Fun Thanksgiving Day Activities to Do with the Family for All Ages Here on the Suncoast

Thanksgiving is a day filled with food, family, and gratitude. But there’s so much more to the day than just the delicious meal! Make the most of your Thanksgiving holiday this year with fun activities that keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re looking to burn off a little pre-dinner energy, get creative, or simply enjoy each other’s company, these Thanksgiving Day activities have something for everyone in the family.

1. Turkey Trot Family Run

Kickstart Thanksgiving Day with a family-friendly Turkey Trot! Many towns host annual Turkey Trots with routes for all skill levels, from serious runners to stroller-friendly fun runs. If you can’t find one nearby, create your own route around the neighborhood. It’s a great way to spend time together while working up an appetite for the Thanksgiving feast to come.

2. Thanksgiving Crafts for All Ages

Nothing brings out the festive spirit quite like holiday crafts! Gather supplies for simple projects like pinecone turkeys, handprint crafts, or DIY Thanksgiving cards. Little ones can enjoy decorating with crayons and stickers, while older kids and adults can create more intricate centerpieces, wreaths, or place cards for the dinner table. These crafts are perfect for keeping everyone occupied while the final touches are put on the meal.

3. Host a Family Football Game

Thanksgiving and football are a classic pairing, so why not take it outside for your own family game? Choose teams, set up goalposts, and enjoy a friendly game of touch or flag football. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the crisp fall air, get some exercise, and maybe even ignite a little friendly competition. Don’t forget to snap some photos for a family tradition you can look back on every year!

4. Thanksgiving Bingo

Create a Thanksgiving-themed Bingo game to keep everyone entertained while the food is cooking or as a fun after-dinner activity. Design Bingo cards with squares like “saw a pumpkin,” “heard someone say ‘I’m stuffed,’” or “aunt brought her famous casserole.” Family members can fill in their cards throughout the day, and winners get small prizes or extra dessert!

5. Recipe Swap and Bake-Off

Invite family members to bring a favorite dessert or side dish recipe, then host a Thanksgiving bake-off! It’s a fun way to try new recipes and add variety to the dessert table. Even kids can get involved by making simple recipes or decorating cookies. Once everyone’s done baking, set up a judging station and let everyone vote for their favorite dessert.

6. Create a Thankfulness Tree

Encourage everyone to reflect on what they’re thankful for by creating a “Thankfulness Tree.” Use branches in a vase as the base, and provide colorful paper leaves for each family member to write down something they’re grateful for. Attach the leaves to the branches, and by dinner time, you’ll have a beautiful display of gratitude to share with everyone.

7. Classic Board Games and Card Tournaments

Break out the classic board games and decks of cards for some friendly family competition! Games like Monopoly, Uno, and Scrabble are great for all ages and can fill the day with laughs. You can even organize a small tournament with a prize for the winning team or individual. It’s a fun way to enjoy each other’s company and bond as a family.

8. Watch a Thanksgiving Movie Marathon

After the meal, gather everyone for a cozy Thanksgiving movie marathon. Family-friendly movies like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Free Birds, or even a holiday classic like Planes, Trains and Automobiles set the mood perfectly. Set up cozy blankets, make some hot chocolate or cider, and relax together as you unwind from the day’s festivities.

9. Scavenger Hunt for Little Explorers

Set up a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt, either indoors or out, for younger family members. Create clues based on Thanksgiving items around the house or yard—like finding a pumpkin, a Thanksgiving decoration, or even a pie! Scavenger hunts are great for keeping kids active and engaged, and they’re bound to create a few laughs.

10. Capture Memories with a Family Photo Booth

Set up a simple photo booth with fun props like pilgrim hats, turkey feathers, and Thanksgiving signs. Use a phone or camera to capture family members striking poses and enjoying the moment. The photos make a fantastic keepsake for the holiday and can even be printed and used as decorations or shared with family near and far.

11. Storytime and Family Memories Sharing

Bring together multiple generations by sharing Thanksgiving memories and family stories. Encourage older family members to recount Thanksgiving traditions from their childhood, share funny stories, or even read a Thanksgiving-themed children’s book. It’s a wonderful way to connect across generations and foster a sense of family pride.

12. Host a Pie-Eating Contest or Taste Test

If your family is full of dessert lovers, why not set up a mini pie-eating contest or taste test? Offer small samples of each pie flavor and vote on the favorite, or have a light-hearted contest for who can eat a slice the fastest (using only hands for extra fun!). This activity brings laughs, and everyone gets to try a bit of each delicious dessert.

Thanksgiving is all about cherishing time with loved ones and making memories. With these family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from games and crafts to delicious treats. This Thanksgiving, celebrate not just the food on the table, but the special moments and connections that make the holiday truly memorable. So, gather up your family, try out a few new traditions, and enjoy a day filled with laughter, gratitude, and love.

Happy Thanksgiving, Suncoast!

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos