Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends to come together, enjoy a feast, and reflect on what they’re thankful for. But the day doesn’t have to be about eating alone! If you’re celebrating with children, adults, or both, incorporating fun activities is a great way to bond and create memorable experiences. From exciting outdoor activities to cozy indoor games, here are ten Thanksgiving Day ideas for all ages.
Start the day with a Turkey Trot
Turkey trots have become a Thanksgiving staple in many communities, offering a festive way to start the day with some physical activity. Participants typically dress in playful turkey or pilgrim costumes, bringing a unique and spirited atmosphere to the event. These local races often have options for both adults and children, making them perfect for families. Even if your town doesn’t have an official Turkey Trot, you can create your own neighborhood family race to add a fun, competitive twist to the morning. It’s a great way to get everyone up and moving before the day’s festivities.
Host a Thanksgiving nature scavenger hunt
A Thanksgiving-themed nature scavenger hunt gets everyone outdoors to enjoy the crisp fall air and vibrant fall foliage. This activity is also versatile enough to engage participants of all ages. You can make a list of fall-themed items to find, such as colorful leaves, acorns, pine cones, or even a squirrel. Go to a nearby park or simply explore the backyard, and each family member can hunt for as many items as possible in a given time frame. Offering small prizes for different categories makes the game even more exciting and adds a little extra challenge for everyone involved.
Host a family-friendly football game
A friendly game of football is a classic Thanksgiving tradition that gives everyone a chance to have some active fun together. This family-friendly game is great for kids and adults alike, and can be as competitive or relaxed as you’d like. Splitting into teams and playing a light-hearted game of flag football is safe and fun for all ages, and younger children can participate by joining in as cheerleaders or referees. A Thanksgiving football game is a great way to keep everyone energized before or after the big meal, fostering a healthy sense of teamwork and fun.
Decorate pumpkins together
Decorating pumpkins adds a touch of creativity to Thanksgiving without the mess of carving. Set up a craft station with paints, markers, stickers, and other decorations, and let everyone create their own festive pumpkin. This activity can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, making it a versatile choice for Thanksgiving Day. Pumpkin decorating is a fantastic way for family members of all ages to show off their artistic flair, and the finished pumpkins can serve as colorful Thanksgiving decorations for the home.
Take a Thanksgiving hike
A peaceful Thanksgiving hike is a scenic way to enjoy the beauty of fall while spending quality time with loved ones. A leisurely hike allows everyone to get some fresh air and relax before settling in for the meal. Look for a local trail that offers scenic views without being too challenging, so it’s accessible to all ages. Along the way, encourage everyone to take pictures and reflect on what they’re thankful for this year. A Thanksgiving hike is a great way to get outside, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the season together.
Create a Thanksgiving gratitude tree
A gratitude tree is a meaningful Thanksgiving activity that allows everyone to express what they’re thankful for in a lasting, visual way. This activity also makes a beautiful decoration for the holiday table. To create a gratitude tree, gather branches from outside, place them in a vase, and provide paper leaves for each family member to write what they’re thankful for. Hanging these leaves on the branches builds a shared sense of appreciation and is a touching reminder of the purpose of the holiday. The gratitude tree makes a unique and heartfelt centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table.
Set up an outdoor picnic dessert table
If the weather permits, consider taking dessert outside by setting up an outdoor picnic area. This adds a fun twist to the traditional Thanksgiving feast and allows everyone to enjoy dessert in the fresh air. Set up a small picnic table with blankets and pillows for added comfort, and have each person bring a favorite dessert to share. Add a hot cocoa or cider bar with toppings like marshmallows, cinnamon, and whipped cream for extra comfort. This outdoor dessert setup is perfect for enjoying the holiday in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
Host a Thanksgiving charades game
Thanksgiving-themed charades is a lighthearted, interactive game that’s perfect for family gatherings. Charades is easy to set up and works well for groups of all ages, allowing everyone to participate and share in the laughs. Write Thanksgiving-themed prompts on slips of paper-such as “turkey,” “fall leaves,” or “pumpkin pie”-and have everyone take turns acting them out. This activity is a great way to keep everyone entertained and adds a fun, festive touch to the holiday gathering.
Plan a Backyard campfire and storytelling
At the end of the day, a campfire is a cozy way for everyone to gather and relax. Set up a small, safe fire pit in the backyard and arrange chairs and blankets around it. Roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the campfire creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This storytelling session is a great opportunity for family members to reflect on the past year, share what they’re thankful for, and recount memorable moments. Ending Thanksgiving with a campfire brings a sense of peace and togetherness to the holiday.
End with a Thanksgiving movie marathon
After an active day of holiday fun, unwinding with a movie marathon is the perfect way to close out the evening. Thanksgiving-themed movies or family favorites create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere for everyone. Set up a comfortable area with blankets, pillows, and snacks to make it feel like a home theater. This movie marathon allows everyone to relax, bond, and reflect on a day full of meaningful activities. It’s a fitting way to transition from the excitement of Thanksgiving to the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about the food; it can be a full day of engaging and memorable activities for everyone to enjoy. By adding some creative indoor games, exciting outdoor fun, and cozy evening activities, you can make Thanksgiving a holiday filled with laughter, connection, and appreciation.
