Thanksgiving Day Activities to Keep the Kids Busy

Thanksgiving day is usually a day filled with cooking and little hands getting in the way. This year, when the family gathers, use some of these kid-approved activities that take minimal set up time to keep kids of all ages busy while you are preparing the meal.

Corn Relay Race: This is a fun game that pits Pilgrims and Crows against each other. Divide the group of kids into two equal groups-name one group the Pilgrims and the other Crows. Line them up Pilgrim first, then a Crow and so on. In front of each group, place a long strip of masking tape on the floor. Mark off twelve circles with a marker (make sure the circles are equally apart). Give the first Pilgrim on each team a pie pan with 12 kernels of corn and a spoon. At "go", each Pilgrim lines the corn kernels on the masking tape, but each kernel must be in the circle. They can only use the spoon. When they are done, they will pass the empty pan and spoon to the Crow, who will scoop the kernels back into the pan, using only the spoon. Then the next Pilgrim will go. The team that finishes first, will win the game.

Pin the "gobbler" on the turkey: Here is a new twist on an old classic. Start by taping a large picture of a turkey on the wall. You can draw one on poster board, however if you are not artistic, go to your local party supply store and buy a picture of a turkey. Cut several red "gobbles" out of construction paper. Instruct the kids to play the game like pin the tail on the donkey, however, they must pin the gobbler underneath the turkey's beak.

Stuff the Turkey: Before the kids arrive, make a turkey out of a brown paper bag. This can be done by covering a large basket with the bag, leaving a hole at the top, or rolling the top of the bag down and stapling. Add legs on the side and glue a few feathers around the top of the hole if you choose. Find four or five small soft balls (such as nerf balls) or use waded up paper for balls. The object of the game is to toss the "stuffing" (the balls), into the turkey.

Turkey Shoot: Blow up a large round balloon and tape on wings, a head and feet made of construction paper. Hang the balloon from the ceiling or from the top of a door frame. Give the kids a rolled up sock to use to throw at the turkey. When the turkey is hit, award the child with a turkey themed sticker.

Thanksgiving Family Scavenger Hunt: This is a great game to play when you will have many family members at your house. Not only will this give the kids something to do, but it will also help the children get to know other family members. Start by making a series of questions (more or less depending on how many people are there) about family members. These can include questions such as:

Which family member is the oldest?
Which family member made the stuffing?
Which family member has a birthday in November?

Type the questions beforehand and give each child a copy of the questions and a pencil. Before the game begins, have each child make an Indian-style headband out of construction paper. They can add Indian symbols, or beads, but no feathers. Have them wear this during the game. Then, have them walk around the house, interviewing each family member to get the correct answers. When they are done, award a feather for each question correctly answered. They can then glue these on their headbands.

Turkey Shirts: This takes a little more time, but it is a great keepsake and a lot of fun. Have each child bring a pre-washed white t-shirt or sweatshirt. When they arrive, help each child make a turkey handprint using fabric paint. Paint the palms of their hand with brown paint for the turkey body and each finger a different color for the feathers. Press the painted hand on the shirt and allow to dry. Then, you can use permanent markers or fabric makers to add detail to the turkey. Don't forget to add the child's name and the year.

Thanksgiving is a great time for visiting with family and filling bellies. Use that time to entertain the kids and let them enjoy the day, too.