Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a hearty meal, and create lasting memories. One way to add more fun to your Thanksgiving celebration is by playing games that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or spending time with close loved ones, these games are sure to bring laughter and joy to your holiday.
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1. Thanksgiving Bingo
Create custom Bingo cards filled with Thanksgiving-themed images like turkeys, pumpkins, pies, and leaves. Each player gets a card, and the first to complete a row yells “Bingo!” You can use candy corn or other small treats as markers.
Tip: For prizes, offer small Thanksgiving-themed rewards like mini-pumpkins, candles, or chocolate turkeys.
2. Turkey Hunt
Hide small paper turkeys around the house or yard before your guests arrive. Throughout the day, guests can search for them, and whoever finds the most turkeys wins a prize. This game is perfect for kids but can also be fun for adults!
Bonus: For a creative twist, decorate each paper turkey with fun or silly designs.
3. Pumpkin Bowling
For this outdoor game, set up “bowling pins” made from empty bottles or cans, and use small pumpkins as the bowling balls. Players take turns rolling the pumpkins toward the pins, and the one who knocks down the most pins wins!
Tip: Use hay bales or autumn leaves as bumpers to keep the pumpkins on track.
4. Thanksgiving Charades
Write down a variety of Thanksgiving-related activities, foods, or objects on slips of paper (such as “carving a turkey,” “eating pie,” or “watching football”). Players take turns acting out the words without speaking, while others guess what they’re acting out.
Variation: Try Thanksgiving Pictionary for a drawing version of this fun game.
5. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
A Thanksgiving twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this game involves blindfolding players and having them try to pin paper feathers on a turkey poster. The person who gets closest to the correct spot wins.
DIY Idea: Make the turkey and feathers yourself from construction paper, or print out a template.
6. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that focuses on gratitude. Each clue leads players to something they’re thankful for, like a family photo, a cozy blanket, or a favorite book. The final clue can lead to a Thanksgiving treat or a small prize.
Family Version: Have each player share why they’re grateful for the item they find to add a meaningful touch.
7. Thanksgiving Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge of Thanksgiving history and fun facts with a trivia game. Prepare a list of questions about the history of the holiday, Thanksgiving traditions, or even facts about food. The person with the most correct answers wins a prize.
Sample Questions: “What year was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?” or “How many turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving each year?”
8. Turkey Trot Race
For an active outdoor game, host a “Turkey Trot” relay race. Divide guests into teams and have them race while balancing a small pumpkin or an egg (pretending it’s a turkey egg) on a spoon. The first team to cross the finish line without dropping their “turkey egg” wins!
Variation: Try an obstacle course with Thanksgiving-themed challenges like jumping over “stuffing” bags or crawling under “pie crust” blankets.
9. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Set up a giant tic-tac-toe board using chalk on the driveway or painter’s tape indoors. Use mini-pumpkins and small gourds as X’s and O’s. Players take turns placing their pumpkins on the board until someone wins by getting three in a row.
Idea: You can also play this game indoors by drawing the grid on paper and using small Thanksgiving-themed items.
10. Cornucopia Ring Toss
Create a ring toss game using a large cornucopia as the target. Make rings from rope or wire and decorate them with fall colors. Players take turns tossing the rings, and whoever gets the most rings around the cornucopia wins.
Alternative: Use small pumpkins or stuffed turkeys as ring toss targets.
Conclusion
These Thanksgiving games are sure to add extra fun and excitement to your holiday celebration. Whether you’re looking for something active or a quiet game, there’s something here for all ages. From scavenger hunts to pumpkin bowling, these activities will keep everyone entertained while creating joyful memories with family and friends.