Thanksgiving games for family are the topic of our blog post today!
Thanksgiving—a day when the kitchen smells like a dream, and everyone’s looking forward to a feast. But let’s be honest, the day can stretch on, especially if you have a house full of guests waiting for that turkey to finish up in the oven. Maybe the kids are getting restless, or perhaps the adults need something to do besides watching football or browsing through Black Friday ads. Either way, keeping the family entertained is crucial.
That’s why I’ve put together a seriously fun list of Thanksgiving games that are perfect for a family gathering. These are engaging games that’ll bring out everyone’s competitive side and others that will have you laughing. From the classics with a Thanksgiving twist like Bingo and Trivia to unique gems like Pinecone Turkey Bowling, these games are designed for maximum fun and to suit all age groups.
Before you dive into the games, don’t forget to check out my Thanksgiving resources section for even more ideas to make your holiday special. Ready? Game on!
Thanksgiving Games for Family
Here are some interesting Thanksgiving games for family:
1. Turkey Tag
Turkey Tag is an exhilarating twist on the classic game of tag. Each player gets a “turkey tail” made from a strip of cloth or paper that’s tucked into their waistband. The goal is to avoid getting your turkey tail pulled while trying to collect others’. It’s a great way to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories and engage in some good, old-fashioned fun. Plus, it gets everybody up and moving!
2. Pumpkin Rolling Race
Pumpkin Rolling Race capitalizes on the autumnal theme by having players roll a small pumpkin from the start line to the finish line using only their noses. This can get hilarious pretty fast! It’s a race against time and gravity, and it’s an excellent way to keep kids and adults entertained. Just make sure to have a camera ready for those candid moments.
3. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Who said Thanksgiving can’t be both fun and meaningful? The Gratitude Scavenger Hunt involves a list of items for players to find, each corresponding to something they’re thankful for. For instance, something that makes them smile, or an item that represents a treasured memory. This activity encourages everyone to reflect on the blessings in their lives while having a ton of fun.
Related: Best Thanksgiving Books for Kids
4. Cranberry Spoon Race
This is your traditional egg-and-spoon race but with a Thanksgiving twist. Players must balance a cranberry on a spoon and navigate a course without dropping it. If the cranberry falls, you have to start over. This game is not just about speed; it also tests your hand-eye coordination and balance, making it an all-around family-friendly game.
5. Turkey Trot Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course in your yard with stations that everyone must navigate while holding a turkey (either a toy or a picture will do). Stations can include challenges like doing a “turkey dance,” answering a Thanksgiving trivia question, or even tossing bean bags into a turkey’s “mouth” (a cardboard cutout will suffice). The Turkey Trot Obstacle Course is a fun way to integrate various skills and elements into one cohesive game, guaranteeing loads of laughter and excitement.
6. Pilgrim Hat Ring Toss
This game adds a festive spin to the typical ring toss. Use cones or even make your own Pilgrim hats from cardboard as the target. Each hat can represent different point values, adding a bit of strategy to the game. It’s simple enough for the kids but still offers a challenge for the adults, making it a game the entire family can enjoy.
7. Thanksgiving Bingo
Switch up the traditional Bingo game by using Thanksgiving-themed items instead of numbers. Think turkeys, cranberries, pilgrims—you get the idea. This game is great for all ages and can be a fun educational moment for younger kids. Plus, you can offer Thanksgiving-related prizes to keep everyone engaged and eager to win!
8. The Mayflower Voyage Quiz
History can be engaging if it’s turned into a game! The Mayflower Voyage Quiz offers questions about the pilgrims’ journey to America, their first winter, and how the first Thanksgiving came to be. You can add multiple-choice or true/false questions, and maybe throw in some more complex ones for the history buffs in the family. It’s both enlightening and entertaining!
9. Cornhole: Thanksgiving Edition
Everyone loves a good game of Cornhole, but have you tried it with a Thanksgiving twist? Instead of the standard Cornhole bags, you can use bags shaped like turkeys or cornucopias. The boards can be decorated with autumn leaves or other festive art. Cornhole: Thanksgiving Edition takes a beloved backyard game and makes it perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering.
