10 Fun Thanksgiving Day Activities for Families to Try This Year

 

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and making memories. But once the meal is done, how do you keep everyone entertained?

Sitting around or scrolling on phones isn’t what the holiday is about. Instead, plan ahead and fill the day with fun, meaningful moments.

This list of Thanksgiving Day party games and family-friendly ideas will help you do just that. Whether you’re hosting a big group or keeping it small, these simple activities will keep everyone involved—from kids and teens to adults. You don’t need anything fancy, just a good mix of games, crafts, and shared laughter.

So, when you ask yourself how to make Thanksgiving fun with family after the pumpkin pie is over, here are 10 simple and fun ideas that will bring your family together. 

Let’s get into the best ways to make the day fun for everyone.

1. Family Photo Station (With Fun Shirts!)

A photo station is a simple way to create memories that everyone will cherish. All you need is a clean wall and a few fall touches—think paper leaves, mini pumpkins, string lights, or even a plaid blanket. Add some fun props, such as silly hats, turkey signs, or pumpkin-shaped glasses, to spark smiles.

Make it even better by having everyone wearThanksgiving Day shirts. Matching outfits, funny captions, or simply homemade designs - ordinary photos are the ones that become cherished memories. After taking a few good shots, store them in a digital album or get customized on your next t-shirt from Adorb Custom Tees or include them in your next family scrapbook. It is a simple concept that makes the big smiles.

Family Photo Ideas You Can Create

2. Turkey Hunt Adventure (Indoor or Outdoor)

Turn your home or yard into a fun scavenger zone with a Thanksgiving-themed turkey hunt. It’s a great way to keep both kids and adults engaged before or after the big meal.

What You’ll Need:

• Small paper turkeys or colorful feathers (print them or buy from a store)

• Clue cards (optional, for added challenge)

• Timer (10–15 minutes works best)

• Prizes for the winners

3. Thanksgiving Bingo (For All Age Groups)

One such game is bingo, as it is a timeless classic that will never go out of fashion. It becomes especially entertaining to play during Thanksgiving with a twist. Rather than numbers, put fun holiday-related symbols into your bingo cards:

• Turkeys

• Pumpkins

• Corn

• Autumn leaves

• Pilgrim hats

• Apple pie

• Thankful phrases (e.g., family, blessings, or thanks)

It is easy to find free templates on the Internet or create your own using index cards. Use candy bits, buttons, or even dry pasta to mark. It is simple to install, and anyone can join in the game, including children, parents, and even grandparents.

4. Coloring & Craft Centre

Set up a craft table with crayons, markers, and coloring pictures for Thanksgiving. Kids love making handprint turkeys, paper hats, or decorating pumpkins.

Materials to Include

Label it “Craft & Color Station” so kids (and artsy adults) know it’s their spot.

5. Pie Walk Game (With a Twist)

The Pie Walk is a fun and tasty twist on the classic game of musical chairs. Instead of fighting for a seat, players compete for a chance to win a mini pie or dessert. This game brings lots of energy and laughter to your Thanksgiving gathering, and everyone loves the sweet prizes!

How to Set It Up

• Use tape or markers to number spots on the floor in a circle or a large open area.

• Each number corresponds to a different mini pie, cupcake, or dessert treat.

• Choose a variety of desserts, including kid-friendly options like cookies or fruit snacks, and diet-friendly treats like sugar-free or gluten-free options, so everyone can join the fun.
  

How to Play

• Start the music and have players walk around the numbered spots in a circle.

• When the music stops, call out a number.

• The person standing on that number wins the dessert assigned to it.

• Repeat until all prizes are won or for as many rounds as you like.

6. Pumpkin Bowling Championship!

Small pumpkins were used as bowling balls, and empty bottles were used as pins. Place this in a backyard or a hallway.

Here are the fun things you can add:

• Decorate the pins with painted faces on them

• Frame the alley with hay bales

• Give candy or stickers as reinforcing materials

This is the perfect type of game to play on Thanksgiving, which requires simple preparation but produces numerous laughs.

7.Share Rephrase, Thanks, And Wishes

The Gratitude Jar is a simple but powerful way to bring everyone together and focus on what really matters—thankfulness. All you need is a jar or bowl and some small slips of paper or sticky notes.

8. Family Team Race

Perfect for after dinner. Participants carry plates of fake or leftover food through a silly obstacle course.

How It Works:

• Write on paper plates with make-believe food placed in them, or wrapped food

• Dance around the chairs, jump up on one leg, turn in a circle

• The first person who doesn't put the food on the floor wins!

Adults will laugh, and kids will adore it, and the photos will be gold.

9. Thankful Sketch & Guess

A Thanksgiving version of Pictionary. Make a list related to holidays (e.g., gravy boat, family, thankful heart).

How to Play:

• Divide into teams

• Each player draws while others guess

• Set a timer for 60 seconds

10. Thanksgiving Trivia Time

It is among the first choices for Thanksgiving games for adults who typically enjoy a challenge. Come up with your own trivia questions that combine history, food facts, and family-related topics.

Sample Questions:

• When did the first American Thanksgiving take place?

• What meat would most probably not have been served back then?

• Which food does our family have in particular?

Build a Simple Yet Meaningful Thanksgiving Plan

Here’s a sample activity schedule you can adapt to your group’s energy level:

This structure keeps things moving while allowing downtime.

Make This Thanksgiving One to Remember

Thanksgiving Day is a time for togetherness, laughter, and meaningful family moments. These fun Thanksgiving activities for adults and kids will keep everyone entertained long after the meal ends.

So, celebrate together, laugh louder, and make memories that last.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some fun Thanksgiving Activities?

The bingo games and the scavenger hunts on a Thanksgiving Day, and the turkey trivia are excellent for both children and adults. They are simple, amusing, and unified.

2. Are there printable coloring pictures for Thanksgiving?

Of course, there are free coloring images of Thanksgiving on request. They will be an ideal way to occupy kids: before or after dinner.

3. What are the best things to do on Thanksgiving after dinner?

Try storytelling, board games, or outdoor walks. These activities keep the holiday spirit going after the meal.

4. How can I play Thanksgiving activities for adults?

Include wine tastings, charades, or a fun pie-baking contest. TheseThanksgiving activities for adults are festive and engaging.

5. What is Thanksgiving Day bingo, and how do I set it up?

Print themed bingo cards (download the template from above) with Thanksgiving images and use coins or candy as markers. It’s a quick, family-friendly game to enjoy.

6 How can I keep kids entertained during Thanksgiving dinner?

Set up a craft or coloring table with printable Thanksgiving pictures. It keeps them busy and creative while adults enjoy the meal.

7. Can we get custom Thanksgiving shirts for the family?

Yes,Adorb Custom Tees makes it easy to design matching Thanksgiving Day shirts. They're great for family photos and party themes.