Thanksgiving is right around the corner, friends!
And I don’t know about you, but this is one of my favorite times of the year. The cooler weather, the beautiful fall colors, the delicious food, and of course, getting together with the people we love.
But if you’re a mom, you also know that Thanksgiving can get a little chaotic.
Between planning dinner, cleaning the house, getting everything ready, and trying to keep the kids entertained, sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
And the last thing we need is another complicated activity to add to our already overflowing to-do lists.
That’s exactly why I love simple Thanksgiving activities!
Today, I’ve rounded up free Thanksgiving printables for kids, including coloring pages, word searches, games, gratitude worksheets, and even a few easy Thanksgiving crafts.
Most of these activities require nothing more than a printer, some crayons, and a little imagination.
No elaborate planning. No expensive supplies. And definitely no pressure to create a Pinterest-perfect holiday.
Just simple, fun activities to help your kids enjoy the Thanksgiving season.
Let’s get started!
Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Kids
Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones kids enjoy the most.
And coloring pages are one of my favorites because they’re so easy to use.
You can print a few out for a chilly November afternoon, keep them handy while you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner, or set them out at the kids’ table.
Here is my collection of free coloring pages you can enjoy this Thanksgiving season.
Seven Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Looking for some easy Thanksgiving coloring pages for your kids?
I’ve put together seven free Thanksgiving coloring sheets that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Just print them out, grab the crayons, and let your little ones get creative!
These are also great for preschool activities, classroom parties, or keeping the kids entertained while everyone waits for Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the 7 Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Gratitude Journal Prompt Pages
2. Thanksgiving Gratitude Journal Prompts
Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to talk with our kids about gratitude.
But teaching our children to be thankful doesn’t have to mean sitting them down for a big lesson.
Sometimes it’s as simple as talking about the things we’re grateful for while writing together.
These free gratitude journal prompt pages are a fun way to encourage those conversations.
And the best part? You can use these throughout the entire year, not just on Thanksgiving!
Get the Free Gratitude Journal Pages
Free Thanksgiving Word Searches and Puzzles
Does anyone else have kids who tell you they’re bored approximately five minutes after finishing an activity?
Because I have definitely been there!
That’s why I love having a few printable puzzles ready to go.
They’re easy to pull out, they don’t make a huge mess, and they keep kids busy while encouraging them to think and problem-solve.
Here are a few free Thanksgiving puzzles to add to your November plans.
3. Free Thanksgiving Word Search Printables
If your kids love word searches, these free Thanksgiving word search printables are perfect!
I have two different word searches you can print and use at home or in the classroom.
You can even turn them into a little friendly competition to see who finds all the words first.
Get the Free Thanksgiving Word Searches
4. Thanksgiving Word Scramble Printable
Here’s another fun activity for kids who enjoy word games!
This free Thanksgiving word scramble is a simple way to get kids thinking while having fun.
All you need is the printable and a pencil.
It’s perfect for classroom activities, holiday parties, or a cozy afternoon at home.
Get the Thanksgiving Word Scramble
5. Free Thanksgiving Maze Printable
Sometimes a simple maze is all it takes to entertain the kids for a little while.
This free Thanksgiving maze printable is a fun activity for younger children who enjoy puzzles and challenges.
Add it to your Thanksgiving activity basket or print a few copies for the kids’ table.
Get the Free Thanksgiving Maze
Free Thanksgiving Worksheets for Preschoolers
I love activities that allow little ones to have fun while practicing new skills.
And Thanksgiving-themed worksheets are a great way to do just that.
Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching preschool, or simply looking for something fun to do with your younger kids, these printables are easy to incorporate into your day.
6. Thanksgiving Counting Worksheets
These free Thanksgiving counting worksheets are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners who are learning their numbers.
I have a counting worksheet and a color-the-squares counting activity that give kids opportunities to practice early math skills.
They’re a fun addition to your Thanksgiving learning activities!
