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Thanksgiving isn’t just about the delicious food (though, let’s be honest, it’s a big part of it!). It’s also a time to bring family together, create lasting memories, and enjoy each other’s company. If you have grandkids coming over, keeping them entertained while waiting for the turkey to roast can be a fun challenge! Whether they’re tiny tots or teenagers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some Thanksgiving activities that’ll keep grandkids of all ages busy, happy, and thankful for family time!
Toddlers (Ages 1-4)
At this age, it’s all about sensory fun and simple crafts. Keep things easy, engaging, and maybe a little bit messy (because that’s where the magic happens!).
1. Thanksgiving Sensory Bins
Create a sensory bin filled with fall-themed items like dried corn kernels, faux leaves, small pumpkins, and pine cones. Let the little ones dig in and explore the textures. You can even hide small toy turkeys or pilgrim figures for them to find.
2. Turkey Handprint Art
Trace their tiny hands onto colorful paper and help them decorate the “fingers” as turkey feathers. Add googly eyes and a beak to bring their turkey to life. This simple craft doubles as a keepsake!
3. Pumpkin Bowling
Set up mini pumpkins as bowling pins and give your grandkids a small ball to knock them over. This is a hit with the energetic toddlers, and it’s a great way to burn off some pre-feast energy!
Early Elementary (Ages 5-8)
At this age, grandkids are starting to get creative and love making things they can show off to the whole family. They’re also eager to help, so these activities combine creativity and contribution!
1. DIY Thanksgiving Placemats
Shop here for Thanksgiving Disposable Paper Placemats for Kids Painting Coloring
Let them design placemats for the Thanksgiving table using construction paper, markers, stickers, and anything else they can find. Encourage them to draw pictures of turkeys, pumpkins, or what they’re thankful for. You can even laminate them afterward for future Thanksgivings!
2. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Create a large tic-tac-toe board on a piece of cardboard or poster board and use mini pumpkins and gourds as the game pieces. Not only is it festive, but it’s also a fun way to keep them engaged while the adults are cooking.
3. Turkey Tag
If the weather’s nice, take the fun outside for a game of “Turkey Tag.” Designate one person as the turkey, and the others try to catch them. When tagged, they become the next turkey. It’s a great way to burn off some energy before sitting down to the big meal.
Get this cute turkey beanie to wear while playing tag!
Tweens (Ages 9-12)
Tweens are all about independence and like to feel involved in more meaningful ways. These activities will allow them to get creative and feel like part of the Thanksgiving preparations.
1. Thankful Jar
Have each grandkid write down things they’re thankful for on small slips of paper and place them in a jar. During or after dinner, you can take turns reading them aloud. It’s a wonderful way to share gratitude and get everyone reflecting on the season’s true meaning.
Here is a fun jar and shaped papers to use
2. Cupcake Decorating Contest
Set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, candy corn, and other toppings. Have each grandchild decorate a Thanksgiving-themed cupcake, such as turkeys or pumpkins. Award small prizes for the most creative designs—or just enjoy eating them!
Shop here for fall cupcake decorating ideas
3. Pumpkin Ring Toss
Using mini pumpkins, set up a simple ring toss game in the backyard or living room. They can use hula hoops or homemade rings (made out of pipe cleaners) to see who can land the most rings around the pumpkin stems. It’s competitive but friendly fun!
Shop here for colorful plastic toss rings
Teens (Ages 13-18)
Teenagers may seem harder to entertain, but deep down, they enjoy being part of the family festivities. These activities give them a chance to show off their skills and even earn a little bragging rights.
1. Thanksgiving Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with fall-themed props like pilgrim hats, turkey headbands, and fun signs (“Gobble Till You Wobble,” anyone?). Let the teens take photos with family members or stage their own mini-photoshoot with their phones. Bonus: You’ll have plenty of photos for future scrapbooks!
Shop here for fun Thanksgiving photo booth props
2. Thanksgiving Escape Room
Get creative and set up a Thanksgiving-themed escape room in one of the rooms of your house. Hide clues around the room that lead them to find a “lost” Thanksgiving recipe or help the turkey “escape” from the oven. The challenge will keep their minds busy while building teamwork skills.
Create your own escape room or shop here for a ready made Thanksgiving escape room game
3. Turkey Trivia Showdown
Teens love a good competition, so why not create a trivia game with fun Thanksgiving facts? You can even throw in some questions about your family history. Split into teams and let them battle it out for the title of “Turkey Trivia Champion!”
Activities for All Ages: A Whole Family Affair!
Want to bring everyone together, from toddlers to teens? These activities are perfect for a multi-generational Thanksgiving.
1. Family Turkey Trot
Before the feast, get everyone moving with a family “Turkey Trot” walk around the neighborhood. Even the littlest family members can join in, whether walking or being pushed in a stroller. It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp fall air and make room for all that food!
Shop here for fun turkey trot gear
2. Thanksgiving Storytime
Gather all the grandkids around and read Thanksgiving-themed books. For older kids and teens, share family stories from past Thanksgivings, like funny mishaps or favorite memories.
Here is a link to some great Thanksgiving story books
3. Gratitude Tree
Set up a large paper tree on a wall, and have each family member—no matter their age—write down something they’re thankful for on a leaf-shaped piece of paper. Add the “leaves” to the tree throughout the day, creating a beautiful visual reminder of everything that makes your family special.
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. With these fun activities for grandkids of all ages, you’ll keep everyone engaged, entertained, and most importantly, grateful for time spent together.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁
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