Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family, indulging in a feast, and creating memories that last. But once the dishes are cleared, keeping the energy up and the laughter flowing can be a bit challenging. That’s where Thanksgiving games come in!
Games not only bring everyone together but also add a lively, fun twist to the day. Whether you’re after classic games, outdoor activities, or indoor entertainment, these 23 Thanksgiving games are sure to make your holiday extra special.
1. Turkey Tag
Turkey Tag is a playful game that brings laughter to any gathering. Each player has a paper feather pinned to their back, and the objective is simple: protect your feather while trying to capture others’. The last person standing with their feather intact wins the game.
This game is not only fun but also gets everyone moving, making it perfect for both kids and adults. All you need is paper feathers and a bit of tape or pins, and you’re set for an afternoon of excitement. It’s a great way to bring a dash of competition and energy to your Thanksgiving celebration.
2. Thanksgiving Charades
Thanksgiving Charades is a twist on the classic game that brings holiday cheer to every family gathering. Participants act out Thanksgiving-themed phrases, such as “stuffing a turkey” or “napping after dinner,” while the others guess. The real fun comes when players add in funny noises, like turkey gobbles!
This game works for all ages and is sure to produce plenty of laughter and memorable moments. You can create prompts yourself, keeping them as easy or challenging as you like. Thanksgiving Charades is a great icebreaker and a way to get everyone involved in the festivities.
3. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
Bring out the creativity with Pin the Feather on the Turkey. This Thanksgiving version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” requires a simple turkey poster and paper feathers. Blindfolded players take turns trying to pin a feather onto the turkey, with the closest feather winning.
This game is ideal for young children and brings a sense of whimsy to Thanksgiving. Adults can join in too, making it a fun, inclusive activity for all. With minimal setup, it’s a perfect game for getting everyone to relax and enjoy the moment.
4. Pumpkin Roll Relay
If you’re looking for an outdoor game, the Pumpkin Roll Relay is a fantastic choice. Divide participants into teams and have them roll pumpkins from a starting line to a finish line. The twist? Players can only use their hands—or, for an extra challenge, no hands at all!
This relay is as challenging as it is hilarious, with pumpkins rolling unpredictably all over the place. It’s a wonderful way to burn off some post-dinner calories and keep everyone energized. Plus, it’s a game that adds a bit of playful chaos to your Thanksgiving lineup.
5. Cornhole Turkey Toss
Cornhole Turkey Toss takes the classic cornhole game and gives it a seasonal twist. Decorate cornhole boards with turkey or pumpkin designs, and let players aim for the board’s hole with small bean bags. It’s easy to set up and adds a Thanksgiving vibe to a traditional favorite.
This game is perfect for all ages and keeps things relaxed while still engaging. Friends and family can take turns competing, making it a game that everyone can enjoy together. Cornhole Turkey Toss is a great way to mix classic fun with Thanksgiving spirit.
6. Turkey Hunt Scavenger Game
This scavenger game brings adventure to Thanksgiving as players search for hidden “turkeys” or feathers around the yard or house. Kids will love collecting as many as they can, with small prizes awarded to those who find the most.
The game is especially fun for children, giving them a chance to explore and stay active. Setting up the scavenger hunt takes only a few minutes, and it’s perfect for keeping young ones entertained. This game captures the excitement of a traditional hunt, making it a favorite Thanksgiving pastime.
7. Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Bingo is a simple and engaging game that brings the whole family together. Using themed Bingo cards with images of turkeys, pies, and fall leaves, players mark off squares as they’re called out. The first one to fill a row wins!
This game is easy to set up and perfect for winding down after a big meal. Kids, adults, and grandparents alike can enjoy the laid-back pace of Bingo. It’s an inclusive game that provides a great way to relax and laugh together.
8. Guess the Thanksgiving Dish
Guess the Thanksgiving Dish is a tasty game that tests players’ senses. Blindfolded participants sample small bites of traditional Thanksgiving foods, such as mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce, and try to guess each one.
This game is a hit among food lovers, and it’s an excellent way to introduce kids to new flavors. It adds a fun, sensory twist to your holiday festivities. The game also makes for plenty of funny moments as participants try to identify each dish.
9. Thanksgiving Pictionary
Thanksgiving Pictionary encourages creativity while keeping everyone engaged. Write Thanksgiving-related words or phrases—like “carving a turkey”—on pieces of paper, and let participants draw them for others to guess.
This game can be as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on the group’s age range. Pictionary brings out everyone’s artistic side, and it’s a wonderful activity for mixed-age groups. It’s a versatile game that’s sure to create plenty of laughter and surprises.
10. Thanksgiving Trivia
Thanksgiving Trivia is perfect for testing everyone’s knowledge of the holiday. Create a set of questions about Thanksgiving traditions, history, and fun facts, then divide participants into teams to see who knows the most.
This game is competitive yet lighthearted, making it ideal for all ages. Trivia not only provides fun but also offers a chance to learn more about Thanksgiving. It’s a great game to play after the meal when everyone is relaxed and ready to unwind.
11. Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Thanksgiving Mad Libs are a great way to bring out everyone’s creative and silly side. With Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs, players fill in blanks to create funny holiday stories, leading to unexpected laughs.
