Are you hosting Thanksgiving Day at your home this year and searching for a great way to keep everyone entertained and having fun? If so, you’ve come to the perfect place. Keep reading for fun Thanksgiving games and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
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If you’re like me, I love the Thanksgiving holiday.
For my family, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather, share a delicious meal, and create lasting memories together.
But beyond the delicious turkey and pumpkin pie, adding the best Thanksgiving games to the mix can take our family holiday celebration to the next level.
So, to get ready for the upcoming holiday season, I looked into some new games to try this year with my family and wanted to share them with all of you.
Whether you’re looking for ways to entertain younger kids, keep large groups having fun, or spark friendly competition among family members, these fun party games will bring everyone together for a day filled with delicious food, laughter, and fun.
So, get ready to make this year’s holiday one to remember with new Thanksgiving games and activities that are sure to be a hit with family of all ages.
1. Thanksgiving Bingo Family Fun
Grab some printable Thanksgiving bingo cards to get everyone having fun.
The first player to get bingo wins a prize.
This Thanksgiving game is a fun option to keep everyone engaged throughout the day, and it’s especially great for larger groups of family.
2. Turkey Day Thanksgiving Touch Football game
Nothing says Turkey Day like a game of touch football with family.
Gather your loved ones and head outside for some friendly competition before the main event.
It’s a great way to bond with family and enjoy the crisp fall air before indulging in your large meal.
Plus, it’s an easy way to burn off some energy before Thanksgiving Day dinner.
3. Play Thanksgiving Charades with Family
Thanksgiving charades is a classic game with a holiday twist that’s always a hit.
Write down Thanksgiving-themed words on pieces of paper and have each first player act them out without speaking, while their team members guess the word.
From “turkey” to “Thanksgiving feast,” this fun option will get everyone laughing and in the holiday spirit.
4. Thanksgiving Family Recipe Swap
A Thanksgiving recipe card swap is a wonderful way to blend the past with the present, allowing older generations to share cherished family recipes with younger members.
During this activity, family members bring handwritten recipe cards filled with dishes that have been passed down through the years, like Grandma’s secret stuffing or Aunt Mary’s famous pumpkin pie.
It’s a heartwarming opportunity to not only preserve culinary traditions but also create new memories in the kitchen.
5. Thanksgiving Trivia for Family Fun
Test everyone’s knowledge with a Thanksgiving trivia game.
Create questions about the history of Thanksgiving, fun facts about food, and even personal trivia about your guests.
The person with the most correct answers wins a prize.
This is a perfect way to add a bit of competition to your holiday without needing much preparation.
6. Play Heads Up for a Fun Thanksgiving Game with Family
A fast-paced game, Heads Up is perfect for getting everyone involved in the fun.
Family members hold up a game card to their forehead and must guess the word based on clues.
It’s a fantastic way to spend the holiday with family and works well for Thanksgiving gatherings.
7. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt with Family
Organize a scavenger hunt with clues and items related to Thanksgiving.
Split your family members into teams, and the first team to find all the items wins.
This fun game is a great way to get everyone moving and exploring, especially if you’re hosting in a larger space.
8. Host a Family Fun Thanksgiving Pumpkin Carving Contest
Host a pumpkin carving contest for a fun option to let your family members get creative.
Provide pumpkins, carving tools, and optional decorations like fake flowers or paint in different colors.
At the end of the game, the rest of the family can vote on the best design, with the winner receiving a small prize.
9. Make a Family Thanksgiving Day Time Capsule
Create a time capsule to commemorate your holiday gathering with family.
Have everyone write down memories, predictions, or personal notes on pieces of paper.
Seal them in a container, and agree to open it on a future Thanksgiving Day.
It’s a meaningful and memorable activity that adds a sentimental touch to your holiday – especially for younger family members.
10. Thanksgiving Family Fun Turkey Waddle Race
For a hilarious game that’s fun to play and watch, try the Thanksgiving Day turkey waddle race.
Family members place a small ball or raw yams between their knees and waddle to the finish line.
The first player to cross the line without dropping their item wins.
This family-friendly holiday game is sure to be a fun surprise and create some laughs.
11. Family Feud: Thanksgiving Edition
Bring out your competitive side with Thanksgiving Family Feud using Thanksgiving-themed words and categories.
Divide your family into teams, and see who can guess the most popular answers.
This holiday party game is sure to bring out laughter and friendly rivalries, making it one of the best games of the day.
12. Thanksgiving Hot Potato is Fun for Family of All Ages
Revisit your grade school days with a game of Thanksgiving Hot Potato.
Using a small pumpkin or a plush turkey, everyone sits in a circle and passes the object around while music plays.
When the music stops, the person holding the object is out.
Continue until only one family member remains.
This classic game is a fun option that’s sure to add nostalgia for everyone.
13. Set up Thanksgiving Card Games for Family
You can never go wrong with card games at a fall holiday party.
Whether you choose poker, Uno, or another favorite game, they’re an easy way to get everyone involved.
Plus, card games are perfect for playing after the Thanksgiving feast when everyone’s too full to move.
14. Grown-Up Thanksgiving Drinking Games for Adults
Add a festive twist to your adult holiday party with Thanksgiving printable drinking games.
