Thanksgiving is a special time filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food shared among family and friends. But beyond the turkey and pumpkin pie, have you thought about how to spice up your gathering with some fun games? Introducing games into your Thanksgiving celebration can enhance the festive atmosphere, providing entertainment for guests of all ages. From the young ones to the grandparents, these games are sure to create lasting memories and bring everyone together.
So, what kinds of games can you incorporate into your Thanksgiving celebration? Whether you’re looking for traditional activities with a holiday twist or new ideas that spark joy and laughter, we’ve compiled a list of 21 family-friendly games. Each game is easy to set up, simple to understand, and promises a day filled with laughter and connection. Ready to learn about these fantastic Thanksgiving game ideas? Let’s jump right in!
1. Thanksgiving Bingo
Have you ever played bingo at a family gathering? Thanksgiving Bingo takes this classic game and gives it a festive flair! You can create or print bingo cards filled with Thanksgiving-themed words like “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” and “harvest.” As family members call out these words, everyone can mark them off on their cards, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere.
What makes Thanksgiving Bingo particularly enjoyable is how it engages players of all ages. Kids get excited as they spot their words, while adults can reminisce about their favorite Thanksgiving memories. You can easily play multiple rounds, keeping the energy lively and ensuring everyone has a chance to shout “Bingo!”
2. Turkey Tag
Looking to get everyone moving and burn off those Thanksgiving calories? Turkey Tag is a great option! In this game, players attach colorful “feathers” made from cloth to their backs, and the goal is to collect feathers from others while keeping your own safe. This game encourages fun physical activity, making it perfect for the whole family.
What’s more, Turkey Tag can lead to uproarious laughter as everyone dashes around trying to grab feathers. It’s best played outside, where the fresh air adds to the excitement. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the thrill of the chase, making this a memorable highlight of your Thanksgiving celebration.
3. Thanksgiving Charades
Have you ever seen the hilarity that ensues when family members try to act out prompts? Thanksgiving Charades takes this timeless game to a seasonal level. Create a list of holiday-themed prompts like “stuffing a turkey” or “falling leaves,” and watch as players take turns mimicking these actions without uttering a word.
This game not only sparks laughter but also encourages creativity and silliness. Watching Grandma impersonate a turkey or a toddler’s enthusiastic interpretations will leave everyone in stitches. Thanksgiving Charades is a wonderful way to break the ice, allowing all ages to let loose and have fun together.
4. Pumpkin Bowling
Have you ever thought about mixing sports with pumpkins? Pumpkin Bowling is a fantastic way to blend traditional bowling with the holiday spirit! Set up a few small pumpkins as your “bowling balls” and use empty plastic bottles or pins as targets. This game is versatile and can be played either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
The excitement of rolling a pumpkin down the makeshift lane creates a lighthearted competition. You can even add a fun twist by offering prizes for strikes or spares, further engaging everyone in the festive spirit. Pumpkin Bowling is sure to be a hit and adds a unique touch to your Thanksgiving festivities!
5. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Have you ever watched the joy of discovery light up a child’s face? A Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt is perfect for sparking that excitement! Create a list of seasonal items for family members to find, like “a colorful leaf” or “something that smells like cinnamon.” This activity encourages exploration, bringing everyone together in a friendly competition.
How fun is it to see who can find the most items first? You can divide participants into teams, adding an element of camaraderie and excitement. This game can easily be tailored to suit your home and surroundings, making it perfect for family gatherings.
6. Cornhole with a Twist
Do you enjoy playing cornhole during summer barbecues? Why not bring that fun into Thanksgiving? Cornhole with a twist is a delightful variation that can keep everyone entertained. Use themed bean bags shaped like corn or mini pumpkins, and decorate your cornhole boards with fall colors for a festive feel.
This game is great for teams and can be played indoors or outside, allowing everyone to participate without too much explanation. Its simple rules make it accessible for all ages, making it a staple of your Thanksgiving games that everyone will love.
7. Turkey Pictionary
Are you ready to unleash your inner artist? Turkey Pictionary is a playful way to bring everyone’s creativity to the forefront. Make a list of Thanksgiving-related words or phrases and let players take turns drawing them while teammates guess what they’re illustrating.
Watching the drawings unfold leads to endless laughter as participants try to interpret each other’s creations. Turkey Pictionary is easy to set up and can include everyone, making it an engaging activity that adds festive flair to your gathering.
8. Pass the Pumpkin
Do you remember the excitement of “Hot Potato”? Pass the Pumpkin is a Thanksgiving twist on this classic game! Everyone sits in a circle and passes around a small pumpkin while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the pumpkin is out, and the game continues until only one player remains.
This game is especially popular with kids, who love the suspense and quick movements as they pass the pumpkin. It’s a delightful way to keep everyone engaged and entertained while creating a fun, competitive atmosphere at your gathering.
9. Thanksgiving Memory Game
Are you ready to put your memory skills to the test? The Thanksgiving Memory Game is a relaxing activity that challenges everyone’s recall abilities. Gather 10 to 15 Thanksgiving-themed items, like a mini pumpkin or a cinnamon stick, and display them for everyone to see. After a few moments, cover the items and see who can remember the most.
This game works for all ages, and you can even increase the challenge by adding more items or rotating them in each round. The Thanksgiving Memory Game provides a laid-back yet stimulating way to engage everyone, sparking friendly competition in the process.
