8 Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Activities

Ahh, Turkey Day. While this holiday is an American favorite, it often leaves people feeling uncomfortably full. And after the meal, many are left wondering what to do with the rest of the holiday.

We hear you and that's why we're serving up eight ideas for Thanksgiving activities. So gather up the gang and have some family-friendly fun!

Thanksgiving Activities for the Family

Go for a Hike

After the big meal, there are generally two activities that people take, sleeping or walking. We highly recommend the latter, as a steady activity like walking is great for digestion. Try it by gathering the family and heading for a hike at a local nature center or park. It makes for a great annual tradition!

Do a Puzzle

Add puzzles to your list of Thanksgiving activities. Putting together a puzzle as a family can be a great, low-key experience. A puzzle is also a good alternative to board games or sports since puzzles aren't competitive. Just make sure you don't get too ambitious with your puzzling. Try starting with a 500- or 600-piece puzzle rather than 2000 pieces.

Play Board Games

If your family can handle a bit of healthy competition, board games are great options for Thanksgiving. You might stick with a classic like Monopoly, Risk, or Catan for an easy game that everyone knows. Or, you can try newer games like Pandemic, Ticket to Ride and What Do You Meme. Just remember that it's a game and the most important part is to have fun.

Make Thanksgiving Crafts

Another great activity for Turkey Day is to make a craft or two. Crafts are ideal for involving the kids and get their creative juices flowing. There are plenty of Thanksgiving craft ideas including DIY pie boxes, recycled turkey windsocks, paper plate turkeys, and a family gratitude jar that's perfect for this holiday.

For ideas not related to Thanksgiving, check out our post on fall crafts for kids.

Say What You're Grateful For

You don't need a gratitude jar for the most classic of Thanksgiving activities, but it makes it all the better. Every year, families gather and say what they're grateful for. Maybe it's that new video game you got, or the delicious feast you're about to enjoy. Or it could be just the time spent with family and friends. In any case, Thanksgiving is a great chance to step back and reflect on what's important.

Bake Together

Not too full from the feast? Try baking together as a family! Since Thanksgiving weekend often marks the start of the winter holiday season, you might try baking some holiday treats. Christmas cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, and peppermint bark are all great ideas. They'll also give you a welcome break from the pumpkin flavors of fall.

Put Up Holiday Decorations

As with holiday baking, you may also want to switch up the decorations. The day after Thanksgiving is a great time to pack up the fall décor and break out the boxes of your winter holiday decorations, whether that be Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or another celebration. Then, you can decorate your home (or RV) as a family!

Watch a Movie

Rounding out our list of family-friendly Thanksgiving activities is watching a movie together. It's not fancy, it's not formal, it's just good family fun. Pick a favorite or a crowd-pleaser and enjoy each other's company, a good film, and of course, delicious Thanksgiving leftovers.  

We hope you've enjoyed our ideas for what to do during the Thanksgiving holiday. If you spotted an idea you like, feel free to share this post with the friends or family you'll be spending the holiday with!

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