10. Stuff the Turkey
This one’s a riot, especially for the younger kids. Create a large turkey out of cardboard or felt and cut a hole for its “stomach.” Provide bean bags or softballs for the kids to “stuff” into the turkey. The person who successfully ‘stuffs’ the most items within a time limit wins. This game brings out the laughter in everyone and offers the perfect way to keep the young ones entertained.
11. Pinecone Turkey Bowling
Bowling takes a whimsical turn with Pinecone Turkey Bowling. Create adorable turkey pins by attaching feathers to pinecones, and then set them up like you would regular bowling pins. Use a small ball as the bowling ball, and you’re all set! This tactile, nature-inspired game is a hit with kids and adults alike, and it makes for some memorable Thanksgiving photos, too!
12. “I Am Thankful For” Hot Potato
In this classic Hot Potato game, each person says something they are thankful for when they catch the potato. Then they quickly pass it on to the next person. The goal is to not be the one holding the potato when the music stops. It’s a wonderful way to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive while engaging in some good old-fashioned fun.
13. Apple Bobbing
Apple bobbing is a seasonal game that fits in nicely with Thanksgiving festivities. Fill a large basin with water and float some apples in it. The objective is to catch an apple using only your teeth. It’s a hilarious game to watch and can be a refreshing activity if you’re playing outside on a crisp fall day.
Related: Thanksgiving Wishes and Messages
14. Cornucopia Relay Race
Set up two cornucopias at a distance from each other. Fill one with small fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas. The objective is to transfer all the fruits from one cornucopia to the other, but here’s the twist: you can only use a spoon held in your mouth. This relay race is a test of agility, speed, and balance, and it’s bound to generate a lot of laughs.
15. Football Toss
What’s Thanksgiving without some football? Set up a target, maybe a hoop or a marked area, and take turns throwing a football through it. To make it more Thanksgiving-esque, you can even use a plush turkey football. The competitive spirits will surely run high, and it’s a great way to burn off some of that Thanksgiving feast!
16. Sweet Potato Sack Race
Remember the good old sack races from field days? Swap the regular sacks for burlap bags painted to resemble sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving twist. Mark a start and finish line and have participants hop their way to victory. It’s a total blast for kids and the young-at-heart, not to mention a great way to burn off some extra calories!
17. Thanksgiving Trivia
A game of Thanksgiving Trivia is a fantastic way to test everyone’s knowledge about the holiday. Create a list of questions ranging from history to food and pop culture. Hand out bells or buzzers, and get the competition going. You could even give small prizes to the winners, like mini pumpkins or Thanksgiving-themed stickers.
18. Turkey Feather Hunt
Think Easter egg hunt, but with turkey feathers. Hide colorful craft feathers around the yard or house. Equip the kids with little baskets and send them on a feather-finding mission. This game keeps the younger crowd entertained and serves as an excellent way to channel their energy.
Related: Thanksgiving Gift Ideas
19. DIY Thanksgiving Pictionary
Who doesn’t love a good game of Pictionary? Create a list of Thanksgiving-related words and phrases. Divide the crowd into two teams and take turns drawing and guessing. Not only is this a great way to get everyone involved, but it also makes for some hilarious misunderstandings and guesses.
20. Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
This is for those who can’t get enough of pumpkin pie. Line up a few pies, set a timer, and see who can eat the most in the given time. Make sure you have some napkins and water handy! This game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes for some unforgettable family photos. Just make sure to save some pie for later!
Final thoughts
Well, there you have it—twenty games to make your Thanksgiving a festival of fun! Remember, the holiday isn’t just about gobbling down turkey and stuffing; it’s also about spending quality time with the people you love. So, shuffle the deck, roll the dice, or set up that obstacle course and let the games begin! These activities are more than just a way to kill time; they’re a catalyst for laughter, conversations, and memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, love, and a dash of healthy competition!
