Thanksgiving Activities for Kids That Teach Gratitude and Kindness

Thanksgiving is such a special time of year a chance to slow down, be together as a family, and celebrate what we’re grateful for. But for parents, it can also mean managing little kids while you’re prepping dinner, setting the table, or organizing guests. Thanksgiving is more than delicious food and festive gatherings it’s the perfect time to help kids understand the true meaning of gratitude and kindness. 

Here are some simple, sensory-rich, and creative Thanksgiving activities that kids will love and that aren’t too much work for parents or caregivers.

1. Fall Sensory Bin
Create an engaging and autumn-inspired sensory experience with our Fall Sensory Bin Filler made from taste-safe colored rice. The rich fall shades warm oranges, reds, and yellows bring the season to life in a safe and kid-friendly way. Simply pour the colored rice into a shallow tray or sensory bin. Add fall-themed accessories like mini pumpkins, wooden scoops, leaves, or small tools to enhance exploration.
Kids can dig, pour, sift, and scoop the rice, enjoying hands-on play that strengthens fine motor skills. This calming, tactile activity is perfect for keeping little ones focused while celebrating the cozy colors and textures of fall.

2. Edible Pumpkin Play Dough
Add a festive fall twist to playtime with edible pumpkin play dough a safe, sensory-rich activity perfect for little hands. Simply mix flour, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and smooth pumpkin purée to create a soft, squishy dough with a cozy autumn scent.
Kids can roll, shape, and mold their own pumpkin-themed creations mini pies, tiny turkeys, or anything their imagination dreams up. This activity not only encourages creative play but also lets children explore seasonal textures and smells in a fun, hands-on way.

3. Turkey Handprint Art
A Thanksgiving classic that kids absolutely love. Use washable paint to let little ones press their handprints onto paper or cardboard. Once the prints have dried, help them turn their handprints into colorful turkeys by adding feathers (paper or felt), googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle. These sweet handprint turkeys make adorable keepsakes and add the perfect festive touch to your Thanksgiving table décor.

4. Thankful Tree Branch
A Thankful Tree Branch is a beautiful way to help kids express gratitude in a hands-on, visual way. Start by finding a bare branch from outside or creating one using paper, then place it in a vase or jar. Cut out leaf-shaped cards and invite children to write or draw something they’re thankful for on each leaf. Once they’re done, hang the leaves on the branch to create a growing “gratitude tree.” It makes a heartfelt Thanksgiving centerpiece and a lovely reminder of all the things your family appreciates.

5. Thanksgiving Sorting Game
A Thanksgiving Sorting Game is a fun and easy way to turn everyday items into a playful learning activity. Gather fall-colored objects like dried corn, leaves, or colored pasta and place them in small bowls or trays. Invite kids to sort the items by color, texture, or shape, or even challenge them to create simple repeating patterns. This hands-on activity strengthens early math skills such as categorization and pattern recognition, all while keeping the Thanksgiving theme engaging and seasonal.

6. Corn Kernel “Sink or Float” Science
Turn playtime into a hands-on science lesson with a simple Corn Kernel “Sink or Float” activity. Fill a tub with water and gather items like corn kernels, mini pumpkins, or small gourds. Invite kids to predict which objects will sink and which will float, then let them test out their guesses. As they observe the results, talk about why certain items stay afloat while others sink. It’s a fun, interactive way to introduce basic science concepts while keeping the Thanksgiving theme alive.

7. Turkey Trot Number Line Game
Make learning active and fun with a Thanksgiving-themed Turkey Trot Number Line Game. Cut out paper feathers, number them from 1–10 (or higher), and tape them to the floor in a line. Call out a number and have kids flap their “wings” as they trot over to the correct feather, shouting “Gobble, gobble” when they land on it. This simple activity blends movement with learning, helping children build number recognition, coordination, and listening skills in a playful way.

8. Simple Thanksgiving Garland
Make Thanksgiving décor meaningful with a Simple Thanksgiving Garland that also encourages kids to practice gratitude. Cut strips of construction paper in warm fall colors, and have children write something they’re thankful for on each one. Then loop the strips together to form a colorful paper chain and hang it across a mantel, doorway, or window. It’s an easy, festive craft that doubles as a heartfelt reminder of thankfulness throughout the season.

Thanksgiving doesn’t need to be stressful especially when it comes to keeping kids entertained. These easy, sensory-rich Thanksgiving activities let kids tap into their creativity while learning and expressing thankfulness. Best of all, many of these can be set up in minutes using materials you probably already have at home.
This holiday, let kids join in the fun, give them a meaningful way to explore gratitude, and create memories you’ll cherish for years to come.