Thanksgiving Games for Family Fun
Thanksgiving Games for Family Fun: A Recipe for Laughter and Lasting Memories
Thanksgiving is already full of things we love: family, food, and gratitude! But you know what really makes Thanksgiving unforgettable? A line-up of family games that get everyone laughing, moving, and maybe even a little competitive (in the best possible way). Whether you’ve got a house full of toddlers or a crew of teenagers, or if your guest list includes grandparents, cousins, and in-laws, these Thanksgiving games are perfect for all ages. Trust me I’ve tried a few of these over the years, and they’re always a hit!
So, while the turkey’s cooking and the pies are cooling, gather everyone around and dive into some family-friendly fun. Here are my favorite Thanksgiving games that will keep everyone entertained and create memories to last long after the leftovers are gone.
Turkey Tag
If you’ve got a bit of space outside or even a large living room, Turkey Tag is perfect! It’s basically tag with a twist and it’ll tire out the little ones (so you can maybe enjoy a post-dinner nap!). Each person gets a “turkey tail” a small piece of cloth or paper towel tucked into their waistband. The goal? Steal as many turkey tails as you can without losing your own!
Mom’s Tip: Keep extra turkey tails on hand, just in case some end up in the dog’s mouth or mysteriously disappear mid-game.
Family Trivia
This one’s as easy as it is fun, and it’s especially great for multi-generational families. Before Thanksgiving, ask family members for some fun facts, silly stories, or memorable moments they wouldn’t mind sharing. Then, turn these into trivia questions! It’s amazing how much you can learn about your family (and how well they remember the little details).
Mom’s Tip: Throw in some “easy” questions for the younger kids, so they feel like part of the fun, too. You’ll be amazed by how much even the littlest ones know!
Pumpkin Bowling
A mini pumpkin and a few empty plastic bottles, and you’ve got yourself a Thanksgiving bowling alley! Set up the bottles as pins and let everyone take turns rolling the pumpkin down to knock them over. It sounds easy until you realize that mini pumpkins do not roll in a straight line!
Mom’s Tip: Line the “alley” with a few blankets on each side to keep the pumpkins from rolling too far off-course. And if you have toddlers, let them push the pumpkin with their hands it’s adorable and makes the game fairer for everyone.
Pin the Tail on the Turkey
This Thanksgiving spin on the classic game is always a hit with the kids (and adults after they’ve had their pie!). Print or draw a big turkey on some poster board and create a few “tail feathers” with construction paper. Blindfold each person, spin them around a few times, and let the hilarity ensue as they try to place the feather on the turkey.
Mom’s Tip: To add a little challenge, use a timer and give each person only 10 seconds to pin their feather. Trust me, it’ll keep the game moving and the giggles going!
Pin The Tail on The Turkey
Thanksgiving Games for KidsPin The Tail on The Turkey Game
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can get everyone up and moving, and it’s easy to tailor to different age groups. Write out a list of Thanksgiving-themed items for everyone to find, like a pumpkin, a leaf, something orange, a kitchen spoon, or even someone wearing brown! Send everyone off and see who comes back with the most items.
Mom’s Tip: If you’ve got little ones, pair them with older family members so they can team up and feel like they’re part of the adventure. This way, the game ends with some serious bonding moments (and adorable photos, if you’re quick enough to catch them in action).
Thankful Charades
This is charades with a heartwarming twist! Instead of acting out random words, make a list of things we’re thankful for, like “grandma’s hugs,” “warm pie,” “family laughter,” or “funny dad jokes.” The player has to act out each item without speaking, and the rest of the family has to guess.
Mom’s Tip: Encourage everyone to think creatively. This game always ends in laughter, especially when someone tries to act out something like “leftover sandwiches.” Plus, it’s a sweet way to remind everyone why we’re gathered together.
Thanksgiving Pictionary
This one’s a classic! Use a whiteboard or some paper and let everyone draw Thanksgiving-themed words or phrases, like “turkey dinner,” “fall leaves,” or “football game.” It’s perfect if you’ve got both artists and non-artists in the family the latter tend to draw the best laughs!
Mom’s Tip: Try timing each drawing round to keep things moving quickly. And have a camera ready you’ll want to capture those “abstract” interpretations of a turkey!
Turkey Shoot Hoops
For this game, you’ll need a small, lightweight ball and a basket, bucket, or even a box decorated like a turkey. Line people up to take shots, seeing who can score the most “turkey hoops” in a row. Little ones can get closer to the target, while older kids and adults stand further back. It’s surprisingly addictive!
Mom’s Tip: Use small prizes like stickers, mini treats, or even a “Turkey King or Queen” crown for the winner. And if the “hoops” get a little intense, have a designated “turkey coach” (a.k.a. an adult) to keep the excitement contained.
