10 Printable Thanksgiving Activities for Kids: Fun and Educational Ideas
While adults are busy preparing the Thanksgiving dinner, it’s important to keep the kids entertained and engaged in the spirit of the holiday. Printable Thanksgiving activities are a fantastic way to involve children in the festivities while keeping them entertained and learning. They are easy to set up and can be tailored to suit kids of all ages. They are cost-effective, convenient, and provide an interactive way for children to learn about the holiday’s history, significance, and traditions. From coloring pages to fun puzzles, these activities provide a perfect blend of fun and education. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 of these printable Thanksgiving activities that kids will love.
1. Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Turkey Coloring Pages
Turkey is a central symbol of Thanksgiving, making turkey coloring pages a popular choice for kids. These pages come in various designs, from simple outlines for younger children to more intricate patterns for older kids. Encourage children to use their creativity by experimenting with different colors and patterns. Turkey coloring pages not only keep the kids busy but also help them learn about this iconic Thanksgiving symbol.
Pilgrim and Native American Coloring Pages
To teach children about the historical aspects of Thanksgiving, provide them with coloring pages that feature Pilgrims and Native Americans. These pages can serve as a starting point for discussions about the first Thanksgiving, cultural diversity, and the importance of gratitude and respect. Use this opportunity to share stories and educate children about the significance of these historical figures.
Thanksgiving Feast Coloring Pages
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by coloring pages that depict a traditional Thanksgiving feast? These pages can include images of a bountiful table filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and other delicious dishes. Children can color these pages while learning about the different foods typically enjoyed during the holiday, sparking their curiosity about Thanksgiving traditions.
Here is a link to a free downloadable thanksgiving coloring sheet on Homemade Gifts made Easy website. If you are interested in more options, you can check out this website, which offers sheets at $1 a download.
2. Thanksgiving Word Search
Word searches are an excellent way to boost vocabulary and improve concentration. Thanksgiving-themed word search puzzles can include words like “grateful,” “family,” “turkey,” “pumpkin,” and “harvest.” Printable word search activities are perfect for keeping kids occupied while enhancing their spelling and reading skills. You can find word searches with varying difficulty levels to cater to different age groups, ensuring that everyone finds the activity enjoyable.
To aid you, here is a link to a free downloadable thanksgiving word search on puzzles from print.com. If you are interested in more options, you can also check out this TPT.
3. Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzles
Thanksgiving crossword puzzles are another fun and educational activity that can be customized with Thanksgiving-themed words and clues. These puzzles challenge children to think critically and improve their problem-solving skills. Download free printable Thanksgiving crossword puzzles here to engage kids with clues related to the holiday’s history, traditional foods, and common symbols. This activity is perfect for older kids who enjoy a bit of a challenge and can also serve as a learning tool to enhance their knowledge about Thanksgiving.
4. Thanksgiving Bingo
Bingo is a classic game that kids love, and it’s easy to customize for Thanksgiving. Printable Thanksgiving Bingo cards can include pictures of turkeys, pumpkins, Pilgrims, Native Americans, cornucopias, and other holiday symbols. Provide small prizes for the winners to make the game even more exciting. Thanksgiving Bingo is perfect for group play, making it an ideal activity for family gatherings or classroom parties.
Check out maple planner.com to download free printable thanksgiving bingo. For even more options, visit Playparty Plan for free and paid downloads
5. Thanksgiving Memory Matching Game
Memory matching games are fantastic for developing concentration and cognitive skills. Create printable Thanksgiving-themed memory cards with images of turkeys, pumpkins, fall leaves, and other holiday symbols. Print two copies of each card and have the kids take turns flipping them over to find matching pairs. To make your search easier here is a LINK to download a free thanksgiving memory matching game fromLovinghomeschool.com. This game is simple to set up and can be played individually or in small groups, providing endless entertainment for kids of all ages.
6. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
A printable Thanksgiving scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids moving and exploring their surroundings. Create a list of Thanksgiving-related items for them to find, such as a picture of a turkey, a pumpkin decoration, a fall leaf, or a Thanksgiving-themed book. You can also include clues that lead them to specific locations around the house or yard. This activity encourages teamwork, observation skills, and problem-solving, all while keeping the kids engaged in the holiday spirit. For ready-to-use Thanksgiving scavenger hunt printables, check out this link to find a variety of options that will make your holiday celebrations even more fun.
7. Gratitude Tree Craft
The gratitude tree is a meaningful and educational Thanksgiving activity that encourages children to reflect on what they are thankful for. Provide printable leaf templates that kids can color, cut out, and write their blessings on. Attach the leaves to a paper or cardboard tree to create a beautiful gratitude display. This activity not only nurtures creativity but also fosters a sense of appreciation and mindfulness, making it a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving celebration. To get started, download a free printable Thanksgiving tree craft here and begin creating a special holiday tradition with your family.
8. Turkey Handprint Craft
Turkey handprint crafts are a fun and creative activity that also makes for a cherished keepsake. They can color and decorate the turkey, adding googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle. This activity is simple and suitable for younger children, creating a personal touch to their Thanksgiving decorations. How to Make an Easy Handprint Turkey Craft for Thanksgiving.
- Prepare your 5 paints. Put a 1-2 inch pile of paint on your palette or paper plate.
- Paint the child’s hand (or have them paint it) in the five sections as seen above.
- Press their hand down firmly in the center of your stock paper. I choose stock paper because it stays nicer rather than becoming all wavy when the paint dries.
- Using your black Sharpie, draw on the eyes and legs.
- With the red sharpie, draw on the beak and gizzard
9. Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Mad Libs are a fun and humorous way to get kids involved in storytelling. Create printable Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs with prompts that include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and Thanksgiving-related words. This activity encourages creativity and helps children learn about different parts of speech while creating funny and entertaining stories. It’s a perfect activity for group play, providing lots of laughs during the holiday season. To get started, download your free printable Thanksgiving mad libs here and begin creating a special holiday tradition with your family.
10. Build Your Own Turkey Craft
Let kids unleash their creativity with a “build your own turkey” printable craft. Provide templates for different parts of a turkey, such as the body, feathers, beak, and feet. Children can color, cut out, and assemble their turkeys using glue or tape. This craft activity allows kids to express their creativity by personalizing their turkeys with various colors and patterns. It’s a great way to keep them entertained while adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving decorations. Download your free “build your own turkey” printable craft here and let the fun begin!
Tips for Using Printable Thanksgiving Activities
- Print in Advance: Print out all the activities before Thanksgiving to ensure you have enough copies for every child. This saves time and keeps the day organized.
- Provide Supplies: Have a variety of coloring supplies, scissors, glue sticks, and other crafting materials readily available. This makes it easy for kids to dive right into the activities.
- Set Up a Craft Station: Designate a table or area specifically for the kids to work on their printable activities. This keeps the mess contained and gives children their own space to get creative.
- Encourage Participation: Get involved by guiding children through the activities, especially the younger ones. Participation from adults makes the experience more enjoyable and provides a chance to bond.
- Display the Finished Crafts: Showcase the children’s work by displaying their coloring pages, crafts, and gratitude leaves around the house. This boosts their confidence and makes them feel proud of their contributions.
Printable Thanksgiving activities for kids are a fantastic way to keep the little ones engaged and entertained during the holiday season. From coloring pages to scavenger hunts, these activities offer a blend of fun and education, teaching children about Thanksgiving traditions while fostering creativity and critical thinking. With a variety of options available, you can easily find activities that suit different ages and interests. So, this Thanksgiving, download and print some of these fun activities to ensure a memorable and joyful holiday for the whole family.
