Easy and Fun Thanksgiving Entertainment Ideas for Kids

There seems to be a belief these days that 21^st century kids are too sophisticated to enjoy good old fashioned activities. I do agree that today's' kids certainly seem to be more worldly then they were during my childhood years but that doesn't mean they can not or will not enjoy the simple things. Simple games and activities that are inexpensive and easy to provide. There is no need to spend a lot of money to entertain kids if you just give it some thought. Of course, any games or activities you choose to provide must be safe and age appropriate. Family gatherings can sometimes be boring for children so it is a good idea to have activities planned to keep them engaged and occupied. Thanksgiving is one such gathering. Here are some easy Thanksgiving entertainment ideas for kids to help you keep your younger guests entertained so everyone can enjoy a happier holiday.

2 - 10 years Thanksgiving Craft Idea

Younger children enjoy using their hands and making things. I remember hearing "look what I made mommy!" many times when my children were this age. A fun idea for Thanksgiving is paper plate turkeys. Paper plate turkeys are simple and fun to make and very inexpensive. The supply list consists of cheap paper plates, construction paper in various colors, kid friendly scissors, glue sticks and crayons. If you shop at your local dollar store you should be able to pick up these supplies for next to nothing. Younger kids may need help with the scissors so be sure and provide supervision.

2 - 10 years Thanksgiving Art Idea

Another activity young children enjoy is art. You can use sheets of cheap wrapping paper for this activity. Tape sheets of wrapping paper print side down on to a wall, floor or table. Be sure to use tape that won't mar surfaces. Then provide art supplies such as crayons, pencils, markers or watercolors for children to use to draw and paint on the back side of the wrapping paper. Be sure all art supplies provided are washable and non-toxic. Younger kids may need help.

10 - 12 years Thanksgiving Yard Games

Provided the weather is agreeable, the best place for kids in, my opinion is outside running off some of their boundless energy. Be sure to provide outdoor toys that are safe and age appropriate. Balls, toy trucks, bean bags for tossing games, etc. One easy tossing game can be made from a cardboard box, old socks and dried rice or beans. Cut several holes about 4 inches in diameter in the bottom of a sturdy cardboard box. A standard 8 ½ by 11 copy paper box works well for this. Use a marker to assign each hole a point value. Turn the box upside down on a flat area in the yard. Then, fill the toes of old socks with dried rice or beans or even bird seed. Tie a knot in the sock to secure and, presto, you have bean bags for tossing. Kids then take turns tossing the socks into the holes in the box. Whoever accumulates the most points within so many turns wins. You can decide on "rules" depending on the number of kids involved and their ages. As always, safety comes first. Children playing outside need to be supervised and a fenced yard is preferable.

All Ages Indoor Games

Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with even the best laid plans so you will need to be prepared with some indoor activities. I prefer good old fashioned board games that do not require batteries. Games like Trouble, Sorry, Connect 4, Boggle Jr. etc. Kids in the 3 - 6 age range will enjoy Hi Ho Cherry O. These games are good "brain activity" games that require children to think and plan but are still simple and fun to play.

12 - 14 years Pet Duty

Twelve to fourteen year olds who like animals will be happy to play with and care for pets. Of course, the pets in question should be kid friendly and the kids in question should be pet savvy. Have them walk the dog or feed the fish or play with the cat. Of course, kids walking a dog should do so in pairs or groups for safety.

14 + years Kitchen Helper

Kids in this age group who are so inclined may enjoy helping in the kitchen. Put them to work peeling potatoes, stirring the gravy, washing the lettuce, frosting the cake and so on. In my day a teenager would not have been caught dead in a kitchen at Thanksgiving but these days many teens watch The Food Network and enjoy cooking. Put them to work and they can actually be a helping hand.

All Ages Movie Time

The old stand-by the TV and its buddy the DVD player are always happy to babysit. Just be sure that all movies are age appropriate and something that everyone will enjoy.

Older Teens Computer Time

Older teens, and even younger, will be drawn to the computer. Be sure to set firm and clear rules regarding time sharing with other guests and when the computer must be shut down. You may want to use a kitchen timer to quell any bickering over time sharing. Be sure an adult checks in frequently to keep an eye on their online activity.

The secret to a happier holiday, as far as kids are concerned, is to keep 'em busy and keep 'em entertained. I hope these easy Thanksgiving entertainment ideas for kids will help you have a happy Thanksgiving!