Get the Thanksgiving Counting Worksheets
7. Thanksgiving Matching Game Printable
If you have younger children, this free Thanksgiving matching activity is another fun option.
Kids can practice noticing details and recognizing matching items while enjoying a little Thanksgiving fun.
It’s simple enough to use at home, during homeschool, or in the classroom.
Get the Thanksgiving Matching Printable
Free Thanksgiving Games for Kids
One thing I love about Thanksgiving is getting everyone together.
But when you have a house full of kids, it’s nice to have a few games ready to keep everyone entertained.
Especially when you’re waiting for dinner to finish cooking!
These printable Thanksgiving games are easy to prepare and don’t require a bunch of expensive supplies.
8. Thanksgiving This or That Game
This is such a fun game for families!
If you’ve never played This or That before, it’s really simple.
You’re given two choices, and you have to choose your favorite.
That’s it!
But sometimes the answers lead to some pretty hilarious conversations.
This Thanksgiving This or That game is perfect for playing around the dinner table or during a family gathering.
Get the Thanksgiving This or That Game
9. Free Thanksgiving Squares Game
Looking for another fun Thanksgiving activity?
This printable squares game is a great addition to your holiday activity collection.
It’s an easy option to print and set out during Thanksgiving gatherings or classroom parties.
Get the Thanksgiving Squares Game
10. Thanksgiving Word List Game
This Thanksgiving word list activity is another simple way to get kids thinking.
It’s a fun choice for children who enjoy word games and creative challenges.
You can have your kids complete it individually or make it a family activity.
Get the Thanksgiving Word List Game
11. Thanksgiving Scattergories Game
If your kids enjoy a little challenge, they’ll have fun with this Thanksgiving scattergories game.
It’s a simple activity that encourages children to come up with ideas and think creatively.
This is another great option for older kids who might want something beyond coloring pages.
Get the Thanksgiving Scattergories Game
Free Thanksgiving Gratitude Activities for Kids
One of the things I love most about Thanksgiving is the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what we’re thankful for.
And I think it’s important to help our kids learn to do the same.
Not because they should feel happy or grateful every second of the day.
We’re all human, after all!
But because learning to recognize the good things in our lives is such a valuable habit.
These simple gratitude activities are a wonderful way to start those conversations.
12. I Am Grateful For Printable
This is one of my favorite types of Thanksgiving activities.
The I Am Grateful For printable encourages children to think about the people, experiences, and little everyday things they’re grateful for.
And if you have younger children, you can help them write their answers.
You might be surprised by what they come up with!
Get the I Am Thankful For Printable
13. Thanksgiving Gratitude Writing Prompt
If your kids enjoy writing, this Thanksgiving gratitude writing prompt is another fun activity.
It gives children an opportunity to reflect on thankfulness and put their thoughts into words.
You can even save their completed worksheets and look back on them in a few years.
I think those little keepsakes are some of the sweetest things to hold on to.
Get the Thanksgiving Gratitude Writing Prompt
Creative Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
Not every Thanksgiving activity has to be a worksheet or puzzle.
Sometimes kids just need an opportunity to use their imaginations.
And these creative activities are perfect for that!
14. Thanksgiving Drawing Activity
This free Thanksgiving drawing printable is a simple way to encourage kids to get creative.
Just grab some crayons, pencils, or markers and let them have fun.
I love activities where there’s room for children to express themselves without worrying about making everything perfect.
Get the Thanksgiving Drawing Activity
15. Fall Story Writing Printable
Have a little storyteller in your house?
This fall-themed story activity is a fun way to encourage children to use their imaginations.
It’s great for kids who enjoy writing, telling stories, or coming up with creative ideas.
And since it’s fall-themed rather than strictly Thanksgiving-themed, you can enjoy it throughout the entire autumn season.
Get the Fall Story Writing Printable
Easy Thanksgiving and Fall Crafts for Kids
Now, I love a good printable activity.
