Simple Thanksgiving Games for Kids
The smell of roasted turkey in the air, the sound of cousins laughing down the hall, and the soft clatter of dishes being set for dinner — Thanksgiving is a day built for togetherness.
Between the cooking, catching up, and keeping little hands busy, it helps to have a few Thanksgiving games for kids ready to go. Whether you’re hosting a full-house feast or spending the day cozied up with close family, the right mix of playful, easy-to-set-up games can transform that long wait before dinner into a highlight of the holiday.
From high-energy races in the backyard to cozy craft-time moments by the fireplace, these activities invite laughter, connection, and a little friendly competition — all without adding more to your to-do list. Many of these ideas use simple supplies you already have at home, and a few can be ordered ahead to make setup effortless.
Here’s your guide to the best Thanksgiving games for kids and families — grouped by mood and setting, so you can keep everyone entertained no matter the weather or the size of your guest list.
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Indoor Thanksgiving Games
When the weather turns crisp and the kitchen’s full of good smells, indoor Thanksgiving games keep the day lively without anyone needing to bundle up. These playful ideas work beautifully in a living room, playroom, or even around the dining table while waiting for dessert.
Candy Corn Bowling
Repurpose leftover Halloween candy into a mini bowling alley. Fill small plastic bottles with candy corn and line them up on the floor. Let the kids roll a mini pumpkin or soft ball to knock them down — it’s simple, colorful, and endlessly repeatable. These candy-corn–shaped bottles make setup a breeze if you’d like a themed look.
Thanksgiving Bean Bag Toss
A carnival-style bean bag toss brings festive fun indoors. Set up a Thanksgiving board with turkey or pumpkin targets and assign each a point value. Little ones can practice coordination while older kids compete for bragging rights. Grab a ready-made bean bag toss board to save time on setup.
Pin the Hat on the Turkey
This seasonal twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” always gets giggles. Blindfold each child, spin them gently, and see who can place the pilgrim hat closest to the turkey’s head. It’s quick to prep and perfect for a post-lunch energy boost. Find a printable kit or pre-made game board for easy setup.
Fall Harvest Bingo
Bingo is a classic that never fails. Create or print cards featuring fall icons — pumpkins, acorns, and pies — and use candy corn as markers. The winner gets first dibs on dessert. Here’s a cute fall bingo set that’s great for classrooms or family gatherings.
Turkey Hat Ring Toss
Get everyone laughing with a round of turkey hat ring toss. Kids (or brave adults) wear silly turkey hats while others toss lightweight rings to hook the feathers. It’s pure, goofy fun and makes for great family photos. Find a complete turkey ring toss kit for instant entertainment.
Once the living room laughter dies down, it’s the perfect moment to move the fun outdoors and burn off some energy before dinner is served.
Outdoor & Energy-Burning Thanksgiving Games
When the sun’s shining and the kids have a little extra energy to spare, these outdoor Thanksgiving games keep the day lively and laughter-filled. They’re easy to set up, require minimal prep, and guarantee everyone heads back to the table with rosy cheeks and big smiles.
Turkey Tag
Give classic tag a festive twist. Choose one “turkey” and a few “hunters,” then let the gobbling begin. You can use clothespins or paper feathers attached to shirts — whoever grabs the most feathers wins. It’s a fast, funny way to get kids running before dinner. Look for a Thanksgiving tag kit with ready-to-clip feathers to save time.
Pumpkin Roll Race
Instead of eggs on spoons, roll mini pumpkins to the finish line. The catch? No hands allowed — only noses or sticks. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly competitive. Use lightweight mini pumpkins to make sure the race stays manageable for little ones.
Pass the Potato (Thanksgiving Edition)
Bring the classic game outdoors with a Thanksgiving twist. Pass around a plush turkey or “potato” while music plays; when it stops, the person holding it is out. Keep going until only one giggling player remains. Grab a soft plush turkey to make this game safe and silly for all ages.
Thanksgiving Toss Game
Set up baskets or buckets and challenge kids to toss bean bags, mini pumpkins, or soft toys into them. Assign points for each target to spark some friendly competition. Here’s a quick-setup toss set that makes cleanup effortless too.
Stack O’ Lantern Tower
Think Jenga, but seasonal. Stack pumpkin-shaped blocks and take turns removing one without collapsing the tower. It’s great for fine motor skills and laughter in equal measure. Find a stackable pumpkin block set for a festive upgrade on the classic.
After a few rounds outdoors, everyone’s ready to come inside, grab a snack, and wind down with something creative. The next set of games trades competition for crafts — and gives parents a breather while kids stay happily engaged.
Creative & Crafty Play
After a few outdoor races and giggle fits, it’s nice to bring everyone back inside for something calm and creative. These Thanksgiving crafts and quiet games are perfect for little hands — simple enough to enjoy independently, but meaningful enough to turn into keepsakes you’ll cherish for years.
Thanksgiving Giant Coloring Poster
Roll out a giant coloring poster across the table, set out crayons or markers, and let the kids bring a Thanksgiving scene to life. It keeps them happily occupied while dinner finishes up — and the end result makes adorable décor for the fridge. Here’s a ready-to-color Thanksgiving poster that’s perfect for group play.
