Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and give thanks for all we have. When kids are part of the celebration, it adds an extra layer of joy—and a few more logistics! Whether it’s managing their meal expectations, keeping them entertained, or creating family memories, a little planning can go a long way toward making Thanksgiving an enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some tips to help you celebrate Thanksgiving with kids in a way that keeps them engaged and brings the family closer together.

The Thanksgiving feast is the highlight of the day, but it can be overwhelming for kids, especially with unfamiliar dishes and long wait times. Here are a few tips to help manage their food expectations and make mealtime a hit:

While Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing are staples for adults, many kids might shy away from foods they don’t recognize. Create a few dishes with ingredients they already enjoy, like mashed potatoes without gravy, plain rolls, or a simple green salad. If they’re picky eaters, you could even make a mini “kids’ charcuterie” board with cheese, crackers, and fruit to keep them happy and avoid meal-time struggles.

Kids are often more willing to try foods they helped make. Get them involved with age-appropriate tasks like setting the table, mashing potatoes, or sprinkling marshmallows on sweet potatoes. Not only will they feel proud of their contribution, but they’ll also get more excited about sitting down to eat.

If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider setting up a kids’ table with kid-friendly seating, dishes, and décor. This can make the experience feel more special and fun for them. Decorate with paper placemats they can color on, give them Thanksgiving-themed stickers, or leave out crayons so they can create while they wait.

Thanksgiving can be a long day for little ones with all the cooking and adult conversation. To keep the holiday enjoyable for kids, it’s essential to plan a few activities that will keep them entertained and engaged.

When kids are involved in meal prep, they're more likely to try new foods and make healthier choices, one can hope anyway.

A Thanksgiving-themed craft station is a great way to keep kids occupied and let their creativity shine. Set out supplies like colored paper, markers, and glue sticks, along with some easy crafts like making handprint turkeys, creating paper hats, or decorating thank-you cards for family members. These crafts can even double as decorations for the table!

A scavenger hunt can keep kids busy and encourage them to explore their surroundings. Write down a list of things for them to find, like a red leaf, a pine cone, or something that smells like cinnamon. You could even make it Thanksgiving-themed by having them search for “something that reminds you of Thanksgiving” or “something you’re grateful for.”

If the kids need some downtime or if you’re entertaining multiple families, a movie corner can be a lifesaver. Pick a cozy area, lay out blankets, and set up a kid-friendly Thanksgiving movie marathon. Classics like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Free Birds can keep them entertained while the adults finish cooking or enjoy some conversation.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to create meaningful family memories. Here are some simple ways to make the holiday special for everyone:

A “Thankful Tree” is a beautiful and interactive way to celebrate gratitude as a family. Set up a small tree branch in a pot, or even draw one on a poster board. Have everyone write down things they’re thankful for on paper leaves, then add them to the tree. Watching it fill up throughout the day is a heartwarming reminder of what matters most.

Capture the joy of the day with a family photo tradition. Let kids join in on the fun by dressing up in Thanksgiving-themed clothes or homemade costumes. Consider making it a yearly ritual so you can look back on the photos each Thanksgiving and see how everyone’s grown.

Family games are a great way to bond, and Thanksgiving offers the chance for some unique holiday-themed fun. Try out a Thanksgiving trivia quiz, play Thanksgiving Bingo, or set up a “Turkey Toss” game by tossing bean bags into a bin decorated like a turkey. These activities help everyone feel included and bring a lot of laughs to the day.

For many, dessert is the best part of Thanksgiving, and kids will love the chance to contribute. Let them help decorate pumpkin pies with whipped cream, make mini fruit cups, or create edible turkey treats with cookies and candy. This hands-on activity is fun, delicious, and gives kids a chance to be part of the meal in a memorable way.

Thanksgiving with kids can be a lively, joyous celebration, especially when the holiday is tailored to include the little ones. By managing food expectations, keeping them entertained with fun activities, and creating meaningful family traditions, you’re setting the stage for a Thanksgiving everyone will remember fondly. Most importantly, you’re helping kids learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving—being grateful for the good things in life, surrounded by family and love.