Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, give thanks, and celebrate the abundance in their lives. Engaging children in fun and creative crafts and activities can help them understand the significance of the holiday and add a touch of festive cheer to your Thanksgiving celebration. Here are some exciting Thanksgiving crafts and activities for kids that will keep them entertained while fostering gratitude.
Gratitude Trees
Gratitude trees are a wonderful way to teach children about thankfulness and encourage them to reflect on the things they are grateful for. Start by collecting some fallen branches and placing them in a vase or container. Then, cut out colorful paper leaves. Ask the kids to write down things they are thankful for on each leaf and attach them to the branches. This evolving display of gratitude can serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
Handprint Turkey Cards
Create adorable handprint turkey cards that kids can personalize and give to family members or friends. Trace the child’s hand on colorful construction paper, cut it out, and decorate it with googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle. The fingers become the turkey’s feathers. Inside the card, have the child write a heartfelt message of thanks. It’s a thoughtful and personalized gesture that will be appreciated by the recipients.
Pumpkin Decorating
Set up a pumpkin decorating station where kids can get creative with their pumpkins. Provide an array of art supplies, such as paints, markers, stickers, and adhesive gems, to allow them to transform their pumpkins into unique and festive works of art. You can also offer stencils for those who want to get more intricate with their designs.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a fun game that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images or words (e.g., a turkey, pumpkin pie, pilgrim hat) and use small candies, buttons, or pieces of dried corn as markers. Have a designated caller announce the items, and participants mark them on their cards. The first one to complete a row or pattern shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize.
Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Baking is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen during the holiday season. Make pilgrim hat cookies by using chocolate-covered graham crackers for the base and a chocolate-covered marshmallow for the top. The marshmallow serves as the hat’s crown. Have kids add a small piece of fruit leather or a candy buckle to complete the pilgrim hat look. Not only do these cookies make for a delicious treat, but they also double as a craft activity.
Storytime
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share stories with children that convey the history and meaning of the holiday. Read books that emphasize gratitude, family, and giving, such as “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr, “The Very First Thanksgiving Day” by Rhonda Gowler Greene, or “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson. You can also encourage children to create their own Thanksgiving stories or poems.
DIY Table Decorations
Involve children in setting the Thanksgiving table by having them create DIY table decorations. They can make personalized place cards, napkin rings, or even painted and decorated candles. Let their creativity shine, and it will add a special touch to your Thanksgiving meal.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in an area with accessible outdoor space, organize a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for kids to find, such as acorns, colorful leaves, or pinecones. This activity allows kids to explore the outdoors while learning about the changing season and appreciating nature.
Thanksgiving crafts and activities for kids not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable opportunities to teach them about gratitude and the spirit of the holiday. Whether it’s making crafts, playing games, or baking treats, these activities help foster a sense of togetherness and appreciation for the blessings in our lives. So, this Thanksgiving, gather the children around and let the creative fun begin!