Thanksgiving’s rolling in, and if you’re like me, juggling a million things while trying to keep the kiddos busy ain’t always easy. No worries, I’ve rounded up some super simple, quick thanksgiving activities for kids that won’t have you tearing your hair out. These aren’t your boring, sit-still crafts — we’re talking hands-on, smile-making, memory-building stuff that kids actually love. Plus, you can whip ’em up fast with stuff lying around the house.
So grab those paper scraps, some pasta, and whatever fall colors you’ve got, and let’s make this holiday one full of laughs, grateful hearts, and plenty of sticky fingers. Ready? Let’s roll.
Make a Gratitude Rainbow Using Colored Paper Strips
Grab some colored paper — any colors will do, but fall shades? Even better. Cut ‘em into strips and have your kids write or draw things they’re thankful for on each one. Tape ‘em in an arch to make a bright gratitude rainbow that you can hang up anywhere. I did this with my little ones last year, and watching them light up talking about what made them happy? Priceless.
Create a “What Makes You Smile?” Thanksgiving Collage
Pull out old magazines, scissors, glue, and a big piece of cardboard. Kids love tearing and sticking things, so let ‘em cut out pictures or words that make them grin. Assemble all those bits into one giant smiley collage — a fun way to focus on the good stuff. It’s messy, loud, and pure joy.
Paint Fall Leaf Stamps with Real Leaves and Washable Paint
Take a walk outside to gather some leaves, then dip ‘em in washable paint to stamp onto paper. It’s quick, colorful, and gives kids a chance to explore nature while making art. Bonus: it cleans up easier than you’d expect!
Design a Family Handprint Wreath with Each Member’s Name
Trace each family member’s hand on paper and cut ‘em out. Let the kids decorate their handprints and write their names on them. Arrange in a circle for a wreath you can proudly hang on the door. We made this last year, and it still hangs in our hallway — a little daily reminder of the love and chaos of family life.
Play a “Find Something You’re Thankful For” Scavenger Hunt
Hide little notes or objects around the house and send the kids on a scavenger hunt to find things they’re thankful for. It’s energetic, gets ‘em moving, and sneaks in gratitude without the “you have to” vibe.
Craft a Harvest Bracelet Using Pasta and Fall Colors
Dye pasta pieces in orange, red, and yellow (or buy colored pasta if you’re pressed for time). Thread the pieces onto string or elastic for quick, wearable fun. The kids love showing off their “harvest bling,” and you get a quiet moment while they’re focused.
Build a “Thankfulness Chain” with Paper Links All Day Long
Cut strips of paper and have your kids write what they’re thankful for on each one. Link ‘em together to make a chain you add to all day. By dinner, you’ll have a colorful reminder of all the good stuff in your life, and the kids get to feel like gratitude pros.
Create a Mini Cornucopia from a Paper Cup and Fill It with Drawings
Flip a paper cup on its side and cut a hole for a little cornucopia basket. Kids can fill it with tiny drawings of fruits, veggies, or whatever they’re thankful for. It’s a sweet, personal take on the classic symbol, and it’s surprisingly quick.
Make DIY Thanksgiving Story Dice to Spark Imaginative Tales
Grab some wooden cubes or just fold some paper into dice shapes, then draw Thanksgiving-themed pictures on each side — turkeys, pies, pumpkins, you name it. Kids roll the dice and spin off stories based on what they see. We had a blast with this one, especially when the stories got downright silly.
Decorate a “Thankful for My Senses” Poster Using Textures
Cut out shapes representing each sense: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. Kids glue things with different textures on them — cotton balls for soft, sandpaper for rough, fabric scraps for smooth. It’s hands-on and opens up some fun chat about what they’re thankful to experience.
Build a Popsicle Stick Barn and Fill It with Kind Words
Glue popsicle sticks into a barn shape (easy-peasy with some hot glue) and let kids write kind words or things they appreciate on little slips to “store” inside. This one’s a nice reminder that kindness fills your home just like a barn fills with hay.
Create a Pumpkin Patch Game with Numbered Orange Circles
Cut out orange circles and number ‘em to create a pumpkin patch game. Kids jump or hop to numbers called out, practicing counting and moving at the same time. Great for burning off that extra energy before dinner.
