud on Thanksgiving night after dinner.
🫶 Affiliate Pick: Gratitude Jar Set with Cards
💛 Final Thoughts from a Thankful Mom
Thanksgiving break is about more than turkey and pie — it’s about slowing down and reconnecting with the people (and pets!) who make life special.
These Thanksgiving activities for kids are easy to plan, full of creativity, and guaranteed to fill your week with joy, laughter, and gratitude.
So grab your craft supplies, pop some popcorn, and make this Thanksgiving a season of thankful fun! 🍂✨
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Pin it to your “Fall Family Fun” board for easy Thanksgiving week ideas!
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