10. Pin the Tail on the Turkey
How much fun is it to put a twist on a beloved childhood game? Pin the Tail on the Turkey brings that nostalgia right to your Thanksgiving celebration. Create a large turkey picture and separate paper feathers for each player to pin in the correct spot while blindfolded.
This game is particularly enjoyable for children but can lead to laughter from adults too! It’s easy to set up and provides endless entertainment, making it a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving festivities.
11. Thanksgiving Trivia
Are you a trivia buff? Thanksgiving Trivia is a fantastic way to test everyone’s knowledge about the holiday. Prepare a list of fun questions regarding Thanksgiving traditions, history, and quirky facts, and split everyone into teams to see who can answer the most correctly.
This game combines education and entertainment, offering interesting tidbits that might surprise even the most knowledgeable family members. As everyone shares fun facts, Thanksgiving Trivia creates an engaging and memorable experience for all.
12. The Pumpkin Relay
Looking for an energetic way to keep everyone moving? The Pumpkin Relay is an exciting outdoor game that gets everyone involved. Divide family members into teams and set up a finish line. Each player must carry a small pumpkin from the start to the finish before passing it to the next teammate.
This friendly competition encourages teamwork and adds a physical element to your Thanksgiving celebration. Everyone will have a blast racing to complete the relay, creating lively moments and burning off those holiday calories in the process!
13. Thanksgiving Photo Booth
Do you want to capture memories from your gathering? A Thanksgiving-themed photo booth is a creative way to do just that! Gather props like turkey hats, autumn leaves, and festive signs, and set up a backdrop with colorful fall decorations.
This activity isn’t just a game; it’s a chance for everyone to dress up, strike poses, and snap photos together. Kids especially enjoy getting creative with costumes, ensuring you’ll have plenty of fun pictures to look back on long after the holiday is over.
14. Guess the Thanksgiving Scent
How good are your olfactory senses? Guess the Thanksgiving Scent is a unique game that engages everyone’s sense of smell. Gather items that embody classic Thanksgiving scents, like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and cloves. Place each scent in a separate container for players to identify.
The person who guesses the most scents correctly wins a small prize. This game encourages everyone to relax and appreciate the delightful aromas of the season, adding a creative and sensory element to your Thanksgiving celebration.
15. Thankful ABCs
How often do we take a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for? Thankful ABCs is a heartwarming game that encourages everyone to share their gratitude. Starting with the letter “A,” go around the room and have each player name something they’re thankful for that begins with that letter, continuing all the way to “Z.”
This game invites heartfelt sharing and can lead to thoughtful or amusing answers. It’s a wonderful way to remind everyone of the holiday’s true spirit, fostering a sense of togetherness and appreciation.
16. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Do you love playing simple games with a twist? Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe puts a fun Thanksgiving spin on the classic game. Use mini pumpkins or gourds as your markers and draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on a board or paper for players to use.
This easy game is perfect for younger kids who might enjoy a straightforward yet entertaining activity. Plus, it can be played several times in a row, keeping little ones happily engaged while the adults chat or prepare food.
17. Thanksgiving “Two Truths and a Lie”
Do you enjoy getting to know each other better? Thanksgiving “Two Truths and a Lie” is a perfect icebreaker for family gatherings. Each person takes turns sharing three statements about themselves—two true and one false. The others must guess which one is the lie.
This game encourages storytelling and laughter as players share funny or surprising truths about themselves. It’s an excellent way to create bonds and deepen connections, especially among relatives who might not see each other often.
18. Family Talent Show
Are you a fan of the classic game show? Family Feud: Thanksgiving Edition allows you to recreate the fun of the show with a holiday twist. Prepare a list of questions and gather answers that families might give. Divide everyone into two teams to guess the most popular responses.
This game can lead to hilarious discussions and interactions, providing hours of entertainment as everyone tries to outsmart the other team. With its competitive spirit and holiday flair, it’s sure to be a highlight of your Thanksgiving gathering!
19. Thanksgiving Word Scramble
Are you curious about what your family members think? Thanksgiving Would You Rather is a lighthearted game that encourages funny discussions and laughter. Pose amusing scenarios related to the holiday, like “Would you rather eat only turkey for a week or only pumpkin pie for a week?”
This game allows players to share their choices and reasoning, leading to fun debates and surprising revelations. It’s a fantastic way to engage everyone and spark entertaining conversations while celebrating together.
20. Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Do you enjoy outdoor games? Harvest Toss is a fantastic way to enjoy the fall air while engaging in some friendly competition. Set up buckets or containers at various distances and challenge family members to toss small pumpkins or gourds into them for points.
This game allows participants of all ages to show off their tossing skills while providing a lighthearted competition. It’s easy to set up and adds a fun outdoor element to your Thanksgiving gathering!
21. Turkey Feathers Craft and Game
Are you looking for a game that promotes strategy and fun? Thanksgiving Jenga adds a festive twist to the classic block-stacking game. You can create your own holiday-themed Jenga blocks with painted designs or phrases related to Thanksgiving.
As players take turns removing blocks without toppling the tower, the suspense builds, leading to laughter and excitement. This game is simple enough for everyone to play while offering enough challenge to keep everyone engaged.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is not just about the feast; it’s a time to connect, share laughter, and create memories with loved ones. Incorporating these 21 fun family games into your Thanksgiving celebration can enhance the experience, ensuring that everyone has a great time together. From Thanksgiving Bingo to Pumpkin Bowling, these activities promise to engage guests of all ages, making your gathering truly unforgettable.
So, gather your family, set up these games, and get ready for a day filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving!