"Growing up Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays, especially because there was so much excitement leading up to the big day. It was one of the few times throughout the year that everyone in my family would gather together at my grandparents’ house. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins were able to take time out of their busy schedules to spend an afternoon together eating the massive meal and one too many pies my grandma made.
The days leading up to the holiday were somewhat of a tradition themselves. They would involve helping my grandma clear off her dining room table—which, throughout the rest of the year, was basically a catchall for everyone’s things—and baking for our get-together. When Thanksgiving finally came around, we were all ready to spend the day swapping stories and reminiscing about years past. Despite the inevitable argument (or two) about who had to sit at the kids’ table, everyone was in good spirits and loved celebrating together.
It’s these traditions and Thanksgiving family activities that I still look back on fondly even 20 years later, and plan to bring into my household with my own kids one day. If you’re looking for some new traditions to start this year, or just some ways to savor the season of gratitude, look no further. Read on for 20 Thanksgiving family activities to try this year on Thanksgiving Day or during the days leading up to the holiday.
1. Host a meal with family and friends
I had to start with the obvious, but there’s a reason this is a tradition for so many families. Thanksgiving is all about gathering together and spending quality time with those who mean the most to you. Whether you have a big extended family, or your “family” involves people not related by blood, hosting a gathering can make this the most special occasion of the year. Go all-out by spending the morning cooking, or go potluck-style so the prep doesn’t all fall on a handful of people. This is something you’ll want to incorporate into your Thanksgiving season celebrations year after year.
2. Share what you’re grateful for
While feasting on your Thanksgiving meal, turn the conversation to gratitude—AKA the reason for the season—by asking everyone to go around the table and share something they’re thankful for. Take it a step further by posing a follow-up question about what everyone is excited for in the year to come. This simple activity offers a reminder of why we’re gathering in the first place.
3. Watch the Thanksgiving Day parade
There’s something about Thanksgiving family activities that are even better when they’re nostalgic. Many of us probably have memories of waking up on Thanksgiving morning and watching the Macy’s parade to see if our favorite character made it into the balloon line-up. Pass the magic onto the little ones in your life by having the parade on TV while prepping for the day’s festivities.
4. Make a gratitude jar
Speaking of crafts, why not make one you can use as a Thanksgiving family activity but then come back to throughout the year? To make a family gratitude jar, all you need is a jar or vase, paper, something to write with, and art supplies for decorating the jar. First, have the kiddos decorate the jar however they’d like—with ribbons, paint, stickers, or anything that brings them joy. Then have them write down things they’re thankful for on pieces of paper and add them to the jar. Either do this on Thanksgiving Day or make it a habit to put something new in the jar each week or each month for the next year. By the time next Thanksgiving comes around, you’ll have lots of things to look back on and can start all over again for the new year.
5. Write ‘Thank You’ cards
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the holiday it is without gratitude. Encourage your little ones (and yourself!) to reflect on the people they’re thankful for and show that appreciation with a handwritten card. Whether they write to a family member, teacher, or friend, they’ll be excited to create a card with that special person in mind. Sending out a “just because” token of our gratitude to someone in our lives is also a great tradition for us to incorporate for ourselves.
6. Do festive crafts
There are tons of crafting opportunities this time of year. From making turkeys out of paper plates to tasty Thanksgiving-themed treats, there are plenty of fun ways to keep little hands entertained—which is especially helpful when parents are prepping for the day ahead!
7. Do a Turkey Trot
While I used to live in fear that I would one day marry into a family that runs 5k races on holidays, a couple of years ago, my family became that family. My mom signed us all up for a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, and I’m happy to report that it’s actually pretty fun—and no running is required! While plenty of participants will run, we blissfully walk the 3.1 miles together with a group of other locals and bundle up in our cool weather gear with dog leashes in hand. As it turns out, it feels pretty good to start the day with a nice walk before indulging in some well-deserved pumpkin pie.
