Thanksgiving is so close we can almost taste the pumpkin pie! And while a day dedicated to eating is one we look forward to every year, our kiddos don’t seem to share our enthusiasm.
I guess loving Sweet Potato Casserole is an adult rite of passage…kinda like our addiction to coffee!
Anyway, this year we’re saying goodbye to mopy faces and bored, fussy kiddos. Instead, we’re getting our kids excited for Thanksgiving with these fun 4 activities.
1. Backyard Turkey Trot
Running a Turkey Trot is a fun tradition you can start this year. Plus, it’s a great way to get exercise and Vitamin D – both excellent immune boosters during Flu Season.
- Start off by creating your course. For little ones, the backyard is perfect. But if you have older kiddos, a trot around the neighborhood may be more fitting. Make sure to mark off your course with cones or colorful string.
- Next, decorate your finish line. It can be a simple ribbon to run through, or a dramatic display of balloons, ribbons, and signs.
- For extra fun, have everyone dress up like turkeys, and make homemade medals to pass out for a job well done.
- Finally, don’t forget the snacks! All that running means little tummies will be ready to gobble gobble.
2. DIY Woven Placemats
Get your little helpers to decorate the Thanksgiving table with DIY Woven Placemats. Displaying their artwork during the feast gives your kiddos something to look forward to and adds that extra homemade touch!
Woven Placemats
This simple craft uses only construction paper, scissors, and tape/glue.
- Start by cutting parallel slits in a single construction paper – this will be your placemat.
- Next, cut several different-colored construction papers into strips.
- Now it’s time to let your kiddo’s weaving skills shine! Have them weave each strip into the placemat until the whole sheet is filled, then tape or glue the ends.
- Finally, let your kids set the table with their special homemade placemats.
3.Thanksgiving Cornucopia
Combine your little one’s chef skills and artistic creativity with an edible cornucopia. Made from 2 packages of crescent rolls, aluminum foil, and your family’s favorite fruits and snacks, this Thanksgiving appetizer is easy peasy.
- Begin by helping your kids shape the foil into a cornucopia.
- Next, cut the crescent roll triangles into strips and wrap around the foil.
- Pop in the oven and follow the baking instructions on the package.
- And finally, the fun part! Let your little ones fill their Thanksgiving Cornucopia with all their favorite healthy snacks.
- Grapes
- Apple slices
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Crackers
4.Harvest Hat Parade
Thanksgiving and parades go together like pumpkin spice and lattes! So while you play the Macy’s Parade in the background, your kiddos can get ready for theirs.
For your child’s Harvest Hat, you’ll need to create a base – a simple strip of construction paper stapled together to form a circle will do. Next, set up a station with plenty of art supplies such as:
- Feathers
- Pipe cleaners
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Fabric
- Leaves
- Acorns
- Sticks
Once your kiddos complete their masterpiece, have them display their creativity by marching in their very own Harvest Hat Parade.
5.Gratitude Tree
Teaching your little ones about the meaning of the holiday can make them feel more included in the celebrations.
- Start by having your kids brainstorm what they’re thankful for this year.
- Now it’s time to put your paper-cutting skills to use. Cut out plenty of “leaves” from construction paper and create your family's “gratitude tree.”
- Have everyone write down what they’re thankful for on each leaf, and paste their leaves on the tree.
A gratitude tree is a wonderful representation of all your family is thankful for this season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether you run a 5k, cheer on your favorite team, or cozy up with your kiddos to watch the parade, we hope you and your family have a fun-filled holiday. With activities to get your kids excited for Thanksgiving, this year is bound to be one for the books!