Fun Thanksgiving Day Activities for Kids
Thanksgiving is celebrated as a day to feast and celebrate with your closest friends and family. But, how on earth are you supposed to cook a feast all while trying to keep your kids happy and entertained?
Most parents feel the pressure to host and entertain their kiddos on these big holiday celebrations, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below are some easy Thanksgiving-themed activities that are sure to put a smile on your children’s faces and keep them occupied while the rest of the festivities are attended to.
Thanksgiving Day Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are an excellent activity for children of all ages and offer a fun, creative way to get into the holiday spirit.
1. Handprint Turkey Art
With a little paint, paper, and markers, your children will have a masterpiece in no time with this fun craft. Simply pour some acrylic paint into a paper plate and have your child dunk their palms directly into it. Once their hand is coated in a thin layer of paint, have them stamp it on the piece of paper in front of them.
After the paint has had a little time to dry, your kiddo can let their creativity shine with markers and pens by adding feathers, faces, and whatever else they can think of to their new creation.
2. Gratitude Paper Chains
Are you looking for an activity everyone can participate in? This is the time of year for giving thanks for all that we have, and what better way to introduce your children to the world of gratitude than making a paper chain that is filled with sweet notes from each member of your family.
This easy craft is perfect for little ones of all ages and requires very few materials to turn into a masterpiece you will all be proud of. You can purchase pre-cut paper strips or cut them yourself and pass out as many as you would like to everyone who would like to participate. Make sure to pick some fun, fall, festive colours to really lean into the holiday spirit!
Have each person write down something they are thankful for on each strip of paper and then connect them using staples or tape. In no time at all, you have a personalized and beautiful piece of decor your children will love to have on display in your home. You can store this piece away each year and add new pieces of gratitude as your children get older.
Outdoor Thanksgiving Adventures and Nature Walks
Getting outside during the peak fall season is always a great way to start the holiday. Here are some fun things to do before you settle in for a yummy meal.
1. Enter a Turkey Trot or Local Race
How about a little fun family competition to start the day? Turkey Trots and other Thanksgiving-themed races are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to burn off some energy before spending the rest of the day cozying up indoors.
Look into nearby races and sign you and your family up for a fun, action-packed start to your 2025 Thanksgiving.
2. Explore a Nearby Trail
With the weather being crisp and chilly, taking the time to get some fresh air and explore a nearby trail is the perfect family-friendly activity to spend some quality time together.
Whether you want to spend the entire day exploring the great outdoors or just a few hours to break up the rest of the festivities, this activity is a great way to get some healthy movement in and burn some extra calories before you and the kids sit down for a festive feast. Be sure to bring the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus portable power station to keep your essentials juiced up on your travels.
DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station
Thanksgiving Recipes
1. Turkey & Cheese Rollups
Looking for a quick and easy snack that even the pickiest of eaters will love? These simple turkey and cheese rollups come together in no time at all and use ingredients you likely already have on hand for the rest of your dishes. Give your kiddos some creative liberty to roll these up however they like and enjoy a little finger food before the rest of the items are ready to enjoy.
2. Mini Pumpkin Pies
Everything is better in mini-form, especially dessert. If your child has a super sweet tooth, consider enlisting their help to make mini pumpkin pie desserts to pass around later in the evening. You can even purchase pre-made pie shells and filling to make this a seamless and enjoyable experience until the very end.
3. Pilgrim Hat Cookies
A particularly festive treat you and your kids can make is pilgrim hat cookies. With a package of store-bought cookies, peanut butter cups, a little bit of icing, and a touch of creativity, you can easily turn these cookies into yummy decor pieces to be used as your table centrepiece.
These are particularly fun to make as you can select your favourite types of cookies and candies and still get the same result. Let your kids take the lead and see how many they can make to pass around when it’s time for dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Thanksgiving Activities for Kids?
The best activities for kids on Thanksgiving are those that keep them entertained and occupied. Getting outdoors or encouraging them to participate in the food prep for the day is a great way to get them involved and interested in traditions for years to come.
How Can I Keep Kids Entertained on Thanksgiving Day?
Arts and crafts are an easy and inexpensive way to keep your kids occupied on Thanksgiving. Encourage them to make a paper chain of gratitude or get out the paint and paper for some fun, handprint turkey art you can hang on display.
What Thanksgiving Crafts Are Easy for Young Children?
Crafts that involve few materials are typically the easiest for young children. Handprint turkeys are so fun to make and make a great keepsake to mark the growth of your child from year to year.
Can Kids Help With Thanksgiving Cooking Safely?
Yes, and it may even encourage picky eaters to try something new. Kids love to take part in activities with their parents, and as long as you are supervising, there’s no reason they can’t safely contribute to your holiday meal prep.
Ready to Discover EcoFlow’s Portable Power Stations to Keep Your Thanksgiving Day Activities Powered Up?
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to be spent with the ones you love most. Having kids in the mix always brings a wholesome level of joy to the holiday festivities, and we hope some of the ideas listed above have inspired you to make the upcoming holiday one to remember.
Don’t let your holiday be ruined by anything. With EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing your Thanksgiving will go off without a hitch!