22 Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Families to Dig Into

Kelly R. said:  Set out a big puzzle, and people can work on it as they please throughout the day. I love low-key family Thanksgiving activities like this that encourage people to sit together and chat, and it works well for a wide range of ages. Puzzles with a harvest or holiday theme are a fun choice.

Shila said:  The Thanksgiving holiday encourages us to carve out some time to be thankful and show gratitude by paying it forward. There should be many local events where families of all ages can volunteer together to help the community or an important cause. Examples include: food bank depositories, cleaning up parks, volunteering time to assist schools, churches, senior homes, etc. There are many at-home volunteer opportunities, too.

Alexandra F. said:  In the days leading up to Thanksgiving we break out our poster paints and paint a big tree, minus the leaves, on big sheets of paper. We also cut out large leaves using colorful construction paper and put the tree up in a prominent area with a big pile of paper leaves nearby. Throughout Thanksgiving, we each write down things that we’re grateful for on a leaf to add to the tree (and invite any guests to do the same) - it’s such a fun and visual way to see and recall the many things we have to be thankful for!

Shila said:  Have a mini pumpkin "egg" hunt! Buy a dozen of those adorable mini pumpkins and hide them throughout your home for a fun thing to do this Thanksgiving. Hide them inside, outside, high and low. Kids can hunt for them and win prizes. Later, use the pumpkins as dinner table décor!

Shila said:  One of the most common Thanksgiving activities for families involves giving everyone a chance to say what they are thankful for. It's sweet to hear what each person has to say! You can turn this into a fun Thanksgiving game by going around the table and working your way through the alphabet from A to Z.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  My kids and I have gone to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia about five times and we always have a blast. We leave early, bring hot chocolate and bundle up to watch the bands, floats, dancers and their favorite, the giant balloons. They love watching the balloon holders spin and joining in the excitement with the crowd!

Sarah Calamita said:  I love this gratitude one (that you can play with leftover Halloween M&M's).

Shila said:  Head outside for flag football or just toss around the pigskin as you catch up with family. Make fun teams like grown-ups versus kids or boys versus girls. There are many other backyard games that are perfect Thanksgiving activities for families with a range of ages in the group.