Little Hands, Big Thanksgiving Moments
Simple ways to keep little ones happy while the holiday dinner comes together.
Thanksgiving dinner takes hours to make.
Children can ask “Is it ready yet?” approximately every four minutes.
You need activities.
Preferably ones that don’t create another room for somebody to clean.
Give them a real Thanksgiving job
Children often love being useful when the job actually matters.
Depending on their age, they might:
- put napkins on the table
- make place cards
- arrange safe table decorations
- carry unbreakable items
- draw a menu
- welcome guests
- choose where the Dinkums are apparently sitting
Thanksgiving activities for toddlers
Keep things simple:
- leaf collecting
- chunky colouring
- stickers
- picture books
- dancing
- simple pretend play
- a little busy basket
If you’re travelling to someone else’s house, bring a few familiar toys rather than an entire playroom.
A Dinkum friend can be especially useful company in an unfamiliar house.
Travel toys for toddlers — If Thanksgiving is at someone else’s house.
A gratitude game children can understand
Go around the table and finish:
That’s it.
Little children don’t need a philosophical lecture on gratitude.
Answers may include:
- “Mummy.”
- “My dog.”
- “Chips.”
All valid.
Thanksgiving games for mixed ages
Thanksgiving charades
Act out food, animals or family activities.
Would You Rather?
Pie or ice cream?
Autumn leaves or snow?
Eat dinner with a turkey or have one as a pet?
Family treasure hunt
Hide simple clues around the house.
Who Am I?
Use family members, characters or animals everyone knows.
Keeping kids busy while dinner cooks
Create a small station away from the kitchen with:
- paper
- crayons
- stickers
- books
- a few favourite toys
- one simple activity
The goal isn’t to entertain them every second.
It’s to give their imaginations somewhere to start. Our Thanksgiving crafts for kids post has the making side of the day.
Pretend tea party ideas — A quieter option that runs itself.
At a Thanksgiving with no other children
Bring one familiar friend.
A doll or soft toy can become a dinner guest, travel companion and playmate when the grown-up conversation becomes extremely grown-up.
Perhaps even give them a place card.
Nobody said the guest list had to be human.
A little friend to bring along
A familiar companion for holiday trips, family gatherings and all the little moments in between.
FIND A LITTLE FRIEND TO BRING ALONGThanksgiving activities FAQs
What are fun Thanksgiving activities for kids?
Try gratitude games, Thanksgiving charades, crafts, treasure hunts, table decorating and family activities. Choose a mix of energetic and quiet options.
How do you keep toddlers entertained on Thanksgiving?
Create a little activity basket with books, crayons, stickers and familiar toys. Simple, supervised activities can help during long preparations or family gatherings.
How can children help with Thanksgiving dinner?
Depending on their age, they can set napkins, make place cards, decorate the table or help with simple food preparation under supervision.
What are easy Thanksgiving games for the whole family?
Charades, Would You Rather, family trivia and gratitude games work well across different ages. They require little preparation and can be played around the table.
