9 Fun Activities to Do with Kids on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is all about gratitude, celebrating our blessings and the good things that transpired in the past year. Yet, with everything that’s happening in the world today, it’s easy to overlook the things we can still be grateful for around us. Also, the pandemic has limited our access to tourist destinations, outdoor activities and our capacity to meet face-to-face with friends, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate and have fun.

If you’re a parent or a guardian, here are some fun yet safe activities you can do with your kids (and even the kids at heart) on Thanksgiving Day.

1. Go for a walk.
   If your kids enjoy spending time outdoors, you can go for a walk in a nice park where it will be easier for you to practice social distancing. You can also walk towards a historical neighborhood or a landmark that will allow you to explain educational facts to your children.
2. Sign up for a race.
   Take the exercise a step further by signing your family up for a local race, such as an annual turkey trot. Even if the family walks the entire race, it will be a nice way to start the day before diving into your Thanksgiving meal.
3. Sing karaoke.
   If there’s something that never fails during Thanksgiving, it’s singing your heart out during karaoke. Look up some songs that you can sing along with the kids, whether it’s a Disney theme song or a famous single by their favorite artist.
4. Watch a movie.
   As classic as it may sound, watching a movie is one of the most fun things you can do indoors, especially if you prepare movie snacks, such as popcorn and nachos with the kids before the film starts. Choose an inspirational cartoon or movie that will help your kids see the beauty of always being grateful, just so you can keep the holiday spirit on point.
5. Compete with board games.
   Whether it’s Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Scrabble or Pictionary, you and the kids would surely enjoy some competitive fun at the living room. You may also play online with other families or friends.
6. Be creative with arts and crafts.
   If the kids enjoy working using their hands, you can take the creative route by challenging them to make Thanksgiving arts and crafts, such as DIY postcards, napkin holders, placemats, and/or holiday wreaths. Give a prize for their effort, so they would also be encouraged to nurture this creative interest.
7. Try Thanksgiving coloring books.
   Kids rarely use coloring books nowadays because of phones and tablets, so you may also use this time to introduce coloring books to them. Go to the nearest bookstore or order some crayons, water colors and coloring books online for the entire family. This can also be therapeutic, especially for adults.
8. Prepare heart-healthy Thanksgiving recipes.
   Let the kids roll up their sleeves and wear aprons on Thanksgiving Day. Give them the opportunity to help you in the kitchen as you prepare heart-healthy Thanksgiving meals and desserts. You can make pumpkin pie, roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole or stuffing.
9. Play the gratitude game.
   Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach your kids the value of being grateful for the blessings they have, and you can do it in a creative way. Start with hosting a gratitude game before your Thanksgiving meal. Ask them things like who and what are they most grateful for, and be amazed at how your kids will respond.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the long list of interesting activities you can do on Thanksgiving with your kids and the entire family. What’s important is for you to have fun while staying safe and healthy. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:
Britannica
Harvard Health Publishing