Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude—but if you’re hosting little ones, you’ll want to plan ahead to keep them happy and entertained.
From creative crafts to kid-approved treats, these 12 Thanksgiving hosting ideas for kids will help you create a fun, stress-free holiday everyone will remember.
1. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Table
Give the kids their very own Thanksgiving table with colorful paper tablecloths, crayons, and name tags.
Use a roll of kraft paper as a table cover and let them draw turkeys or write what they’re thankful for.
Add small pumpkins or leaves for decoration—it’s interactive, cute, and easy to clean up after dinner.
2. Create a DIY Thanksgiving Craft Corner
Set up a small craft station with supplies for making paper turkeys, handprint art, or gratitude cards.
This gives kids something to do while adults are busy cooking.
Provide markers, glue sticks, googly eyes, and colored paper so they can create their own masterpieces to take home or display at the dinner table.
3. Make a “Thankful Tree”
A Thankful Tree is both a beautiful decoration and a meaningful activity.
Have the kids write what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and hang them on a small branch centerpiece.
It’s a great way to teach gratitude while letting them get creative.
You can even make it a family tradition to keep adding to each year.
Read More: 9 Thanksgiving Hosting Ideas for a Beautiful Table Setting
4. Prepare Mini Thanksgiving Snacks
While adults enjoy appetizers, give kids something fun and simple—like turkey-shaped fruit skewers, popcorn cups, or mini cheese and cracker plates.
You can even let them help make the snacks beforehand.
The hands-on activity keeps them engaged and makes them feel part of the meal prep process.
5. Plan a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt around the house or backyard using Thanksgiving-themed clues.
For example, “Find something shaped like a pumpkin” or “Look for a leaf with five points.”
You can hide small treats or stickers as rewards. It’s a great way to keep them active and burn off some pre-dinner energy.
6. Host a Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
After dinner, cozy up with some family-friendly Thanksgiving movies.
Classics like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Free Birds are perfect picks.
Set up blankets, pillows, and a popcorn bar so kids can relax while the adults chat or clean up.
7. Have a “Gratitude Circle” for Kids
Before dinner, gather the kids and ask each one to share something they’re thankful for.
To make it fun, pass around a “Thankful Turkey” plush or small pumpkin that they can hold while sharing.
It’s a sweet way to bring meaning to the celebration without feeling too serious.
8. Organize Outdoor Games
If the weather’s nice, head outside for Thanksgiving-themed games.
Try a turkey tag, sack race, or a mini “pumpkin roll” race.
Outdoor play helps kids release energy before the big meal and gives them something to look forward to besides just sitting at the table.
9. Serve a Kid-Friendly Dessert Bar
While the adults enjoy pies and fancy desserts, set up a mini dessert bar just for kids.
Think cookie decorating, DIY s’mores cups, or cupcakes with turkey toppers.
It keeps dessert time exciting and gives kids the freedom to customize their treats.
10. Include a Story Time Session
After the meal, gather the kids for a Thanksgiving-themed storytime.
Choose picture books about thankfulness, family, or autumn fun.
It’s a calm way to wind down before bedtime and helps them appreciate the spirit of the holiday.
11. Plan a Kids’ Talent Show
Encourage the kids to put on a mini talent show after dinner—singing, dancing, or telling jokes.
You can even have small “awards” like “Best Dance Moves” or “Funniest Joke.”
It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and creates lasting memories for everyone.
12. Send Them Home with Goodie Bags
End the evening with little Thanksgiving-themed goodie bags.
Include items like stickers, mini puzzles, or a few leftover cookies.
It’s a thoughtful touch that makes kids feel special and wraps up your Thanksgiving hosting on a cheerful note.
Hosting kids for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful—it can actually make the day more fun and joyful.
With these 12 Thanksgiving hosting ideas for kids, you’ll create a celebration full of laughter, creativity, and gratitude that both children and adults will cherish.
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