The Best Thanksgiving Activities and Snacks for the Family
Looking for fun ideas to do on Thanksgiving or for this fall leading up to the holiday? Today I am sharing so many fantastic and mostly free Thanksgiving activities and snacks for the whole family to enjoy. So, whether you are looking for cool science ideas, pretty coloring pages, appetizers and snacks for the game, or the best scented play dough ever I’ve got Thanksgiving covered. At least the fun part.
Thanksgiving Activities and Snacks for the Family
Thanksgiving is more than just a delicious feast, it’s a time for families to come together, create lasting memories, and celebrate gratitude in fun and meaningful ways. While the turkey roasts in the oven, why not keep the little ones (and the young at heart) entertained with festive activities and tasty snacks that capture the spirit of the holiday?
From hands-on crafts and games the whole family can enjoy to easy, kid-friendly recipes that add a playful touch to your Thanksgiving spread, there are countless ways to make this holiday extra special.
Here, we’ve gathered some of our favorite Thanksgiving activities and snacks that are perfect for keeping everyone engaged, entertained, and well-fed while you wait for the main event.
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Fun Thanksgiving Activities
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages and Thankful Printables for Kids
Cherish the sweet thoughts your children have by using the I am Thankful ABC’s plus thankful trees make a lovely decoration for your Thanksgiving.
40+ Thanksgiving Snacks for Kids – Fun and Festive Thanksgiving Treats
Printable Thanksgiving Placemats
Keep little hands busy at the dinner table with these adorable printable Thanksgiving placemats, featuring fun coloring designs, word games, and festive activities that make waiting for the feast a breeze.
The Ultimate Guide for the Best Fall Ever
If you haven’t seen this guide yet, click over because it is a must see… 75 Fun Fall Activities for the whole family plus a free printable of all the ideas. This way nobody can come to you saying they are bored.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Yellow Bliss Road
For a light Thanksgiving breakfast, make this pumpkin bread pudding, created with a fall theme in mind and topped with a homemade cream cheese glaze. Image credit: Yellow Bliss Road
Thanksgiving Bingo – Crazy Little Projects
Play Bingo – with a Thanksgiving twist! With turkeys and pilgrims, you can use Rolos as your Bingo markers!
Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies – For the Love of Dessert
Dry pumpkin spice pudding mix is combined with chocolate chip cookies for a delicious treat.
No Cook Natural Cinnamon Play dough
This no cook play dough smells AMAZING. It’s perfect for fall sensory play or keeping little hands busy while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready.
Paleo Thanksgiving Meatballs – The Big Man’s World
As an appetizer or side dish, make these Thanksgiving meatballs that you can throw in the oven. A little canned pumpkin is also included in these meatballs! Image credit: The Big Man’s World
Pete the Cat Thanksgiving Activity – Sight and Sound Reading
Take Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving and create this cute Thanksgiving activity with your children. Perfect!
Turkey Thank You Card – DecoArt
Made with paint and your child’s fingers, this turkey card is a great way to send a personalized “thank you” note in the digital age.
Pumpkin Pie Panna Cotta – Gnowfglins
If you don’t want to heat up your house or crowd an already crammed oven, try this no-bake panna cotta dish. It’s elegant, yet only takes about five minutes to create!
Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
Dancing Corn Thanksgiving Science Activity – Little Bins for Little Hands
Mix corn kernels in water, vinegar, and baking soda, and observe what they do. Science Rocks!
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash – Life Made Sweeter
Easy and healthy, this squash dish is great for a Thanksgiving appetizer! Maple syrup and cinnamon bring a rich fall taste.
Halloween Harvest Hash Chex Mix – One Little Project
For a large family gathering or party, create this Halloween themed Chex Mix, filled with pretzels, small Halloween candies, and topped with a homemade sauce.
Wine Cork Pumpkin – Crafty Morning
Decorating with wine corks, make a pumpkin. This DIY shabby chic decor that fits nicely as a table center piece or on your front porch.
This homemade salt dough will have your whole house smelling amazing and it looks beautiful too. Your kids will love it!
Fall Activities
Spiced Sweet Potato Hummus – Plant Powered Kitchen
Create a creamy hummus dip with the sweet flavors of sweet potato. Rich in taste, this dish makes a simple homemade Thanksgiving appetizer.
Easy Leaf Garland Craft – Crystal and Co.
Over Thanksgiving break, create this kid-friendly craft, a brightly colored leaf garland makes a great Thanksgiving activity.
Montessori Practical Life Button Turkey Busy Bag
The cutest DIY Turkey you’ll ever make. Easy no sew felt turkey perfect for your children. This is a great practical life skill plus they are working their fine motor skills and concentration. I can’t wait to see how your button turkey turns out.
All of our Fun Fall Printables for Kids can be found here.
Thanksgiving Food and Crafts
Thanksgiving Printable Activities
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Fun and Free Thanksgiving Printable Activities
What do you think? Did you see Thanksgiving activities and snacks that your family will love? If you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition I’d love to hear about it.