Thanksgiving Games for Kids
Each year, classrooms participate in fall and winter parties, with many of them close together. Teachers and adult's begin searching for new ideas for games and activities to entertain children.
Children tend to get bored or impatient while waiting for guests to arrive at family gatherings. Planning games ahead of time can save you from a holiday meltdown. Here are a few games for kids, for your Thanksgiving Day party, whether it's for a family gathering or for the classroom.
CLEAN THE BARBECUE GAME
Fill a large roasting pan with about 30-40 black, empty film canisters. If you don't use that type of film, check with your photo developing stores for extras. Give the first child a large oven mitt. With a timer, give each child 15-20 seconds to grab as many "charcoal" pieces as they can, one child at a time. They must take them out of the pan one at a time, and not by a handful. Give the winner a prize. For another idea, fill the film canisters with small prizes, coins, or a piece of candy. After the game, give each child one to take home.
DRESS UP RELAY
Have two dress up outfits on two different chairs. You can use what you have, or visit thrift stores for fun accessories. For example, have an outfit for a Pilgrim, Native Indian, or even a turkey. Across the room from the two chairs, have the children line up in two lines. Count to 3 and have them race to the chairs and completely dress. Once they are dressed, the first one to sit down is the winner. Have a small toy or treat for the winner.
PACK THE BAG RELAY
This game requires two large brown paper bags and enough non-perishable foods, two of each item, for each bag. Divide the children into two groups and have them line up. Starting with the first child in each line, hand one food item (giving them the same item), and continue down the lines. At the sound of a signal, have the first child run to the open grocery bags and neatly place their item in the bag. The child must run back to their line and tap the next child on the shoulder, allowing them to take their item to the bag. When the first team is finished, allow the second team to continue to pack their bag. An adult must inspect the bags and see which bag was packed the neatest. The winning team picks a prize first. Then allow the other team to pick a prize. Give the bags of food to a local shelter, shut-in, or local food pantry.
MUSICAL GOURDS
Purchase several small gourds or miniature pumpkins. Place the gourds or pumpkins in the center of a larger room, and have the children stand in a circle around them, leaving a space between them and the gourds/pumpkins. Have one less gourd/pumpkin than there are children. Upon playing music, have the children start walking around in one direction, calling out "reverse" every once in a while to have them continue circling. When the music stops, have the children grab a gourd/pumpkin. The child who does not have one will sit down. Take another gourd/pumpkin out each time, until there is only one left. The last child to grab the last one is the winner. After the game, the kids can decorate their gourds or pumpkins and take them home or use them for table decorations.
PIN THE STEM ON THE PUMPKIN
Cut out a large pumpkin from poster board or large drawing paper. Cut out 3 or 4 large pumpkin stems to fit the pumpkin, and add a piece of tape or reusable adhesive. Place a blind fold on each child, turn them around a few times, and give them 3 or 4 chances to place the stem in the right spot on the pumpkin. If they child does, reward them with a pencil, gel pen, small toy, candy, or other item.
DANGLING DONUTS/OUTSIDE GAME
(WEATHER PERMITTING)
You might want to have this game outside if the weather is good. You could also do this in a garage. Using a pole, which two people hold up at each end, tie donuts to strings and then tie them to the pole. Have kids attempt to eat an entire donut before it falls to the ground. If they succeed, give them a small prize. Older kids and adults may want to participate in this fun game too.
CROP DIG/OUTSIDE GAME
(WEATHER PERMITTING)
Rake leaves onto a large plastic table cloth, tarp, or other sturdy plastic for a harvest hunt game. Hide several pieces of candy or toys in the raked leaves. With a signal from an adult, such as a whistle blow, or counting to a number, have the children race to the leaf pile and dig for their harvest. Whatever they find they get to keep. If you have very young children, allow them to start searching in the leaves, for a period of time, before the older kids. You can also have two harvest games for different age groups.
Set up tables to make an eating area for the kids. Prepare table activities ahead of time, so they can entertain themselves as the meal is being completed. Give each child a lunch size brown paper bag. Give them markers, crayons, and stickers to decorate their bags to take their prizes home in. For more ideas, visitOrganizedChristmas.comfor kid friendly table decoration crafts, and coloring placemat printables, at http://organizedchristmas.com/node/999. You will find 10 ideas, including name plates and hats. Download them for free and keep the kids entertained.
MORE ONLINE RESOURCES FOR THANKSGIVING DAY GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS:
Thanksgiving Day Sites
Thanksgiving Games
A Kids Heart ~ Thanksgiving
Annies Thanksgiving Games & Activities Page
Perpetual Preschool Thanksgiving Games
Happy Thanksgiving from Homeschooled Kids, Fun and Games
Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
