As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to get creative with your little ones! Whether you're looking to keep your preschooler or kindergartener entertained during a cozy fall afternoon or searching for a fun way to celebrate gratitude during the season, we’ve got you covered with easy, no prep crafts and activities that are perfect for little hands. These Thanksgiving-inspired projects and simple fall activities will make the holiday even more memorable for you and your little crafters!
Thanksgiving Craft Ideas
Turkey Fall Craft
What better way to kick off Thanksgiving crafting than with this adorable Turkey Fall Craft? This no-prep, easy-to-follow activity is perfect for young kids who love to get their hands messy and creative. The best part is- the only thing you need to do is print it out! Then your little ones can use simple materials like crayons or colored pencils, glue, and scissors, as they decorate their own turkey!
Why it’s great:
This turkey craft gives your kiddo the chance to explore different textures, practice cutting (with your help, of course), and explore color matching. The best part? It’s a great way to talk about gratitude while making memories.
My Thanksgiving Dinner Fall Craft
Let’s talk turkey... dinner! With our My Thanksgiving Dinner Fall Craft, kids can create their very own Thanksgiving feast on paper! This craft helps little ones get into the holiday spirit by “serving up” their favorite Thanksgiving foods and learning more about traditions of the holiday. It also pairs perfectly with our My Thanksgiving Dinner November Reader!
Why it’s great:
This craft lets kids tap into their imagination and artistic side while learning about Thanksgiving dinner and what foods are typically served. It’s a wonderful opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about traditions, what they're thankful for, and what each family member contributes to the holiday. Plus, it’s so fun to see how your little one “plates” their own version of a Thanksgiving feast!
Dress the Turkey Fall Craft
This one is a fun and interactive way to get your little one’s creativity flowing! Dress the Turkey is an easy and engaging craft where your child can give their turkey a personal makeover with a variety of clothing options to dress their turkey with! With hats, tops, bottoms, shoes, and even some different seasonal gear to choose from- the options are endless!
Why it’s great:
This craft offers so much more than just a fun activity! It’s an engaging way to discuss the importance of dressing for the weather, especially as the season changes. Little ones will practice color recognition, fine motor skills, and even learn how to make thoughtful choices about what to wear to stay comfortable. Plus, they’ll love getting creative with their turkey’s outfit- whether they go for a cozy sweater, a fancy dress, or some fun shoes! It’s the perfect blend of learning and crafting.
Thanksgiving Activity Ideas
Beyond crafts, there are tons of simple activities that will bring Thanksgiving cheer to your home. Here are a few fun ideas that don’t require a lot of prep and are perfect for little hands and minds:
Pumpkin Stamping
Get creative with fall colors and textures by making pumpkin stamps! All you need is a small pumpkin (or potato), some paint, and paper. Cut the pumpkin in half, dip it into the paint, and press it onto the paper. The kids will love making pumpkin prints, and you’ll end up with some beautiful Fall artwork!
Why it’s great:
Not only is this the perfect way to use those Halloween jack-o-lanterns one last time! This activity allows little ones to explore textures and colors while practicing hand-eye coordination. Plus, it's a fun way to bring the outdoors inside for a little fall fun!
Leaf Pile Play
It wouldn’t be fall without playing in a pile of leaves! Take your little ones outdoors for a leaf scavenger hunt to collect leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Then, have fun with them by jumping into the pile, sorting the leaves by color, or even making leaf rubbings with crayons and paper!
Why it’s great:Outdoor activities like this one help kids connect with nature and burn off some energy while enhancing their fine motor skills with the sorting and rubbing process!
Thankful Tree
Create a "thankful tree" by cutting out leaves from construction paper. Have your kids draw or write something they’re thankful for on each leaf (with your help for younger kids). Then, glue the leaves to a branch or hang them on a tree-shaped poster. You can even add more leaves throughout the month, making it a fun activity to revisit as Thanksgiving approaches.
Why it’s great:
This activity not only gets kids thinking about gratitude but also allows them to practice their handwriting, drawing, and cutting skills!
Your Turn!
These Thanksgiving craft and activity ideas are simple, fun, and perfect for young children. They provide a creative way for your little ones to engage with the holiday while developing fine motor skills, creativity, and a sense of gratitude. So gather your supplies, get your craft on, and make some special Thanksgiving memories together!
Share your creations with us at #PlaygroundPressKids for a chance to be featured!