Home » Simplify Family Life » Holidays » 20 Fun Thanksgiving Traditions for Kids: Unique Ideas
ByLauren Tingley - M.Ed./CFLE
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Want to create lasting family memories – minus all the stress? Today we are sharing simple Thanksgiving tradition ideas to start with your kids this year. (updated 2023)
The Importance of Thanksgiving Traditions
Did you know there is research which shows that traditions make our kids feel more secure?
Traditions also help promote healthy relationships between generations.
Children will often remember the special experiences of family traditions long after the toys and gifts are forgotten.
But the good news is that they don’t need to be lavish and complicated.
Plus, you wanna know the real reason you need to start some Thanksgiving family traditions now?
Because when your kids are married adults, you want them to come home for the holidays!
If you have memorable traditions in place while your children are growing up, they won’t want to miss out on them when they are grown.
This will ensure that your children and, eventually, grandchildren are sitting around the dinner table during the holidays.
Simple Thanksgiving Traditions to Start This Year
Thanksgiving Traditions for Kids
1
Turkey Pancakes
Photo Credit:www.thislittlehomeofmine.com
This is such a sweet and simple idea that this kids will love –it's so fun and creative without requiring too much time and fuss
2
Family Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Photo Credit:www.goodhousekeeping.com
As your family grows and the children get older, it's so fun to look back and see who has attended Thanksgiving over the years.
This heirloom version is complete with permanent stitching, but you could easily create your own version with kraft paper an markers.
3
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: FREE Printable for Kids
Grab the kids and get outside for this fun fall activity. Just print out this super adorableThanksgiving scavenger hunt for kidsand have fun looking for all of the items on the checklist.
4
Gratitude Jar
Photo Credit:www.madewithhappy.com
You will adore this fun family Thanksgiving tradition.
This requires a few simple materials like a mason jar, a wooden plank, and prepping some wooden “coins” to deposit in the bank.
All of the supplies to make this project come in multiples, so you will have enough to make a second “Gratitude Jar” to give to someone as a gift.
Once complete, simply write your thank-yous and notes of gratitude on the coins and drop them in the bankthroughout the year or month of November.
Enjoy reading them aloud as you sit around the dinner table on Thanksgiving. You could even create a different colored “coin” for each family member.
5
Make a Thanksgiving Treat
Spending time together in the kitchen is always a fantastic way to make memories as a family.
Make a fun Thanksgiving treat like theseno-bake turkey cookiesto give to neighbors or to enjoy with your family.
Turkey Day Countdown
As an elementary school teacher, holiday countdowns are a staple in my classroom.
A simple paper chain made from fall-colored construction paper, is an easy way to countdown the days until Thanksgiving. Simply remove one link of the chain each day.
6
Play a Thanksgiving Game
Photo Credit:www.savvymamalifestyle.com
Family games are a fun Thanksgiving tradition. Download and print this “Pin The Feather” Turkey Game and the whole family can play.
7
Thanksgiving Family Game Night
Thanksgiving is typically when we spend time with extended family and friends. In order to make sure you get to see everyone while they are in town, plan a Thanksgiving Game Night.
This is a great tradition because it can take place before or after turkey day, as a fun activity to laugh and play together.
8
Thankful Boxes
Photo Credit:www.cottageintheoaks.com
This is a great tradition to start when your children are small and continue it as they grow.
To start, each person decorates their own box. You can use an empty wipes container, shoebox, or purchase a document box – all of these would work great.
Each night at dinner, have everyone write something they are thankful for and place it in their box. On Thanksgiving day, you can open the boxes and read everyone’s responses.
If you use a different color of paper each year it makes it very easy to keep them all in the same box, but pull out a few from previous years to reminisce.
9
Make an Fun Appetizer
Photo Credit:thetopmeal.com
Create memories together in the kitchen when you let the kids contribute to the meal. Choose a fun appetizer that they can make like these cute turkey deviled eggs.
10
Play a Gratitude Game
Photo Credit:momhacks101.com
This Gratitude Dice Game for Thanksgiving is a fun way to get the whole family involved in showing Thanksgiving gratitude.
Go Black Friday Shopping
In the retail world, the day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, when stores often have huge sales that start early in the morning. It’s a great time to snag great Christmas gifts at amazing discounts.
Make it a tradition by going with your kids each year.
Not ready to brave the crowds? Then stay home in your jammies for a virtual Black Friday while you shop online together.
Decorate for Christmas
In our home, it’s a tradition to decorate for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving.
Turn on the Christmas music, put all the pumpkins away, and spend the day putting out all your holiday decor.
Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of my favorite memories from childhood was watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on television. Growing up in a small town, it was amazing to see such a huge parade with amazing floats, balloons, and bands.
Watching the parade on television is an easy activity that is great for kids of all ages.
11
Pie Night Tradition
Photo Credit:www.thedatingdivas.com
Who doesn't love pie? Make it a tradition to have a pre-Thanksgiving Pie Night with friends and family. Have everyone bring their favorite pies to share or try out some new recipes. It's a delicious way to kick off the holiday season.
Volunteer in a Soup Kitchen
There is no better way toraise grateful childrenthan to give them opportunities to help others that are less fortunate.
Make volunteering in a kitchen that serves meals to the homeless or a women’s and children’s shelter a Thanksgiving tradition to help others.
12
Make "Blessing Bags"
Photo Credit:www.realmomnutrition.com
Spend some time together as a family putting together blessing bags for the homeless. Fill the bags with toiletries, snacks, gloves, socks, and hand warmers. Keep them in your car to handout around town, or donate them to a homeless shelter.
Family Turkey Trot
Avoid the commute and crowds associated with larger Turkey Trots and instead enjoy a nice stroll with your friends and family!
Set a meeting time and designate the route using sidewalk chalk or large bows tied onto light posts. I could see this one quickly turning from a friendly stroll into an annual competition between siblings!
13
Make a Gratitude Pumpkin
Photo Credit:coffeeandcarpool.com
This is a fun November traditionto talk about, celebrate, and write down everything you're thankful for on a Gratitude Pumpkin…which then becomes the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table decor.
14
DIY Thanksgiving Guest Banner
Photo Credit:www.pinterest.com
I originally found the inspiration for ideas when looking for ways to make Valentine’s Day special for my kiddos. When Turkey Day rolled around, it popped back into my head as an easy Thanksgiving tradition to start with my family.
Simply cover a door with butcher paper.I love the rustic look of brown kraft paper; perfect for fall!
Be sure to use painter’s tape for easy removal.
15
Thankfulness Chain: Thanksgiving Activity
Photo Credit:thejoysofboys.com
A Thankfulness Chainis an easy tradition to help us remember and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for.
More Thanksgiving Ideas:
- Super Easy No Bake Turkey Cookies
- Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: FREE Printable for Kids
- Super Simple Christmas Traditions to Start This Year
Fun Family Thanksgiving Tradition Ideas Everyone Will Love
Lauren Tingley - M.Ed./CFLE
Hi! I’m Lauren Tingley M.Ed. and Certified Family Life Expert who empowers overwhelmed families to thrive in their modern lives. As a veteran educator and mother, I understand the pressures and challenges of juggling careers, raising children, and having fun as a family. As an experienced home cook and parenting expert, I love sharing ideas for family-friendly meals, kid-friendly activities, and simplifying family life. My advice and ideas have been featured in major publications like Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and Care.com. I’m passionate about connecting with mothers and inspiring them to create a simpler, more balanced life. Click here to learn more about my background, experience, and philosophies.