This game is easy to set up and doesn’t require much preparation. Mad Libs are also a hit with younger family members, adding a touch of creativity to the day. It’s a perfect choice for a quick game that brings plenty of smiles.
12. Memory Game with Thanksgiving Twist
The Thanksgiving Memory Game challenges players to remember a tray of Thanksgiving items. Arrange items like mini pumpkins, acorns, or pie slices, and give participants a few seconds to memorize them before covering the tray. Players then recall as many items as possible.
This game is easy to set up and works well as a quieter, post-meal activity. It’s a fun way to test memory skills in a light-hearted way. The Memory Game is especially enjoyable for kids but fun for everyone who loves a good challenge.
13. Thanksgiving Coloring Contest
Kids can unleash their creativity with a Thanksgiving Coloring Contest. Provide Thanksgiving-themed coloring sheets and a selection of crayons or markers. Categories like “Most Colorful” or “Best Turkey” keep it exciting for everyone.
The contest allows kids to showcase their artistic talents and enjoy some downtime. It’s also a low-effort game that keeps children occupied and content. A coloring contest is an easy way to add a festive touch and let young ones show off their creativity.
14. Turkey Bowling
Turkey Bowling puts a holiday twist on bowling. Decorate empty cans or bottles as turkeys, and set them up in a bowling arrangement. Players take turns trying to knock down the “turkeys” with a small ball.
This game is easy to set up with items around the house, and it’s fun for both kids and adults. Turkey Bowling is a crowd-pleaser and brings laughter as everyone tries their best to bowl over the turkeys. It’s a classic game with a Thanksgiving twist.
15. Feather Relay
In the Feather Relay, players must blow feathers across a room to the finish line. Obstacles add extra fun, and the first to get their feather across wins. This game is lighthearted and sure to bring plenty of laughter.
It’s a simple setup that’s ideal for kids but entertaining for adults as well. The Feather Relay keeps everyone engaged with its unique challenge. Watching everyone attempt to blow their feather to the finish line is guaranteed to be a highlight.
16. Leftover Food Auction
Leftover Food Auction is a unique game where Thanksgiving leftovers become the prizes. Each family member receives “money” to bid on their favorite leftover dishes, adding a playful twist to dividing up the leftovers.
This game is a fun way to settle who gets which leftovers in a friendly competition. It’s lighthearted, easy to play, and gives everyone a fair shot at their favorite dishes. The auction is sure to be a memorable part of your holiday.
17. Thanksgiving Family Feud
Thanksgiving Family Feud brings the popular game show to your holiday. Split into teams and answer survey questions like “What’s the best Thanksgiving dish?” It’s a fun way to get everyone engaged and competitive.
This game is a hit for mixed-age groups, bringing energy and excitement to the day. Family Feud creates a game show atmosphere that everyone loves. It’s a fantastic way to bring family together in a competitive spirit.
18. The Gratitude Game
The Gratitude Game is a heartfelt way to end the day. Each person shares what they’re thankful for, using a designated letter of the alphabet to start their statement. It’s a thoughtful game that strengthens connections.
This game is a simple yet meaningful way to close the Thanksgiving celebration. It reminds everyone of the holiday’s spirit, fostering gratitude and warmth. The Gratitude Game leaves everyone feeling connected and appreciative.
19. Thanksgiving Relay Race
The Thanksgiving Relay Race adds action to the day with Thanksgiving-themed challenges. Stations like carrying an “egg” or stacking pumpkins keep things lively. Teams compete to complete each task, adding a sense of excitement.
This game is great for both kids and adults, keeping everyone active and engaged. It’s a perfect outdoor game to burn off some post-dinner energy. The relay race is bound to bring laughter and friendly competition.
20. Pilgrim Hat Ring Toss
Create Pilgrim hats using paper cones and let participants toss rings onto them. Set up hats at varying distances, challenging players to land the rings on each one.
This game is simple yet festive, bringing a historical Thanksgiving touch. It’s enjoyable for all ages and easy to set up. The Pilgrim Hat Ring Toss is an ideal way to add some family-friendly competition to the day.
21. Turkey Waddle Race
The Turkey Waddle Race is bound to bring laughs as players try to “waddle” to the finish line. Each participant holds a balloon or ball between their knees, moving as fast as they can without dropping it.
This game is fun for everyone, and it’s hilarious to watch players try to keep the balloon in place. It’s light-hearted, silly, and adds a fun, turkey-inspired challenge.
22. Thanksgiving Hot Potato
Thanksgiving Hot Potato uses a small plush turkey or pumpkin as the “potato.” Participants pass it around while music plays, and the person holding it when the music stops is out.
This simple game is a Thanksgiving classic, ideal for all ages. It’s easy to set up and guarantees plenty of laughs. Hot Potato is a relaxing yet entertaining way to keep everyone engaged.
23. The Great Thanksgiving Trivia Challenge
Wrap up Thanksgiving with a trivia challenge. Prepare questions about Thanksgiving history and traditions, then see which team knows the most.
This game brings out everyone’s competitive side and is a fun way to learn new facts. Thanksgiving trivia is a perfect way to end the day on a lighthearted note.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with gratitude, connection, and joy. With these 23 games, you’ll bring fun, laughter, and new memories to this special day. So after the last slice of pie, gather your family, pick a game, and let the Thanksgiving fun begin! Happy Thanksgiving!