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Fun Ways to Include Kids in Thanksgiving Celebrations
Fun Ways to Include Kids in Thanksgiving Celebrations
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family, and of course, great food. But between the cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, it can be hard for children to feel involved. That’s why we’ve rounded up fun and meaningful ways to include your kids in the Thanksgiving celebration—so they feel like an important part of the day (and maybe even learn something along the way!).
1. Let Them Help with the Menu
Involve kids in the planning process by letting them pick a favorite dish to include in the meal. You can also encourage them to help with simple tasks like rinsing vegetables, stirring batter, or setting the table. Older kids might enjoy making a side dish with minimal supervision—think cranberry sauce, cornbread, or a pumpkin dip.
2. Create a Thankfulness Tree
Set up a simple "Thankfulness Tree" using a vase with twigs or a poster on the wall. Give kids paper leaves and let them write down (or draw) things they're thankful for. Encourage guests to contribute throughout the day—it's a beautiful way to visualize gratitude and makes a great keepsake.
3. Design the Kid-Friendly Table
Let your kids be the decorators of their own table! Provide crayons, markers, and a paper tablecloth they can draw on. Include fun printable placemats with word searches or coloring activities. Add some mini puzzles or trivia cards to keep them entertained during the meal.
4. Host a Mini Thanksgiving Parade
Inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Let your child host their own version! They can build floats from cardboard boxes, decorate wagons, or even march around the living room with stuffed animals. It’s a great way to burn off energy before the feast begins.
5. Start a Gratitude Jar
Before Thanksgiving Day, place a jar somewhere in the house and ask family members to write what they're thankful for throughout the week. Read them aloud during the holiday meal. It's a tradition that builds emotional intelligence and reflection in children.
6. Give Them a Job of Their Own
Kids love responsibility! Assign your child an official Thanksgiving "title" like Junior Host, Turkey Timer, Napkin Folder, or Welcome Greeter. These small roles help them feel involved and proud of their contribution to the day.
7. Cook Up Some History
Turn Thanksgiving into a learning opportunity by reading a kid-friendly book or watching an age-appropriate video about the history of the holiday. Discuss what gratitude means today and how different families celebrate around the country—and the world.
8. Make a Thanksgiving Craft
Keep hands busy with crafts like pinecone turkeys, handprint leaves, or thankful bracelets made from beads. These small projects make great decorations for the home or thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
Final Thoughts:
Including your child in the Thanksgiving celebration not only makes the day more enjoyable for them—it builds memories, teaches gratitude, and gives them a sense of purpose. Whether through crafts, cooking, or conversation, there are countless ways to make this holiday meaningful for the whole family.
From all of us at Best Brains, Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
References & Further Reading
- PBS Parents. (n.d.). Thanksgiving Activities for Kids. PBS. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/thanksgiving-activities-for-kids
- Scholastic Parents. (n.d.). Thanksgiving Crafts, Recipes, and Printables. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/holiday-celebrations/thanksgiving.html
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Family Traditions: Why Holidays Matter. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Holiday-Family-Traditions.aspx
- National Education Association. (n.d.). Gratitude Activities for Kids. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/resource-library/gratitude-activities-kids
- Verywell Family. (2022). Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/thanksgiving-activities-for-kids-4178036
- Parents Magazine. (2022). Thanksgiving Crafts and Games to Keep Your Kids Entertained. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/kids/thanksgiving-crafts-and-games-for-kids/
- National Geographic Kids. (n.d.). Thanksgiving Facts for Kids. Retrieved from https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/thanksgiving