But sometimes the kids want to get out the glue, scissors, and craft supplies.
And honestly, I enjoy a good craft afternoon, too!
Especially during fall.
Here are a few easy Thanksgiving and fall crafts that you can enjoy with your kids.
16. Easy Turkey Craft for Kids
Is it really Thanksgiving without at least one turkey craft?
This easy turkey craft for kids is a fun way to celebrate the season and spend some creative time together.
You can make it during a Thanksgiving craft afternoon or add it to your November activity plans.
And remember, it doesn’t have to turn out Pinterest-perfect to be fun!
See the Easy Turkey Craft Tutorial
17. Easy Fall Leaf Craft for Kids
Fall leaves are one of my favorite things about this time of year.
The beautiful colors make such wonderful inspiration for kids’ crafts.
This easy fall leaf craft is a fun activity for celebrating autumn.
And since it isn’t strictly Thanksgiving-themed, you can enjoy it all season long!
18. Dollar Tree Fall Frame Craft
You know what I love almost as much as a simple kids’ craft?
An inexpensive one!
This Dollar Tree fall frame craft is a fun invitation-to-create activity using a wooden frame.
I love invitation-to-create activities because they give children opportunities to use their imaginations and make something that’s uniquely their own.
See the Dollar Tree Fall Frame Craft
How to Make a Thanksgiving Activity Basket for Kids
If you’re wondering what to do with all these Thanksgiving printables, one of my favorite ideas is to put together a simple holiday activity basket.
And don’t worry, you don’t need to spend a bunch of money to do it!
Here’s what you can include:
- A few Thanksgiving coloring pages
- Some word searches and puzzles
- A Thanksgiving maze
- Printable Thanksgiving games
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
- A few gratitude activities
- Blank paper for drawing
Simply put everything into a basket or container and leave it somewhere the kids can easily access.
Then, whenever they’re looking for something to do, they can choose an activity.
You could even put together a little Thanksgiving activity basket for the kids’ table!
It’s a simple way to keep everyone entertained while the adults are busy preparing dinner or visiting with family.
And the best part?
You don’t have to plan an elaborate activity every single time someone announces they’re bored.
How to Make Thanksgiving Special Without Overwhelming Yourself
Can I share something with you?
Sometimes I think we put entirely too much pressure on ourselves as moms during the holidays.
We want everything to be perfect.
The decorations. The food. The activities. The memories.
And before we know it, we’re so busy trying to make everything magical that we’re too exhausted to enjoy it ourselves.
But here’s the thing.
Your kids don’t need a picture-perfect Thanksgiving.
They don’t need 18 different activities completed before the end of November.
And they certainly don’t need you running yourself into the ground trying to make every moment special.
Sometimes the simplest things become the best memories.
Coloring together at the kitchen table.
Laughing over a silly Thanksgiving game.
Making a turkey craft that looks absolutely nothing like the example.
Or just spending time together on a chilly November afternoon.
Those moments matter, too.
So choose a few activities your kids will enjoy.
Skip the ones that feel like too much work.
And remember, it’s perfectly okay if the only thing you accomplish this Thanksgiving is enjoying time with your family.
More Fun Holiday Activities for Kids
Once Thanksgiving is over, Christmas will be right around the corner!
And if you’re looking for more simple holiday activities, be sure to check out some of my other favorites:
- Simple Christmas Bucket List for Families
- Stupid Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- More Christmas Activities and Printables for Kids
Enjoy the Little Moments This Thanksgiving
I hope these free Thanksgiving printables and activities give you a few fun ideas to enjoy with your children this season.
Whether you’re printing out a handful of coloring pages, planning a little Thanksgiving craft afternoon, or simply looking for something to keep the kids busy while dinner is cooking, I hope you find something your family loves.
And most importantly, I hope you remember that making memories with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes the little moments are the ones that mean the most.
Happy Thanksgiving, friend!
Which Thanksgiving activity do you think your kids would enjoy the most? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
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