Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving at Home With Kids in 2020
Make This Thanksgiving at Home Memorable With These 10 Family-Friendly Activities
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With COVID-19 restrictions in place throughout most of the US, it's no surprise that Thanksgiving is going to be tricky to navigate in 2020. But just because you may have to forgo traveling to see your extended family this year, it doesn't mean there isn't some major fun to be had at home!
Because we'll likely be cooking for fewer people, it may leave a few extra hours to spend together. With that it mind, we've gone ahead and rounded up a handful of fun family-friendly activities your crew can engage in leading up to Turkey Day. From making a "thankful" pumpkin to playing some awesome outdoor games, the following list will ensure your squad has an incredible Thanksgiving.
Have a Scavenger Hunt
Setting up a scavenger hunt for kids around the house is a great way to get them moving before the turkey is served! Pick up a few affordable prizes and check out this awesome printable that takes the guesswork out of coming up with clever clues.
Make a Pie With the Kids
This is the year to introduce bakers-in-training to your beloved family recipes! Pull out your fan favorite and get to work teaching your little ones how to roll out a crust and prepare the sweet filling. If your squad isn't into pies, try your hand at one of these other yummy desserts.
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
In case you missed it: the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is still on sans spectators. Let the kids hang in their jammies for the morning and watch all of the gorgeous floats go by.
Go on a Family Bike Ride
There's a reason turkey trots are so popular on Thanksgiving! And while your kiddos might not exactly be up for a 5K, a leisurely morning bike ride around the neighborhood might do the trick. Don't forget to dress in layers.
Practice Gratitude With a "Thankful" Pumpkin
Have your little ones write down everything they're grateful for on a piece of paper or go big by using a Sharpie to copy their lists down on a pumpkin. Bonus: this awesome craft will make a unique centerpiece!
Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Heat up a giant bowl of popcorn and curl up with your family to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for free on AppleTV+ between Nov. 25 and 27. FYI: anyone with an AppleTV+ subscription can stream the 1973 classic as early as Nov. 18.
Do a Thanksgiving Puzzle
We love a good puzzle, and there are tons of seasonal Thanksgiving options to choose from online, whether you're looking for something super kid-friendly or a 1,000-piece option your family can work on for days on end. This 300-Piece Pumpkin Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle ($20) falls somewhere in between.
Make a Thanksgiving Day Craft
Working with your children on a Thanksgiving craft is a great way to make the holiday memorable. (These turkey paper headbands are a super cute option!). Don't forget to show off your little ones' work if you're having a Zoom call with the relatives after dinner!
Make a Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Having your kids help out with your centerpiece is a thoughtful tradition to start! Given the fact we're keeping our guest lists super small, now is the time to get creative. Check out this list of Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas for inspiration.
Play an Outdoor Thanksgiving Game
Get your crew up and moving on Turkey Day by setting up a themed outdoor competition. Everyone can battle it out playing the Thanksgiving Bean Bag Toss Game ($20) or simply carve out some time to throw the football around for an hour. It's all about the quality time spent together!
