Thanksgiving Games & Activities: Printable PDF Fun for the Whole Family

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to start planning for the big day. While the turkey takes center stage, let's not forget about the fun and games that bring families and friends together. Thanksgiving games printables are a fantastic way to engage both kids and adults, fostering laughter, competition, and precious memories. Here, we've compiled a list of printable games that will make your Thanksgiving preparations a breeze and ensure a day filled with joy and togetherness.

Thanksgiving games serve multiple purposes. They help to break the ice, keeping both kids and adults entertained during those lulls in the cooking or eating process. Moreover, they create lasting memories and encourage family bonding. With that in mind, let's dive into the various types of printable games you can incorporate into your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Traditional Thanksgiving Games

These games are tried and true, beloved by families for generations. They're easy to set up, require minimal equipment, and are suitable for all ages.

Thanksgiving Bingo is a classic that never goes out of style. Print out these bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed items like turkeys, pilgrims, and cornucopias. Call out items, and the first to get a line or full card wins a prize. You can find numerous free printable bingo cards online to suit your Thanksgiving theme.

Turkey Bowling

Here's a twist on classic bowling that's perfect for Thanksgiving. You'll need a few empty plastic bottles and some construction paper to create turkey-shaped pins. Set them up like bowling pins and let the fun begin. Don't forget to print out scorecards to keep track of who's striking it lucky!

First, create your turkey pins by carefully cutting construction paper into turkey shapes and sticking them onto the empty bottles. Set them up in a triangle formation, and you're ready to roll. Use a small Turkish or other small ball for a manageable weight. Print out scorecards to track points, and don't forget to plan for a prize or two for the high scorers!

Pilgrim's Hat Ring Toss

Create pilgrim's hats using cardstock or construction paper. Cut out hat shapes, cut a hole in each, and attach them to a piece of cardboard or foam board for stability. Set up the hats in a line and use rings or beanbags for tossing. The contestant who gets the most rings onto the hats wins.

To make the pilgrim's hats, cut out large hat shapes from cardstock or construction paper. Fold the paper in half to crease, then cut off excess paper so that when opened, you have a circular base with an attached brim. Cut a hole in the hat's center for the rings. Attach the hats to a piece of cardboard or foam board for sturdiness, and you're ready for some ring-tossing action.

Brainteaser and Word Games

These games challenge players' cognitive skills and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. They're ideal for those looking for a mental workout instead of physical games.

Word Scavenger Hunt

Create a Thanksgiving-themed word list, then hide these words around the house or on separate sheets of paper hidden in various locations. Contestants must find the words, and the first to find all the words on their list wins a prize.

To create your word list, think of Thanksgiving-related words like "gobble," "pie," "mashed potatoes," "cornucopia," etc. Write each word on a separate index card or slip of paper, ensuring there are no duplicates. Hide the words around the house or provide contestants with clues to guide them to the hidden words.

Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle

Print out a Thanksgiving-themed crossword puzzle to keep your guests entertained. You can find pre-made puzzles online or create your own using software designed for crossword creation. This game encourages teamwork and is a great way to start conversations around the dinner table.

To create your own puzzle, use crossword software like At갓 crossover Pro or Crossword Nexus. Choose a theme related to Thanksgiving, such as classic dishes, family traditions, or historical facts. Design your puzzle so that it fits your audience's skill level, and don't forget to include a helpful list of clues for each answer.

Arts and Crafts

These activities allow guests to show off their creativity while contributing to a festive atmosphere.

Turkey Crafts

Provide guests with construction paper, googly eyes, pompoms, and other art supplies to create their own turkey masterpieces. They can draw, paint, or glue their turkeys onto Thanksgiving-themed construction paper or cardstock, and then display them for all to admire.

To prepare for this activity, gather construction paper, cardstock, googly eyes, pompoms, pipe cleaners, feathers, scissors, glue sticks, and other art supplies. Let guests' creative juices flow as they design their unique turkeys, focusing on Thanksgiving colors like orange, red, brown, and yellow. Once completed, display the turkeys around the house as part of your decorations.

Cornucopia filler

Have guests create their own mini cornucopias using paper or cardstock and then fill them with small treats like chocolates, candies, or trinkets. These delightful creations make perfect place cards or party favors.

To make the cornucopias, cut cornucopia shapes out of cardstock or construction paper. Fold the paper over to create a horn-like shape, and secure it with glue or tape. Have guests fill their cornucopias with small treats, and then place them at each seat or allow guests to take their mini cornucopias as a party favor.

With these Thanksgiving games printables, you're sure to host a memorable and entertaining celebration. From classic games like bingo and bowling to brainteasers and crafts, there's something for everyone. So, gather your family and friends, and get ready for a day filled with laughter, togetherness, and maybe even a little friendly competition. Happy Thanksgiving!