Thanksgiving is one of the few days each year when families slow down, gather together, and truly enjoy each other’s company. While the holiday is centered around gratitude and a great meal, the hours before and after dinner offer plenty of opportunities to create meaningful memories. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or enjoying a cozy day with a small group, here are detailed, thoughtful, and fun activities that can make your Thanksgiving unforgettable.
Start the Day With a Gratitude Breakfast
Before the chaos of cooking begins, sit together for a simple breakfast—pastries, fruit, or something easy. Use this time to go around the table and share:
One thing you’re grateful for this year
One person you're thankful for
A goal you have before the new year
This sets a positive tone for the entire day and reminds everyone of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Together
A tradition for many families, the parade adds excitement to the morning. Make it more interactive by:
Playing “float bingo” — create cards with parade balloons or performers
Guessing which song each performer will sing
Letting kids pick their favorite float and draw it
It’s a simple tradition that entertains all ages while the turkey roasts.
Get Outside for a Family Walk or Turkey Trot
Fresh air is the perfect balance to a day full of heavy food.
Options:
Neighborhood walk: Bring hot chocolate, take family photos, or look for homes already decorated for Christmas.
Turkey Trot: Many cities host morning fun runs. You can join the official event or create your own "family trot" around the block.
This is especially fun for kids and helps everyone feel better before the big meal.
Cook as a Team — With Assigned Roles
Instead of one person doing most of the work, turn the kitchen into a team project:
Create a “family kitchen crew”:
Head Chef: Oversees the timing of dishes
Sous Chefs: Chop vegetables, prep ingredients
Dessert Squad: Bakes pies or sets up a cupcake decorating station
Table Designers: Kids can fold napkins, add name cards, and arrange decorations
Assigning roles makes everyone feel involved and keeps the process fun rather than stressful.
Create a Thanksgiving Craft Table
Set up a small station with art supplies for kids (and adults!) to enjoy throughout the day.
Ideas:
Pinecone turkeys
“Thankful” banners
Handprint leaf garlands
DIY place cards
Pumpkin painting
It keeps younger guests entertained and gives everyone something creative to take home.
Play Classic and New Thanksgiving Games
Games are one of the best ways to bring the family together after the meal.
Popular options:
Thanksgiving Trivia: Create questions about history, food, or family memories.
Pictionary with Thanksgiving-themed prompts
Charades
Bingo with holiday-themed squares
Scavenger Hunt: Hide mini pumpkins or clues around the house.
If you prefer board games, pull out light-hearted favorites like Apples to Apples, Uno, or Pictionary.
Start a Family Storytelling Tradition
Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to share family history.
Ways to make this meaningful:
Ask older relatives to tell stories from childhood
Record stories on your phone for future generations
Create a “memory jar” where each family member writes down a favorite memory from the year
Share funny cooking disasters from past Thanksgivings
These moments often become the highlight of the entire day.
Host a Friendly Family Football Game
Whether you’re watching or playing, football is a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition.
If you prefer watching:
Make score predictions
Create a “commercial bingo” card
Serve snacks in themed bowls
If you prefer playing:
Set up a backyard flag football game
Kids vs. adults, or mix teams
Hand out “MVP” awards afterward
It’s a great way to burn energy and have fun together.
Set Up a Sweet Dessert Bar
After dinner, instead of just serving pie slices, create a mini dessert bar that guests can customize.
Ideas to include:
Pumpkin and apple pies
Whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate drizzle
Ice cream choices
Crumble toppings
Hot cider or hot chocolate station
This turns dessert into an activity rather than just a final course.
Have a Cozy Movie Night to End the Evening
Wind down with a classic family-friendly film:
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Home Alone (it’s Thanksgiving weekend—it counts!)
Any movie your family loves watching together
Provide blankets, soft lighting, and maybe another round of snacks.
Thanksgiving is about slowing down, being grateful, and enjoying the people who mean the most to you. Whether your family is big or small, traditional or modern, these activities help create a holiday that feels warm, connected, and joyful.
