Every family has Thanksgiving traditions, whether it is a special meal, activity, or event. Check out our list of eight Thanksgiving activities and seasonal crafts for kids that are sure to bring smiles and warm memories to the whole family. Whether your little ones want to try a new craft, game, or activity, we’ve got you covered to make this season special.
Below are a few activities that utilize active play and creativity to celebrate Thanksgiving. Choose a few to incorporate over the holiday season with your family!
8 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
1. Pumpkin Play
If you have miniature pumpkins or gourds leftover from spooky season, re-purpose them into one of these Thanksgiving activities for kids! Radio Flyer’s Kids Wheelbarrow easily transports your pumpkins to the game destination.
- Blogger Wilder Child describes a pumpkin hunt similar to an Easter egg hunt. Parents should hide miniature pumpkins around the backyard or house (substitute printable pumpkins if you don't have real ones on hand) and then watch little ones go on a fun pumpkin hunt!
- MommyPoppins suggests a Pumpkin Bowling Game. Use pumpkins as the bowling ball and gourds as pins (substitute milk jugs or water bottles as pins). This is a great Thanksgiving activity for toddlers to practice hand-eye coordination and makes for a fun competitive game for older kids.
2. Book Break
Between cooking, playing, or crafting, take a quiet reading break with your family. The EveryMom put together a book list that captures stories of friendship and gratitude that are perfect for families of all ages. This season, check out a few of these books from your local library to keep the celebration going through bedtime.
3. Practice Gratitude
Radio Flyer’s expert play panelist Kate Fahrenbach wrote about the importance of teaching gratitude at a young age. Thanksgiving Day is a great opportunity to practice giving thanks to loved ones and trying a new gratitude activity or two.
4. Nature Walk
Enjoy the autumn views this season by getting outside and connecting with nature. Whether you take your wagon, scooters, or balance bikes, little ones will love exploring their neighborhood parks and crunching through the leaves.
5. Turkey Windsocks
Heidi, from Happiness is Homemade, created Turkey Windsocks with her little ones. This turkey craft requires a can, ribbon, paint, and googly eyes but can be customized depending on what materials you have on hand. These adorable turkeys take less than 30 minutes to make and double as a cute fall decoration.
6. Thanksgiving Goodies Wagon Delivery
Spread some Thanksgiving cheer with a fun and thoughtful wagon delivery service! Load up your wagon with homemade treats—like cookies, mini pies, or festive snacks—and deliver them to neighbors, friends, or those in need. It's a heartwarming way to share gratitude and bring a little extra joy to the community, all while making the most of the holiday season.
7. Apple Stamping Craft
Check out this Thanksgiving craft idea from Katie at Made to be a Momma that uses staple pantry items. Katie uses apples for a pumpkin stamping activity. First, cut the apple in half so it resembles the shape of a pumpkin. Little ones can then dip the apples into orange paint and stamp them on paper. Decorations are encouraged and remember to save a few apples for a seasonal snack between crafts!
8. Corn on the Cob Artwork
For another craft straight from the pantry, Stacey from Glued to my Crafts uses cereal to create corn on the cob artwork. This craft utilizes a printable (or sub construction paper), glue, and cereal. Little ones will love this excuse to play with their food!
If you try out any of these activities while you’re home for Thanksgiving, tag Radio Flyer in your photos with #RadioFlyer on social media so we can celebrate with you and your little ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