Play a “Pass the Gratitude” Hot Potato Game with Silly Prompts
Use a ball or small object and play hot potato with a twist: when the music stops, whoever’s holding the potato shares something they’re thankful for or answers a funny prompt. The kids giggle, and gratitude slips in without feeling like a chore.
Use Puffy Paint to Decorate Fall-Themed Window Clings
Grab some puffy paint and let kids create leaves, turkeys, or pumpkins on clear cling sheets. When dry, slap ‘em on the windows for an instant pop of seasonal cheer. It’s messy, colorful, and way more fun than boring stickers.
Set Up a Sensory Bin with Dried Corn, Beans, and Measuring Cups
Fill a big container with dried corn kernels, beans, and a handful of measuring cups or spoons. Kids can scoop, pour, and explore textures. It’s calming and makes a great break from all the hustle of holiday prep.
Make a Mini Leaf Garland with Felt or Paper Scraps
Cut out leaf shapes from felt or paper scraps, then string ‘em together. It’s quick to make and perfect for little hands. Hang the garland up to brighten a room and remind everyone of the cozy season.
Fold Easy Origami Pumpkins with Gratitude Notes Inside
Teach the kids a simple origami pumpkin fold (plenty of online guides) and tuck little notes inside with things they’re thankful for. These tiny pumpkins make sweet table decorations or gifts.
Host a Mini Talent Show with “What I’m Thankful I Can Do” Acts
Let the kids put on a quick talent show where they perform something they love or a skill they’re proud of. Add a gratitude spin by having them share why they’re thankful for that ability. It’s heartwarming and a confidence boost.
Create a Thanksgiving-Themed Puzzle Using Magazine Cutouts
Cut out Thanksgiving images from magazines and glue them on cardboard. Cut the cardboard into puzzle pieces and have the kids put it back together. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to get creative and chat about what those images mean to them.
Make a DIY Thankful Spinner with a Paper Plate and Arrow
Draw sections on a paper plate with different thankful prompts, then fasten an arrow in the center with a brad. Kids spin and answer whatever the arrow lands on. It’s simple, quick, and sparks some thoughtful moments.
Use Clothespins to Create a “Gratitude Wall” Display
Pin strings to a wall or frame and use clothespins to hang up notes or drawings of things everyone’s thankful for. It’s a lovely, ever-growing display that gets bigger as the day goes on.
Paint Kindness Rocks and Leave Them Around the Neighborhood
Paint small rocks with cheerful messages or pictures and leave them in the yard, park, or sidewalk for folks to find. It’s a simple way to spread joy and teach kids about giving without expecting anything back.
Make a Paper Quilt with Each Square Representing a Family Memory
Cut paper into squares and have each family member decorate one with a memory or thankful thought. Tape the squares together for a paper quilt full of stories and smiles. We did this last year, and it’s become a favorite keepsake.
Play “Gratitude Freeze Dance” with Thankful Prompts When Paused
Put on some tunes and have the kids dance their hearts out. When the music stops, they freeze and share something they’re grateful for. It’s a fun way to mix energy with gratitude, and it gets everyone laughing.
Build a “Kindness Tree” from Sticks and Hang Notes on It
Collect sticks and arrange them in a vase or pot to look like a tree. Kids write kind notes or things they appreciate on paper leaves and hang them on the tree. It’s a sweet centerpiece and a daily reminder.
Use Cookie Cutters to Stamp Paint Shapes and Make a Table Runner
Dip cookie cutters in paint and stamp fall shapes onto butcher paper or fabric for a homemade table runner. Kids love the stamping, and you get a festive table that’s all their own.
Create a “Giving Box” with Items to Donate to Someone in Need
Grab a box and have the kids help pick out toys, clothes, or food items to donate. Decorate the box and talk about how giving is part of thankfulness. It’s a powerful way to turn gratitude into action.
Set Up a Dramatic Play Area as a Farmer’s Market
Use play food, baskets, and pretend money to set up a farmer’s market corner. Kids take turns buying and selling while practicing sharing and gratitude for what food and community bring.
Craft Autumn Bracelets Using Beads, Buttons, and Elastic
String together beads and buttons in fall colors for simple bracelets. It’s a quiet, easy project that results in wearable art and happy kids showing off their handiwork.
Make DIY Place Cards for Dinner with Drawings of What You’re Thankful For
Have kids create place cards for the Thanksgiving table with drawings or words about what they appreciate. It’s a sweet touch that gets everyone talking and feeling the love before the meal even starts.