Thanksgiving has always been about food, family, and fun. But as the years go by, we all realize the real magic isn’t just in the turkey . . . it’s in the togetherness. We have a small family but our Thanksgiving day has always been the perfect mix of everything the holiday should represent. My son started the tradition of getting up really early with me and preparing the bird to go into the oven; and my daughter’s specialty has been the most delicious macaroni and cheese ever! We also sprinkle fun family Thanksgiving activities that have now become traditions.
We generally change vary activities each year from cozy to outright hilarious and know they are guaranteed to turn the day into one with unforgettable memories, photos and laughs. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to create new traditions and rekindle old ones, and below is a list of 13 fun family Thanksgiving activities that spark connection, laughter, and gratitude.
Pick a few you think your family will enjoy, and give them a try this Thanksgiving. If you do just a few each year, you’ll have so many great memories to share in the future. And if you’re like us, you’ll surely find a few favorites that you repeat year after year.
1. THE “WHAT WE’RE THANKFUL FOR” JAR
A classic, but it never fails. Set a decorated mason jar on the table with slips of paper and pens. Ask everyone to jot down one thing they’re thankful for, big or small, and drop it in.
After dinner, take turns reading them out loud between dessert bites. You’ll hear everything from “Mom’s mashed potatoes” to “Wi-Fi that actually works.”
Bonus tip: Save the notes in a keepsake box to revisit each year. It’s like a gratitude time capsule.
2. THANKSGIVING FAMILY TRIVIA
Create a trivia game all about your family’s quirks and memories. Example questions:
- Who’s notorious for burning the rolls?
- Which cousin once dropped the turkey?
- Who brings the best dessert (and knows it)?
This gets everyone laughing, and keeps phones off the table.
Pro tip: Mix in a few Thanksgiving facts (“What year was the first Macy’s parade?”) to test everyone’s knowledge.
3. “THE GREAT THANKSGIVING SHOW”
Every family has hidden talents, and a few that should probably stay hidden. But that’s what makes this so much fun!
Invite everyone (yes, even Grandpa) to perform a short “act.” It could be a joke, a dance, a silly poem, or an impersonation of Uncle Dave’s turkey carving technique.
Not only is it entertaining, but it also creates hilarious memories you’ll talk about for years.
4. THE GREAT PIE-OFF
Challenge family members to bring their best pie (store-bought allowed for the faint of heart) and have a blind taste test. Everyone votes for “Most Delicious,” “Best Crust,” and “Most Creative.”
Winners gets bragging rights until next year.
5. THE GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT
This one’s great for all ages. Before dinner, hand out a list of gratitude-themed items for guests to find around the house or yard. Examples:
- Something cozy
- Something that smells amazing
- Something that reminds you of love
- Something that makes you laugh
It gets people moving, talking, and noticing the little joys.
6. DIY FAMILY PHOTO BOOTH
Set up a corner with props, a festive backdrop, and a tripod or smartphone stand. Add a few silly hats, signs, and seasonal décor.
The photos will capture genuine smiles and probably a few generational selfies that become instant classics.
7. CRAFT CORNER: THANKFUL HANDS OR TABLE ART
Set up a simple craft table where kids (and willing adults) can trace their hands to make “turkey art” or write what they’re thankful for on leaves cut from colored paper.
Glue them into a “Gratitude Tree” centerpiece or keep them as mementos for a scrapbook.
8. THE POST-FEAST MOVIE MARATHON
Once the dishes are done (or strategically ignored), dim the lights, grab the blankets, and settle in for movie night.
You can’t go wrong with feel-good classics like Planes, Trains & Automobiles, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, or The Holiday.
Add a popcorn bar with toppings like caramel drizzle, pretzels, and M&Ms.
9. FAMILY PLAYLIST & DANCE PARTY
Every family has “that song” . . . the one that makes everyone sing, dance, or reminisce. Create a shared playlist of everyone’s favorites and play it while cooking, cleaning, or dancing in the living room like no one’s watching (even though they definitely are).
10. STORY TIME WITH THE ELDERS
This is where the real magic happens. Invite grandparents, parents, or aunts and uncles to share favorite memories – their childhood holidays, love stories, family “legends,” or hilarious kitchen disasters.
Kids adore these tales, and the wisdom they carry becomes part of your family legacy.
Record the stories as they’ll be priceless one day.
11. “PASS THE CANDLE” GRATITUDE CIRCLE
Before dessert, dim the lights and pass around a lit or flameless candle. As each person receives the candle, they will share one thing they’re grateful for about someone else at the table.
It’s heartwarming, tear-jerking, and guaranteed to make everyone feel appreciated (even the grumpy uncle). This is one of our favorites.
12. BOARD GAMES OR PUZZLES FOR ALL AGES
After the meal, bring out classic games: Scrabble, Uno, Apples to Apples, or a big jigsaw puzzle.
Games bridge generations effortlessly, sparking laughter and gentle competition.
13. THE AFTER-DINNER GRATITUDE WALK
Bundle up and take a slow, quiet walk outside together. The air is crisp, the stars are out, and the conversation flows naturally. It’s a simple ritual that turns the end of Thanksgiving into a moment of peace and reflection.
THE REAL TRADITION: BEING TOGETHER
Thanksgiving isn’t about a flawless table setting . . . it’s about filling that table with love, and these family Thanksgiving activities will help make that happen. We’ve all learned that at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether your turkey was perfectly roasted or slightly “crispy.” What matters is the laughter, the stories, the hugs that linger a little longer this year.
So, be grateful for all your family members and guests – the loud ones (like my older brother Garland), the quiet ones, the ones who still call me for my cranberry sauce recipe – and make memories that feel warm and imperfectly perfect.
Because long after the leftovers are gone, those are the moments that feed your soul.
~~~ Do you celebrate a Thanksgiving activity with your family? If so please share the details as we love adding new options to our list. ~~~
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Until next time please keep Aging Out Loud, No Limits, No Regrets!
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