8 Thanksgiving Games for Fun Family Gatherings

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with some fun and engaging games. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a small get-together, integrating Thanksgiving-themed games can bring laughter, excitement, and a sense of togetherness to your celebration. Below, we’ve curated a list of eight creative and entertaining Thanksgiving games that are sure to spice up your holiday festivities.

1. Turkey Tag

Turkey Tag is a lively game that gets everyone up and moving. Designate one person as the “farmer” and give them a ‘tagger’, such as a soft ball or a rolled-up pair of socks. Everyone else pretends to be turkeys and must avoid being tagged by the farmer. Once tagged, turkeys must freeze until another turkey “gobbles” to unfreeze them. Set a timer, and when it goes off, the farmer with the most turkeys tagged wins. Make sure to clear a safe space in your home or yard for this activity to avoid any Thanksgiving Day mishaps.

2. The Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

The Gratitude Scavenger Hunt is a heartfelt game that encourages reflection and thankfulness. Create a list of items or concepts for players to find or depict that they are grateful for — things like “something that makes you happy” or “an item that represents family”. Participants can either draw the items, find them around the house, or take photos with their smartphones. Share the finds at the end and discuss why each item is meaningful. This game is a beautiful way to remind everyone what Thanksgiving is truly about.

3. Stuff the Turkey

Stuff the Turkey requires players to work together to “stuff the turkey” using balloons and an oversized shirt. One team member wears the shirt while others race against the clock to fill it with balloons, resembling a turkey’s stuffed belly. The team that ‘stuffs’ their turkey the fastest, or fits the most balloons, wins. It’s a goofy, hands-on game that’s sure to elicit laughter from both participants and onlookers!

4. Pin the Feather on the Turkey

A Thanksgiving spin on a classic party game, Pin the Feather on the Turkey, is great for guests of all ages. Hang up a poster of a turkey with a missing tail and blindfold players in turns as they attempt to stick a paper feather in the correct spot. Use double-sided tape or reusable putty to affix the feathers. Whoever places the feather closest to the target wins a prize, maybe an extra slice of pie!

5. Roll-A-Turkey

Roll-A-Turkey is a simple yet entertaining dice game. Each die value corresponds to a part of a turkey, drawn on paper. As players roll the dice, they can build their turkey piece by piece, based on the numbers they roll. The first person to complete their turkey wins. This game is ideal for sitting around the table and can be a calming activity between dinner courses.

6. The Pumpkin Roll

The Pumpkin Roll is an outdoor game where players race to roll a pumpkin across the lawn using only their noses or brooms, depending on the size and weight of the pumpkin. This game can get competitive and is a hilarious way to get some fresh air before or after the Thanksgiving feast. Make sure to define the race boundaries and ready your camera for this entertaining spectacle!

7. Thanksgiving Mad Libs

Thanksgiving Mad Libs can bring out the wordsmith in anyone. Create or find pre-made templates of Thanksgiving-themed stories with missing words. Participants call out random words to fill in the blanks, resulting in often absurd and laugh-out-loud stories. This game is especially fun with a mixed-age group and can be a great way to relax indoors while the turkey roasts.

8. Turkey Bowling

For Turkey Bowling, set up 10 plastic bottles, partially filled with sand or water, in a triangle formation. Use a small, round pumpkin or squash as the “bowling ball” and take turns knocking down the “pins”. It’s a festive twist on a favorite hobby that can be adjusted for indoor or outdoor play. Everyone gets a kick out of this unconventional Thanksgiving game, from little toddlers to competitive adults.

Benefits of Thanksgiving Games

Fostering Family Bonding

Integrating games into your Thanksgiving holiday isn’t just about entertainment; it’s an invaluable opportunity for family bonding. Games can bridge generational gaps, create shared laughter, and build new traditions that strengthen the family unit.

Encouraging Teamwork and Communication

Many Thanksgiving games are designed for team play, which nurtures collaboration and communication among family members. This cooperative spirit can translate to more positivity and understanding beyond the game, contributing to a harmonious family atmosphere.

Creating Lasting Memories

The memories formed while playing these games become cherished stories that families share for years to come. Those spontaneous moments of joy and silliness are often the most recounted when families reminisce about past holidays.

Reducing Holiday Stress

For many, the holidays can be a stressful time. Games offer a playful respite from the hectic pace and expectation of Thanksgiving preparations and can help everyone unwind and enjoy the moment.

Tips for Hosting Game-Centered Gatherings

Prepare in Advance

To ensure a smooth gaming experience, prepare the necessary materials for each game beforehand. This might include printing game sheets, inflating balloons, or gathering game props.

Consider Your Guests

When planning which games to play, consider the ages, interests, and physical abilities of your Thanksgiving guests. Aim for a mix of games that will appeal to and be accessible for everyone.

Encourage Participation, Not Competition

While a little friendly competition can be fun, emphasize the participatory and bonding aspects of the games. The goal is to make everyone feel included and entertained, not to create rivalries.

Be Flexible

Keep in mind that not all planned activities will go as intended. Be prepared to adjust game rules or to swap out games entirely based on your guests’ engagement and enjoyment levels. The key is to be spontaneous and responsive to the atmosphere of your gathering.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is more than a feast; it’s a day of togetherness, gratitude, and celebration. By incorporating these eight Thanksgiving games into your family gathering, you’ll ensure an enjoyable and memorable holiday for guests of all ages. So, this Thanksgiving, prepare to feast, give thanks, and play your way to a truly festive celebration.