Turkey Dance-Off
Alright, this might just be my favorite Thanksgiving game. Clear a little space in the living room, throw on some classic dance tunes, and let everyone strut their best “turkey dance.” Think funky chicken, but Thanksgiving-style. Whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, or a good old-fashioned line dance, this is guaranteed fun!
Mom’s Tip: Assign one person as the “Turkey Dance Judge” and give out ribbons or small prizes for categories like “Best Turkey Waddle,” “Funniest Moves,” and “Most Likely to Start a New Dance Craze.” Everyone ends up winning something and it’s just plain fun.
Stuff the Turkey
In this hilariously simple game, each team (or individual) gets a small container or bag decorated to look like a turkey and a pile of “stuffing” (cotton balls or crumpled paper). The goal is to transfer as much “stuffing” into the turkey as possible within a set time. The catch? You can only use a spoon or tongs no hands allowed! Whoever has the most stuffing in their turkey when the time’s up wins.
Mom’s Tip: Pair younger kids with adults to make it a team challenge. This game can get a bit messy, but trust me, the giggles are worth it!
Turkey Waddle Relay
This one will have everyone waddling like a turkey, and it’s too funny to watch! Give each player a balloon to place between their knees. The challenge? Waddle from one end of the room to the other without dropping the balloon. If it falls, you have to start over. The first person (or team) to make it to the finish line wins!
Mom’s Tip: This game is extra fun for younger kids, but it’s just as amusing when the adults join in. And let’s be real nothing says Thanksgiving quite like watching Dad try to waddle like a turkey!
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Add a festive twist to classic tic-tac-toe by making your own game board out of a piece of cardboard. Instead of X’s and O’s, use mini pumpkins and small gourds as the game pieces! This is a great option for little ones who want to play something simple while the grown-ups chat.
Mom’s Tip: Set up a few boards if you have a lot of players. It’s quick, easy, and a wonderful way to keep the littles entertained. Plus, it doubles as festive decor when the games are done!
Thanksgiving Bingo
Bingo is always a family favorite! Create or download some Thanksgiving-themed bingo cards with pictures like turkeys, pies, acorns, and fall leaves. As you call out each item, players mark their cards. The first person to get five in a row yells “Gobble!” and wins a prize.
Mom’s Tip: Thanksgiving Bingo is fantastic because it’s simple, and you can easily play several rounds. Have little prizes ready for each winner, like candy corn or mini treats, to keep the excitement going.
Marshmallow Toss
This game is ridiculously fun and perfect for a Thanksgiving crowd. Pair up players and give one person a small basket and the other person a pile of mini marshmallows. The goal? Toss as many marshmallows as possible into the basket in one minute, with the thrower standing a few feet away from the catcher. It’s harder than it sounds!
Mom’s Tip: For bigger laughs, use different-sized baskets for various rounds smaller baskets add a challenge, and larger ones keep the game inclusive for younger kids.
Thanksgiving Mad Libs
This is a great game for winding down after a big meal, especially for families who love wordplay. Either make your own Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs or find some printable versions online. Fill in the blanks as a family, then read out the hilarious results! You’ll be amazed at how creative (and ridiculous) everyone can get with just a few prompts.
Mom’s Tip: Have everyone take turns contributing words, so it feels like a true group effort. And for an added laugh, read the final story in your best “storyteller” voice it makes even the silliest tales feel epic!
Roll-A-Turkey Dice Game
This crafty game doubles as an art project! Give everyone a blank piece of paper and a set of crayons or markers. Each person takes turns rolling a die to determine which part of the turkey to draw: 1 for the body, 2 for the head, 3 for the feathers, and so on. The first person to complete their turkey drawing wins!
Mom’s Tip: Set up a little prize for the best, most colorful, or funniest turkey drawing. This game is great for kids and anyone who loves a bit of friendly artistic competition.
The Gratitude Game
This is a beautiful way to end the day on a heartfelt note. Pass around a bowl filled with slips of paper, each with a prompt related to gratitude. Examples could be “Name something you’re grateful for from this past year” or “Share a memory from Thanksgiving when you were a child.” Each person takes a turn pulling a slip and sharing their response.
Mom’s Tip: This game isn’t about winning, but it’s always a win to share these sweet moments. Have a box of tissues nearby for any emotional responses gratitude has a way of bringing up all the feels. And if there are younger kids, consider pairing them with an adult to help them express their gratitude, too.
The best part of Thanksgiving isn’t just the feast, although I won’t lie, that pie is pretty important. It’s about making memories with the people we love, celebrating our quirks, and creating traditions that we’ll remember for years to come. Games are just one way to make those moments happen, but boy, do they work wonders!
So this Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table, I hope you’ll also gather around these games. And don’t worry if things get a little silly or even a little competitive that’s half the fun. Whether you’re dodging a mini pumpkin in the bowling game or showing off your best turkey dance, you’re doing it together as a family. And in the end, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.