Turkey Picture Frame Craft Kits
Craft time meets memory-making with these adorable picture frame kits. Each child decorates a turkey-themed frame, and you can slip in a family photo from the day. Find a full set of turkey frame craft kits to make the process easy and mess-free.
Fall Wreath Craft Kits
Invite kids to design their own mini fall wreaths using paper leaves, foam pumpkins, and ribbons. They’ll love showing off their creations as part of your Thanksgiving décor. Try this pre-cut wreath craft kit for a no-fuss activity that doubles as decoration.
Coloring Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Turn your holiday table into a canvas. A coloring tablecloth lets kids doodle while adults chat — and it’s guaranteed to keep everyone at the table a little longer. Pick up a coloring tablecloth for a fun, interactive twist on your dinner setup.
Thanksgiving Activity Books
When younger guests need some quiet time, activity books are a lifesaver. Choose versions with puzzles, mazes, and coloring pages for easy, independent fun. These Thanksgiving activity books are perfect for car rides or post-meal downtime.
Once the glue dries and crayons are capped, it’s time to gather everyone again for a little family competition — the kind that sparks laughter and brings generations together.
Family & Group Challenges
Once the crafts are complete and the pies are cooling, it’s time to gather everyone — kids, parents, grandparents — for some friendly competition. These Thanksgiving group games are crowd-pleasers that work for all ages and bring a burst of laughter to the afternoon lull.
Thanksgiving Family Feud
Break out your inner game show host and challenge your guests to a Thanksgiving-themed round of Family Feud. You can DIY it with your own questions or use a pre-made game set for instant fun. Expect a lot of shouting, laughter, and “good answer!” moments.
Try Not to Laugh Challenge
There’s nothing like a round of giggles to reset the room. Players take turns trying to make each other laugh with Thanksgiving jokes, silly faces, or stories — while everyone else fights to keep a straight face. This “Try Not to Laugh” game set offers plenty of hilarious prompts for all ages.
Do You Really Know Your Family?
Equal parts bonding and mischief, this game invites everyone to guess fun facts and quirks about each other — from favorite desserts to most embarrassing moments. Grab this ready-to-play card set and watch the laughter unfold.
Fowl Play: Turkey Trivia
Test your family’s knowledge with a turkey-themed trivia card game. Some facts are real, some ridiculous, and all are hilarious. The Fowl Play True or False Cards make a lighthearted way to learn something new between bites of pie.
Guess How Many Candy Corns
A classic guessing game that’s as easy as it is addictive. Fill a jar with candy corn or fall treats and have guests guess how many are inside — the winner earns a small prize or the first slice of pumpkin pie. Find a pre-made “Guess How Many” set to make setup a snap.
These group games bring out everyone’s playful side — even the quiet uncles and giggling grandparents. When it’s time to wind down after the laughter, transition into something cozy and calm for the little ones.
Quiet-Time or Travel-Friendly Games
As the day winds down and everyone settles into that post-dinner calm, these quiet Thanksgiving games help kids stay entertained without adding more cleanup or noise. They’re also perfect for road trips, classrooms, or family visits — easy to pack, play, and enjoy anywhere.
I Spy Thanksgiving Book
A perfect choice for quiet moments or car rides, this I Spy book combines learning and play with charming Thanksgiving imagery. Kids can hunt for hidden items on each page while parents enjoy a few minutes of peace. Find a Thanksgiving I Spy book that fits your child’s age group for hours of screen-free fun.
Found It! Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Turn your home into a discovery zone with a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt. Players draw cards and race to find everyday objects around the house. The Skillmatics Found It! set is a great all-in-one option that blends movement and mindfulness for kids of all ages.
Minute of Fun Challenge
Short attention spans? No problem. This quick-fire game set features 60 one-minute challenges — from stacking cups to balancing acts — that can be played in bursts between meal prep or cleanup. Grab the Minute of Fun game for instant entertainment in small doses.
Thanksgiving Game Set
If you want variety without the planning, a single all-in-one Thanksgiving game pack is a life-saver. It typically includes trivia, riddles, and mini challenges to fit any setting — ideal for both travel days and lazy afternoons. This complete Thanksgiving game set has everything you need in one box.
These low-key favorites round out the day with calm connection and creative play — the perfect counterbalance to a day full of laughter, turkey, and gratitude.
The Bottom Line
From silly hat tosses to cozy craft tables, these Thanksgiving games for kids are more than just ways to fill time — they’re memory-makers. They bring families together, spark laughter between generations, and remind everyone that the best part of the holiday isn’t the feast, but the moments shared in between.
Whether you’re planning a backyard race, an after-dinner trivia session, or a coloring station for the little ones, the key is keeping things simple and joyful. Many of these games use items you already have on hand, and for the rest, a few well-chosen kits can make setup effortless.
Pair your playtime with a few make-ahead appetizers, a batch of cozy hot cocoa, and a camera ready for candid smiles — because these are the memories that linger long after the dishes are done.
Pin this post for later so you’ll have all these Thanksgiving family ideas ready when the holiday rolls around again.