8. Volunteer as a family
Getting involved in your community and volunteering as a family is a great way to give back and teach kids about the power of helping others. This is also a great way to connect with different people and put into perspective all of the blessings we have in our lives. Whether collecting canned goods, offering to work at a soup kitchen, or finding another opportunity in your community, giving back this time of year will feel especially rewarding and benefit others in need.
9. Break the wishbone
Simple but festive traditions are some of the most exciting for kids. After cooking a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, take out the wishbone and have two family members break it while making a wish. Whoever comes out with the bigger end is said to have their wish come true. Even the holder of the shorter end still gets pie, though, so everyone ends up a winner.
10. Have a movie marathon
Everyone knows Thanksgiving is a gateway into the holiday season. When everyone’s filled to the brim with turkey, stuffing, and pie, cozy up on the couch and watch holiday movies together as a family.
11. Watch an NFL game
Whether you’re a fan of football or not, NFL games on Thanksgiving Day are quite the tradition. Both the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have been playing on the holiday for decades—only breaking tradition a handful of times—with a number of other teams playing any given year. This year, get in the fall spirit by throwing on the game while munching on some pre-dinner tailgate snacks.
12. Play games
We can’t think of a better way to spend quality time with our loved ones than with games. This could come in the form of favorite board and card games, classics like charades, or fun sports activities like flag football. Whatever gets the competitive juices flowing for your bunch is the name of the game this Thanksgiving.
13. Make Thanksgiving dessert together
Prepping for a Thanksgiving celebration can certainly be a lot of work, and adding another task to your list may feel like a lot. However, doing something intentional like making the after-dinner dessert with your kiddos may be worth it. Not only will they love helping out in the kitchen (and the tasty cleanup) but they’ll be so proud when everyone dives into their hard work on Thanksgiving.
14. Watch a classic the night before
Get everyone in the celebratory spirit by sitting down together on Thanksgiving Eve and watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. At only 30 minutes long, it’s the perfect way to wind down at the end of a long day of prepping. Start now and repeat year after year for a tradition the whole family can enjoy together.
15. Make a family tree
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, which for many means extra time with relatives. If you’ve been going back and forth on using a service like Ancestry to track your family lineage, this Thanksgiving may be the perfect time to start! Kids will be excited to get in on the fun, too. Then when you’re gathered around with relatives you can ask questions about your family history or share any new discoveries.
Simplify it and make it a fun kid-friendly activity by having them draw your family tree! Instead of diving way back in the history books, encourage them to make branches and leaves with the immediate family, grandparents, and cousins for a fun and meaningful activity.
16. Decorate Thanksgiving placemats
If you’re hosting this year you’re probably thinking about the perfect tablescape. And while I am all for a perfectly-curated dinner table, you can make it even more special by having your kiddos decorate placemats for your guests (even if they’re just for the kids’ table). Find a template online or simply give them large pieces of paper, crayons, stickers, and more.
17. Take a family walk
A perfect after dinner activity is taking in the cooler temps and (hopefully) colorful leaves of the season. Walk around your neighborhood as a family or send the kiddos out with their other parent while you get some much-needed quiet cleanup time.
18. Go to the movies
Thanksgiving weekend is notorious for new movie releases. Grab tickets to the newest must-see blockbuster, pack some cozy blankets, splurge on extra popcorn, and have the relaxing afternoon you’ve been dreaming of since Memorial Day. This is one of those Thanksgiving family activities you’ll thank yourself for later.
19. Decorate for Christmas
The great decorating debate may never be settled. Maybe you land on team holiday decor comes out November 1, or maybe you wait until after Thanksgiving. If you land on the latter, spending Thanksgiving break decorating for the upcoming holidays may be a great idea. With holiday tunes way up and a belly full of gratitude, you’re in the perfect position to transition from fall to winter wonderland.
20. Do a scavenger hunt
Trust me, this is a kid favorite in the Thanksgiving family activities department! Create a scavenger hunt for them in your house or yard, or go all out and set out throughout the neighborhood with them. Have them track down things like a pile of leaves, a carved pumpkin, a cornucopia, and more. They’ll have a blast and it’s as easy as can be to prepare!
Brett Nicole Hayden, Editorial Assistant
As the Editorial Assistant, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!