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Thanksgiving brings families and friends together for a day of gratitude and celebration. While the meal is often the main event, adding fun games can make the holiday even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
I’ve put together a list of 12 entertaining Thanksgiving games that are perfect for all ages. These games will engage your guests, promote bonding, and create lasting memories.
From classic activities to creative new ideas, there’s something here for every group to enjoy on Turkey Day.
1. Turkey Trot Relay
The Turkey Trot Relay is a hilarious game that gets everyone moving. I love how it combines fitness and fun for all ages.
Players split into teams and line up at a starting point. Each person must “waddle” like a turkey to a set finish line and back.
The twist? Players can hold a balloon between their knees as they waddle. This makes the movements extra silly and challenging.
The first team to have all members complete the relay wins. It’s a great way to work up an appetite before the big meal!
2. Pilgrim Hat Ring Toss
I love this game for its simplicity and festive flair. To set it up, I create paper cone hats and space them out on the floor.
Players take turns tossing rings, aiming to land them on the hats. It’s fun to vary the distances for different skill levels.
I find this game appeals to all ages. Kids and adults alike enjoy the challenge of landing rings on the pilgrim hats.
It’s a great way to add some Thanksgiving spirit to the gathering. The historical nod to pilgrims makes it feel extra fitting for the holiday.
3. Thanksgiving Charades
Thanksgiving charades is a fun game that gets everyone involved. I recommend printing out Thanksgiving-themed words or phrases on small cards. Put them in a bowl or hat.
Split into two teams. Each player takes turns acting out a word without speaking. Their team tries to guess within one minute.
I suggest using a timer to keep things fair. Keep score on a dry-erase board or paper. Include easy words for kids and tougher ones for adults.
Some great Thanksgiving charade ideas are “turkey,” “stuffing,” “football,” and “Mayflower.” This game takes minimal prep and provides lots of laughs for all ages.
4. Pin the Tail on the Turkey
Pin the Tail on the Turkey puts a fun Thanksgiving spin on a classic party game. I think it’s perfect for all ages to enjoy together.
To set up, I create a big turkey picture without tail feathers. Then I cut out colorful paper feathers for players to stick on.
One by one, players are blindfolded and spun around. They try to pin their feather in the right spot on the turkey’s behind.
The person who gets closest to the correct tail position wins. It always leads to lots of laughs as people end up sticking feathers in silly places.
5. Cornucopia Fill-up
I love this game for Thanksgiving. It’s fun and easy to set up. You’ll need a cornucopia or basket and some small Thanksgiving-themed items.
Place the cornucopia at one end of the room. Divide players into teams. Each team gets a pile of items like mini pumpkins, acorns, or candy corn.
When I say “go,” teams race to fill the cornucopia. They can only carry one item at a time. The first team to use all their items wins.
This game gets everyone moving and laughing. It’s perfect for all ages. You can even use it as a fun way to decorate your Thanksgiving table.
6. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin bowling is a fun twist on traditional bowling that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. I set up empty cans or bottles as pins, arranging them in a triangle shape.
For the bowling ball, I use a small pumpkin. It’s important to choose one that’s round and fits comfortably in my hand.
Players take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down the pins. We keep score just like in regular bowling. It’s exciting to see who can get a strike!
This game works great indoors or outdoors. I make sure to have extra pumpkins on hand in case any get damaged during play.
7. Harvest Scavenger Hunt
I love organizing a Harvest Scavenger Hunt for Thanksgiving. It’s a fun outdoor activity that gets everyone moving and exploring nature.
I create a list of autumn-themed items for players to find, like colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones. I also include some silly tasks, like taking a selfie with a turkey decoration.
Players can work in teams or individually. I set a time limit and give out small prizes to the winners. It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp fall air before the big meal.
This game works well for all ages. Kids especially have a blast running around collecting treasures. I find it brings out everyone’s playful side and creates lasting memories.
8. Gratitude Pictionary
Gratitude Pictionary puts a thankful twist on the classic drawing game. Players take turns sketching things they’re grateful for while others guess.
I love how it sparks creativity and reflection. It’s perfect for all ages and drawing skills don’t matter. The laughter and heartwarming moments make it a Thanksgiving favorite.
To play, just grab some paper and pencils. Set a timer for each round. Players can act out clues if they get stuck. It’s a simple way to share appreciation through art and giggles.
9. Stuff the Scarecrow
I love this game for Thanksgiving. It’s a hilarious twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game. Players take turns being blindfolded and trying to pin clothing items on a cardboard scarecrow cutout.
To set up, I create a large scarecrow outline on cardboard and cut out various clothing pieces from construction paper. Shirts, pants, hats, and shoes work great. I hang the scarecrow on a wall and give each player a clothing item and some tape.
The laughter builds as players try to place their items in the right spots while blindfolded. It’s so funny to see a shoe end up on the scarecrow’s head! This game is perfect for all ages and always leaves everyone in stitches.
10. Pie Eating Contest
A pie eating contest is a classic Thanksgiving game that’s sure to bring lots of laughs. I like to set up a table with small pies or whipped cream-filled pie tins for each player.
The rules are simple – no hands allowed! Players race to finish their pie first using only their mouths. It can get messy, so I always have towels and wet wipes ready.
This game works well for both kids and adults. I find it’s best to use smaller pies for children. For extra fun, I sometimes use pumpkin-flavored whipped cream to keep with the Thanksgiving theme.
11. Turkey Feathers Hunt
I love this game for Thanksgiving! It’s super fun and easy to set up. I hide paper feathers all around the house or yard. Each player gets a small basket or bag to collect them.
When I say “go,” everyone races to find as many feathers as they can. The person who collects the most feathers wins a small prize.
To make it more exciting, I use different colored feathers. Red ones are worth extra points. It’s a great way to get people moving after a big meal.
12. Cranberry Spoon Race
The Cranberry Spoon Race is a fun Thanksgiving game that’s easy to set up. I like to have players line up with spoons and cranberries.
Each person balances a cranberry on their spoon and races to the finish line. If they drop it, they have to start over.
It’s trickier than it looks! The game tests balance and careful movement. I find it always leads to lots of laughs as people try not to drop their cranberries.
This game works great for all ages. I’ve seen kids and adults alike have a blast with it. It’s a simple but entertaining way to add some friendly competition to Thanksgiving.
