I know what you’re thinking, Halloween hasn’t even happened yet, but I have to tell you that I am looking forward to Thanksgiving so much this year. I love all holidays, but Thanksgiving has such a family feeling and it is when my baking kicks into high gear (which makes me happy)!
I also really love to craft when the temperatures start to drop. I especially love to craft with the boys. There are many activities that we have come up with over the years that I plan on revisiting this year. Here are a few of our top activities for the Thanksgiving season:
- Movies by the fire. Our favorite kid movie for Thanksgiving is Free Bird! This is a hilarious tale about a time traveling turkey who’s mission is to save all turkeys from being on the menu. It is hilarious and the boys really enjoy it. You can find this title on Netflix right now along with a slew of other great movies for kids! We also like to pop a bowl of popcorn to enjoy.
- Make a Mayflower. This craft turned out absolutely adorable! If you are a coffee lover then you are likely to have a few left over coffee sleeves in order to make this craft. You will also need an egg carton. These make fun center pieces or place settings at the dinner table as well.
- Make a Gratitude Tree. What a sweet and special way to celebrate being thankful. This is an easy craft that is great for reflecting.
- Free Printable Personalized Thanksgiving Napkin Holders. Your kids will love seeing their faces as pilgrims in these easy to create napkin holders.
- Pine Cone Turkey Craft. This is not just a craft, but an exercise! Take a nature walk and collect the items you will need in order to create this fun and friendly pine cone turkey!
What fun traditions and activities fill your family’s Thanksgiving? I’d love to see links to some of your favorite ideas in the comments.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says
I have wanted to see Free Bird. We may need to check it out. Those Mayflower boats are too cute.
Mary says
Those little boats are the cutest thing I’ve seen in a while! I think they would be really fun to make and make excellent table toppers!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
We are always looking for fun Thanksgiving things to do with the kiddos. We live about 15 minutes from where the Mayflower landed, so usually there is no shortage.
Janel (A Mom's Take) says
I wish we had some neat traditions, but we really don’t. You have some great idea.
Lisa Bristol says
Every year at Thanksgiving we all get together at my Mom and Dads house. We all spend a great day together and also celebrate the two birthdays that we have in October. During dinner we go around the table and talk about all the things we are thankful for.
Billie says
Free Bird sounds like a fun movie, though I’d probably have to bribe the guys to watch it with me.
Shell says
A gratitude tree sounds like a great idea. Thanks for the Thanksgiving ideas!
Pam says
I love the way the Mayflowers turned out! A gratitude tree is a really neat idea.
Melinda says
i was looking around my kitchen today trying to figure out how to get a gratitude tree in there. I might do a plant and use it that way
deb says
The Mayflower boats are simply adorable and a great way to recycle. I think a gratitude tree is a great idea.
Kristin says
What a fun and cute idea. I will have plenty of coffee sleeves by turkey day.
Katrina says
We make a gratitude tree every year, its a fun activity.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
We used to write things we were thankful for on paper leaves. It was fun to use them all to decorate a tree.
Lori T. says
This list is great! We too enjoy the movie Free Birds and I can’t wait to make these crafts with my kids. Thanks for sharing.
Liz Mays says
I think this is so smart. I know my kids had a hard time waiting for dinner and I distracted them with activities and crafts.
Jenn says
The gratitude tree is a great idea! Thanks. Not something I would have thought of on my own!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
I love the mayflower craft! I’m determined to do some smores by the fire this fall!
Tracey says
Wonderful list! I really love that Mayflower craft too. It turned out beautifully!
Ann BAcciaglia says
Very cool idea! I love the idea of a gratitude tree, It is so important to show gratitude all the time.
Christie says
I love kids crafts and am always looking for new holiday themes. I love the boats!
Amber Conaway says
What great crafts!! Thanksgiving gets looked over so much it’s good to see some ideas of how we can make it more fun for the kiddos!
Candy O says
Absolutely love the Mayflowers ships!! I’ve been thinking about what crafts we will do for Thanksgiving!
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
I love that all of these activities tie into the meaning of the holiday. Thanks for sharing these!
Camesha says
These are all really good. My favorites are the gratitude tree and the Mayflower!