You have got to set up this Thanksgiving kid’s activity table! A Thanksgiving kids’ activity table gathers people of different ages and stages to collaborate in one space. It also brings cousins and siblings together so caregivers can chat and prep dinner. – a Thanksgiving win/win!
In this article, I’ll explain the benefits of a Thanksgiving table, provide the supplies you need, and provide a list of activities. So roll out the kraft paper; this is the holiday pregame you’ve been looking for!
RELATED: You will love these 25+ Thanksgiving Activities!
The Benefits of a Thanksgiving Activity Table for Kids
- Develops math skills: I’ve included an activity that helps kids count how many squares they need to use to fill lines taped to the floor. Check out the entire activity on the list!
- Encourages problem-solving skills: Playing Tic-Tac-Toe with Lego is a fantastic way for kids to understand the rules of a game and consider how to achieve a goal.
- Recognizing letters: This article’s Thanksgiving Crossword is an excellent way for kids to learn letters and helps with reading and writing later.
- Strengthens fine motor grip: Many of the activities I’ve included (notably Sticker Match, which you’ll find under the list of activities) are excellent for fine motor skills. They also begin with left-to-right eye tracking, helping hand-eye coordination.
List of Thanksgiving Activities
I began thinking about the MVP of kid activities and took off like a rocket! Use the links below to access Thanksgiving activity ideas.
- Measure the Line: Another simple way to improve pencil grip is to use fingers to grasp and place tiny objects on the line. Your child is bringing nonstandard measurements to practice, which is great for math.
- Paper Bag Turkey Crafts: Let your child flatten out a paper bag and turkey shapes to make an abstract turkey!
- Play Turkey Trot: Make a DIY Thanksgiving board game using stickers, pens, and plastic turkeys!
- Retell Turkey Trouble: Draw images inspired by Wendi Silvano’s Turkey Trouble.
- Sticker Match: Gather your Thanksgiving stickers and match the same number of stickers to the number on the paper. This game is a stress-free way to practice pencil grip.
- Thanksgiving Crosswords are a giant seek-and-find game for many ages. Have big kids match the words, and early learners search for letters.
- Tic Tac Toe – Tic Tac Toe is a classic for all ages! Mark out the gameboard, then use two colors of Lego for your kids to play. Challenge your five-year-old or 45-year-old Unclue Jed to an epic game.
RELATED: Simple learning games like this are on repeat. Catch our favorites on the activity cards.
How to Make a Thanksgiving Activity Table
I set up this Thanksgiving activity table and called over children of all ages when they needed a bit of redirection.
The kids typically dabble in and out of each game as the day continues.
There is no pressure, just a fun way for them to interact and engage in learning through play.
Let’s make this activity table!
- Place your kraft paper from one end of the table to the other. This set-up helps create a communal art activity for all ages!
- Tape down each side of the paper. This will help prevent the paper from sliding around.
- Divide your kraft paper into four quarters.
You can begin creating one activity within each section. You may notice that there is room for even more easy activities.
Another idea is to divide the paper using your painter’s tape.
Kid activities at home should be easy to set up and allow for open-ended play.
Supply list
Here are the supplies needed to make this Thanksgiving activity table. I added a few additional resources from Amazon that are already available to you.
Days with Grey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
Builder’s Paper
My favorite kraft paper is found in the painting aisle in most home improvement stores.
Diamond Art
If you have a child coming for Thanksgiving who enjoys crafting, add this to your activity table!
Switcheroo Markers
Drawing and using color changing markers is a fun way to pass time until the turkey is finished. Add these Switceroo markers to your activity table.
Plus Plus Turkey
My favorite kraft paper is found in the painting aisle in most home improvement stores.
- I found Kraft paper at the Home Depot packing department for the best price.
- Choose different colors for color recognition.
- Masking tape is perfect for sectioning up your activities table.
- Small wooden blocks are great for experimenting and building.
- Thanksgiving stickers give everything that holiday touch!
Thanksgiving Activities Help Children Learn Through Play
Making a table, especially for Thanksgiving, helps keep the peace over the holidays. We all know we need more of that. 😅 Let this activity help everyone get into the season! It’s a brilliant way for kids to develop while having much fun. What will you add to your Thanksgiving kid’s activity table?
RELATED: There are endless variations on how you set up your Thanksgiving activity table. This list of Breakfast Invitations has many more ideas.
Holiday Toy Guides
Welcome to the Days with Grey 2024-2025 holiday gift guide for kids. These toy lists are carefully curated to help you effortlessly make a gift selection you feel great about.
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
More Thanksgiving Activities
- Paper Bag Turkey Craft
- Play Turkey Trot – a DIY Thanksgiving board game
- Retell Turkey Trouble
- Sight Word Turkeys
- Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
- Turkey Game for Preschool
Frequently Asked Questions
Setting up a kids Thanksgiving table starts with a large piece of kraft paper. I cut the paper to the size of the table. Next, I use some of our favorites from our supply list and create simple activities that all ages will enjoy playing.
I love having the family together on Thanksgiving, but when it is time to cook, I like to set out a few activities to keep them busy. Pumpkin Memory, Balance the Pumpkins, and Tissue Paper Pumpkin Art are a few favorites!
Kids of all ages will enjoy these simple ideas. If you are looking for a specific type of activity, check out these 50 fall activities for kids.
