As much as I like to believe the holidays are a good time to slow down a bit (a practice we can all use a bit more of), sometimes they can be downright hectic, even in the best way. Maybe this year is your first year hosting the Thanksgiving Day feast at your house, or you’re simply preparing a dish to bring to the family gathering. No matter what your plans are, your to-do list is probably growing by the day.
If you’re looking for some extra time to get things done before the holiday but don’t necessarily want to put your kiddos in front of a TV while you check things off your list, we’ve got you covered. We present to you: a list of 20 simple, kid-friendly Thanksgiving crafts that will keep your little ones occupied. Then, when you finish your to-do list way ahead of schedule, you can take some much-needed time to slow down. How does that sound? Read on for 20 Thanksgiving crafts and activities.
1. Thanksgiving Word Scramble
A fun, festive activity that also gets the brain working? The perfect combination!
Source: Crafts by Amanda
2. DIY Thanksgiving Garland
We love this DIY garland you and your little ones can make together and then use as home decor for the rest of the month! We know they’ll be so proud to see their work displayed.
Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
3. Thanksgiving Bingo
A fun and easy game like bingo is always a crowd pleaser and a fun way to spark your little one’s competitive side.
Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
4. Thanksgiving Placemat Coloring & Activity Page
These placemats will make your little one feel like they’re at their favorite restaurant (even though a home-cooked meal is always better)!
Source: The Suburban Mom
5. Thanksgiving Around the World Pumpkin Craft
Your kids may be excited to learn that some other countries also celebrate Thanksgiving. With this craft, they can add a feather for each new country they learn about. An activity that’s both fun and educational is always a ‘yes’ in my book.
Source: Gluesticks Blog
6. Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft
Don’t throw out those rolls just yet! Instead, let your little ones make their own turkeys out of them with this simple and fun craft.
Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
7. Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
When I was little, coloring could keep me entertained for hours on end as it was one of my favorite activities. If your kids are the same, these festive coloring pages are nothing but perfect!
Source: The Everymom
8. Paper Plate Turkey Craft
We love a craft that we can make out of supplies we already have at home, and this paper plate turkey makes a fabulous refrigerator decoration.
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
9. Thanksgiving Slime
If slime has taken over your life like many other mamas, embrace the chaos and take it one step further: make it festive! (Bookmark this hack to get slime out of clothes, just in case.)
Source: Little Bins for Little Hands
10. Thanksgiving Find & Count Game
Is your little one working on their counting skills? If so, this printout is a great way to keep them learning and having fun while doing it.
Source: Little Bins for Little Hands
11. Thanksgiving Turkey Treat Bags
We know Halloween is over, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up treats, right? These turkey treat bags are not only fun to put together, but also delicious!
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
12. Handprint Turkey Crown
Crown your little one queen or king of Thanksgiving with this adorable turkey crown made from their handprint cutouts—you’re not going to want to throw this one out!
Source: The Suburban Mom
13. Thanksgiving Handprint Tree
We love that this handprint tree celebrates the reason for the holiday by allowing your little one to think about what they’re thankful for.
Source: Crafts by Amanda
14. Turkey Template
This easy to follow template will be one of your kid’s favorite crafts of the season, guaranteed.
Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
15. Lil’ Turkey Handprint Craft
We can’t think of a better (or cuter) craft for your little turkey. We know this one will stay on the fridge well past the holiday.
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
16. Thankful Turkey Countdown
This craft is extra fun because your little one can add a feather each day of the week leading up to Thanksgiving. The best part? Each feather is meant to represent something they’re thankful for. Have a Kleenex on hand for your happy tears that are sure to appear.
Source: Gluesticks Blog
17. Cereal Box Mayflower
Your little ones will be ready to set sail after this craft! They can make their very own Mayflower with just a handful of supplies.
Source: Crafts by Amanda
18. Paper Bag Turkey
This paper bag turkey is not only super simple, but can double as a puppet for hours of non-stop entertainment.
Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
19. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt is a great way to keep your little ones entertained and active all day! Plus, they’ll feel so proud when they’ve completed it.
Source: Happiness is Homemade
20. Candy Corn Turkey
The only thing better than a cute craft is a cute edible craft. If your little ones would agree, try making these candy corn turkeys this year. We love that they require no baking, so they’re safe for your kiddos to complete on their own.
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
