When I think about Thanksgiving day, first of all, I think about turkeys and spending time with family. But besides delicious food and quality time with loved ones, it can be a great opportunity to diversify the holiday and engage kids in entertaining and meaningful activities. Doing something together builds a bond with your children, what is especially important these days. So don’t forget to take part in the holiday activities with your whole family.
If you’re looking for creative ideas for Thanksgiving Day to keep the little ones entertained and to spend a nice time together indoors without smartphones and iPads, let me suggest a few ideas:
1. Thanksgiving Crafts:
Encourage kids to express their creativity through Thanksgiving-themed crafts. Provide them with construction paper, markers, glue, and scissors to create items like paper plate turkeys, handprint turkeys, or gratitude jars. This not only keeps them engaged but also allows them to reflect on what they’re thankful for.
2. Storytime Session:
Gather the family for a cozy storytime session. Choose books related to Thanksgiving or focus on tales that emphasize gratitude, friendship, and the season’s spirit. You can take turns reading or even act out parts of the stories for added fun.
3. Baking Bonanza:
Get the little chefs involved in the kitchen by organizing a baking bonanza. Allow them to assist in making Thanksgiving-themed treats such as turkey-shaped cookies, pumpkin muffins, or apple pie. This hands-on activity not only provides delicious results but also teaches valuable skills.
4. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt:
Create a gratitude scavenger hunt to add an element of adventure to the day. Craft a list of items or experiences for the kids to find around the house that symbolize things they are grateful for. This activity not only keeps them moving but also encourages them to think about the many blessings in their lives.
5. Table Setting Creations:
Involve the kids in preparing the Thanksgiving dinner table. Let them create personalized place cards, design festive centerpieces, or fold napkins into creative shapes. This not only adds a personal touch to the celebration but also instills a sense of responsibility and contribution.
6. Family Games Marathon:
Organize a family games marathon featuring board games, card games, or even classic indoor games like charades. This not only provides entertainment but also strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.
7. Puzzle Mania and Coloring Pages:
Set up a puzzle station with age-appropriate puzzles for the kids to enjoy. Puzzles not only enhance cognitive skills but also provide a calm and focused indoor activity for the little ones.
Coloring pages can burst kids’ and adults’ creativity, bring relaxation, and help to concentrate. But also could be an easy and fast way to fill a gap in an entertaining program for kids and give parents a small break.
8. Gratitude Journaling:
Encourage kids to keep a gratitude journal for the day. Provide them with notebooks and markers, and ask them to jot down things they are thankful for throughout the Thanksgiving celebration. This simple activity promotes reflection and mindfulness.
9. DIY Thankful Tree:
Create a DIY thankful tree using construction paper and craft supplies. Have kids write down what they are thankful for on leaves and then attach them to the tree. This visual representation of gratitude can be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving decor.
10. Family Photo Session:
And of course, do not forget to take some photos! Capture these precious moments of family celebration and save Thanksgiving Day memories with a family photo session. You can even take some props like hats, scarves, or even create a DIY photo booth with Thanksgiving-themed props. Make this day special with your own hands and capture it in photographs to preserve pleasant memories filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments for the entire family.
Time with family is always priceless, but if you add to entertaining activities a meaningful gratitude, it will become even more valuable. Try these 10 fun Thanksgiving indoor activities and ideas for kids and enjoy this amazing holiday!