Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a delicious feast, and reflect on what we’re thankful for. But after the turkey’s been carved and the pie is gone, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together for some fun and games! Whether you’re looking for something to entertain the kids or a way to spark laughter among adults, there’s a game for every crowd.
Here are some of the best games to play during Thanksgiving that will keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories.
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The Best Games to Play During Thanksgiving: Fun for Family and Friends
1. Turkey Trivia
Want to get everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit? Test your knowledge of all things Thanksgiving with a round of trivia. You can prepare a list of fun facts about the holiday, history, or even quirky trivia about family members.
If you don’t want to create your own trivia game, there are Thanksgiving trivia games on Etsy, that you can buy, download, and print right away. Here is a link to a Thanksgiving trivia game that I made and sell on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1568253287/thanksgiving-trivia-thanksgiving-fact-or.
How to play:
- Divide guests into teams.
- Ask questions about Thanksgiving traditions, history, or facts (like “Which state produces the most turkeys?” or “What year was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?”).
- Award points for correct answers, and the winning team gets to take home a small prize or an extra slice of pie!
Why it’s fun:
- It’s easy to play and doesn’t require any equipment.
- Everyone can participate, from kids to grandparents.
- It sparks interesting conversations and laughter.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
A fun and festive take on traditional bowling, pumpkin bowling is a great outdoor game that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Instead of bowling balls, use small pumpkins, and for pins, you can use empty water bottles or plastic cups.
How to play:
- Set up a “lane” in your backyard or living room, depending on the size of your space.
- Use small, round pumpkins as bowling balls.
- Each player gets two rolls per turn, and whoever knocks down the most “pins” wins!
Why it’s fun:
- It’s a creative way to keep the kids entertained before or after the meal.
- You can decorate the pins or pumpkins to match the Thanksgiving theme.
- It adds a bit of competition in a fun, lighthearted way.
3. Pictionary: Thanksgiving Edition
Turn the classic game of Pictionary into a Thanksgiving-themed activity by drawing items related to the holiday. It’s great for all ages and encourages creativity and teamwork.
How to play:
- Write down Thanksgiving-related words or phrases on slips of paper (like turkey, pumpkin pie, cornucopia, football, etc.).
- Divide guests into teams, and have one player from each team draw the item while their team guesses within a time limit (use a timer or phone app).
- The team that correctly guesses the most items wins.
Why it’s fun:
- It’s easy to set up, and all you need is paper and a marker.
- You can add a holiday twist to a beloved game.
- It encourages laughter as everyone tries to guess the sometimes hilarious drawings.
4. Thankful Scavenger Hunt
Get everyone up and moving with a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt! It’s a fantastic way to burn off some post-dinner calories while having fun and exploring your home or yard.
How to play:
- Create a list of items related to Thanksgiving that players need to find (like an autumn leaf, a recipe card, a fall candle, or something orange).
- Give each player or team the list and set them loose to find all the items.
- The first person or team to return with all the items wins.
Why it’s fun:
- It’s a great way to get people out of their seats after a big meal.
- You can customize the scavenger hunt for indoor or outdoor play.
- It’s suitable for kids and adults, making it a versatile game for all ages.
5. Thanksgiving Charades
Charades is a classic party game that never fails to entertain, and with a Thanksgiving twist, it becomes even more enjoyable! You can act out anything from eating a giant turkey leg to watching football or preparing the feast.
This is another game that you can find on Etsy. The game has everything you need to play if you don’t have time to set it up before your party. Here’s a link to my listing, https://www.etsy.com/listing/1564999207/thanksgiving-charades-thanksgiving.
How to play:
- Write down Thanksgiving-related actions, objects, or phrases on pieces of paper (like “stuffing the turkey,” “watching a football game,” or “falling asleep after dinner”).
- Players take turns acting out the word or phrase without speaking, while their team tries to guess it.
- Set a time limit for each round, and the team with the most correct guesses wins.
Why it’s fun:
- No equipment is needed, and everyone can get involved.
- It leads to lots of laughter, especially with tricky actions to act out.
- It’s an excellent icebreaker if you have new friends or family members at the gathering.
6. Turkey Bingo
For a game that requires little effort but is still fun, Turkey Bingo is perfect for all ages. You can create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-related items or images, and instead of numbers, players mark off items as they’re called out.
Bingo is a classic game that is sure to entertain everyone from grandparents to small children. I also have a Thanksgiving Bingo in my Etsy shop. Here is a link to Thanksgiving Bingo: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1576556443/thanksgiving-bingo-fall-bingo-printable
How to play:
- Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving images or words (like a turkey, pumpkin, pilgrim hat, cranberries, etc.).
- Call out the words or images, and players mark them on their cards.
- The first person to get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins!
Why it’s fun:
- It’s simple and easy, making it perfect for both kids and older adults.
- You can create personalized bingo cards that match the Thanksgiving theme.
- It’s a low-key game that allows people to relax after a big meal.
7. Board Games and Card Games
Sometimes, the best games are the ones you already have at home! Pull out classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno and enjoy a fun family game night. These games can easily keep everyone engaged while digesting their turkey feast.
Why it’s fun:
- It allows for longer, more strategic gameplay for those who love a challenge.
- You can choose games based on the crowd—there are endless options, from quick card games to in-depth board games.
- It’s perfect for mixed-age groups and can be a bonding experience for families.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than with some fun games? Whether you’re testing your knowledge with Turkey Trivia, competing in a pumpkin bowling match, or sharing laughs during Thanksgiving Charades, these games will help keep the holiday spirit alive.
This year, after the feast, put away the phones and screens, gather around the table (or backyard!), and enjoy some quality time playing these festive games with your family and friends. You’ll make new memories that last long after the turkey has been eaten.
Happy Thanksgiving, and let the games begin!