You can also play classics like Kings, Flip Cup, or create your own Thanksgiving-themed version.
Just remember to pace yourself, especially if there’s a lot of Thanksgiving dinner on the table.
This is an easy way to keep the adult family party lively and fun.
15. Thanksgiving Themed Pictionary with Family
Challenge your family to draw their way to victory with a Thanksgiving Pictionary game.
The family draws cards with Thanksgiving-themed words, and their family members must guess what they’re drawing before the time limit runs out.
This fast-paced game is perfect for a group of families looking for some creative fun.
16. Thanksgiving Day Family Pie Eating Contest
Take your holiday to the next level with a Thanksgiving family pie-eating contest.
Family members must eat a slice of pie (or an entire mini pie) as fast as they can – without using their hands.
The first player to finish wins.
17. Thanksgiving Day Musical Chairs for Family of All Ages
Get nostalgic and bring back the classic elementary school game of Musical Chairs.
Set up chairs in a circle and play music.
When the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit in, but there’s always one less chair than there are players.
The family member left standing is out, and the game continues until only one player remains.
18. Thanksgiving Day Bean Bag Toss
Including a bean bag toss game at your Thanksgiving Day party is a fun way to bring everyone together and create a fun holiday.
Bean Bag toss is easy to set up, requires minimal equipment, and can be enjoyed by family, making it a perfect outdoor or indoor activity.
Whether you’re playing a casual match or organizing a friendly competition, the game encourages laughter, bonding, and teamwork, adding a lighthearted element to your holiday.
19. Thanksgiving Day Place Card Memory Game
If you’re using place cards for your Thanksgiving feast, turn them into a family game.
Have everyone study the cards, then mix them up and see who can remember where everyone was sitting.
The family member with the best memory wins a prize.
It’s a simple but fun way to add a little competition to your Thanksgiving dinner table.
20. Thanksgiving Day Trivia Truth or Dare with Family
Add an extra layer of fun to your Thanksgiving trivia truth or dare by incorporating dares or challenges for incorrect answers.
For example, the next player could have to wear a funny cowboy hat or do a silly dance.
This makes the game even more engaging and fun, and it’s sure to be one of the highlights of your family holiday gathering.
21. Set Up Fun Family Pumpkin Bowling on Thanksgiving Day
Try your hand at pumpkin bowling, a fun option that’s perfect for a family gathering.
Set up a mini-bowling alley using small pumpkins as bowling balls and bottles or cans as pins.
The family member with the highest score at the end of the game wins a prize.
This game can be played indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
22. Hang a Thanksgiving Piñata for Holiday Family Fun
Enjoy more Thanksgiving fun with a piñata.
Fill a holiday piñata with candy and small toys.
Each family member gets a turn to break open the piñata using a stick or a metal spoon.
It’s a fun option for family members of all ages to include during your holiday gathering.
23. Turkey Day Costume Contest with Family
Provide craft supplies and have family of all ages create their best turkey mask.
They can use feathers, construction paper, and other materials.
The most creative or hilarious turkey costume wins a prize.
24. Thanksgiving Day Family Fun Turkey Tag Game
Get active with a family turkey tag.
Make paper or cloth “feathers” and attach them to each family member’s back with a clothespin or masking tape.
The goal is to collect as many feathers from other players as possible while protecting your own.
The family member with the most feathers at the end of the game wins.
It’s a fun option that gets everyone moving and laughing.
25. Thanksgiving Day Apple Bobbing Game with Family
A classic fall activity set up a traditional apple-bobbing station where guests can try their hand at pulling apples from a water-filled bucket using only their teeth.
26. Thanksgiving Gratitude Games with Family
Each family member writes something they’re thankful for on a paper leaf, then attaches it to a string to create a gratitude garland.
You can also play the Thanksgiving Gratitude Game for a fun idea with family.
It’s a thoughtful activity that doubles as a decorative keepsake of a great family holiday.
27. Add a Thanksgiving Photo Booth for Family to Strike a Pose
This is a fantastic addition to your family celebration, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity to your holiday.
Set up a designated area with festive props like Thanksgiving-themed hats, fake mustaches, and turkey feathers, and provide a backdrop that fits the holiday spirit – think autumn leaves or a harvest scene.
You can use a simple camera setup or even a smartphone with a tripod.
Encourage the family to strike their best poses, whether they’re goofing around with a cowboy hat or holding up a sign that says “I’m thankful for pie!”
The resulting photos will capture the joyous moments of your holiday and serve as memorable keepsakes for everyone.
Final thoughts
I love playing Thanksgiving games with my family and always find it a wonderful way to bring everyone together.
I look forward to each holiday season and another chance to create memories with loved ones that will last long after the holidays are over.
I hope you found some fun games to play with your family this Thanksgiving Day.
Whether you’re enjoying a friendly family competition or simply enjoying each other’s company, we hope these family games add an extra layer of fun and laughter to your holiday celebration this year.
As you gather around the table or relax in the living room, remember that the true spirit of Thanksgiving is about connection, gratitude, and the joy of spending time with loved ones.
So, let the Thanksgiving games begin!
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Your turn
Are you hosting the Thanksgiving Day celebration this year? Does your family play Thanksgiving games? Which of these holiday activities are you trying this year? Let me know in the comments.
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