Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to add some festive fun to our little ones’ days! If you’re like me, you love keeping those tiny hands busy with activities that are easy to set up and bring a little seasonal magic. Here are some Thanksgiving-themed crafts, games, and sensory activities that toddlers will love!
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1. Pumpkin Fluff
Let’s start with a fall favorite! Pumpkin fluff is a fun, sensory treat that’s safe, squishy, and just the right mix of messy. Your toddler can play with it, scoop it, or even “bake” their own pretend pies. Find out how to make it here.
2. Thanksgiving Dinner Craft
Get those mini chefs ready for the big meal with a Thanksgiving dinner craft! They can create their own turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie with paper and paint. It’s an adorable keepsake and makes them feel part of the preparations. Try it out!
3. Thanksgiving Dot Paint
Dot paints are simple, fun, and low-mess. Let your toddler “decorate” pies or turkeys with dots in fall colors—perfect for improving fine motor skills! See more here.
We love switching between these non-toxic dot markers and these dot stickers to mix it up!
4. Feed The Turkey
Set up a little “turkey” bottle and give your toddler “food” (like colorful pompoms) to “feed” it. They’ll love “feeding” the turkey, and it’s a great way to practice colors, counting, and sorting! Learn how to make it.
5. Fall Playdough Mats
Nothing says fall fun like playdough! Use fall-themed mats for added fun—they can make pumpkins, leaves, or even mini pies. Find the mats here.
6. Pumpkin Pie Playdough
Obviously you need playdough for playdough mats, and this scented playdough smells just like pumpkin pie, bringing Thanksgiving to life for those little noses! Get the recipe here.
Rather not DIY? I totally get it. Grab playdough here.
7. Turkey Bowling
Grab a few brown plastic cups, decorate them like turkeys, and set up a mini bowling alley! It’s an easy and active way to keep them entertained indoors. See how to make it here.
8. Turkey Painting
Whether it’s finger painting or brush painting, this turkey craft brings plenty of creativity and fun. Plus, you’ll end up with a fridge-worthy piece of art! Find inspiration here.
9. Marbled Fall Leaves
This is a gorgeous craft that looks more complex than it is! Marbling paper leaves with fall colors creates beautiful results your toddlers will love to swirl and create. Try it out here.
10. Pluck The Turkey
Similar to ‘Feed the Turkey,’ this activity involves “plucking” feathers from a homemade turkey. It’s a cute and simple way to work on hand-eye coordination! See it here.
11. Thanksgiving Bible Lessons
For a meaningful touch, bring a Thanksgiving-themed Bible lesson into playtime. It’s a chance to share gratitude and blessings in a way toddlers can understand. Check it out here.
12. Thanksgiving Taste Test
This one’s as simple as it gets: line up a few kid-friendly Thanksgiving flavors and let them taste-test! Think cranberries, turkey bites, or mini pumpkin muffins, and you can talk about the different types of taste! See the idea here.
13. Puff Paint Pie
Puff paint and this printable make the perfect combo for creating “pies” with your little baker. Learn how here.
Bonus: Thanksgiving Books for Toddlers
If you’re looking for a cozy, quiet moment after all the fun, reading a Thanksgiving story together is the perfect way to wind down. Here are a few favorite Thanksgiving books that toddlers will love:
- “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson
Follow Bear and his friends as they gather and share, teaching little ones about friendship and gratitude in a way that’s sweet and simple. Get it here. - “Thanks for Thanksgiving” by Julie Markes
This beautifully illustrated book highlights the everyday things we’re thankful for, from family to autumn leaves. Perfect for helping toddlers reflect on gratitude. Get it here. - “The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks” by Jan & Mike Berenstain
Join the Berenstain Bears as they prepare for Thanksgiving and learn a bit about the holiday’s origins. It’s toddler-friendly with a gentle moral. Get it here. - “Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano
This funny story about a turkey trying to escape being the main course will have toddlers giggling—and offers a lighthearted look at the holiday. Get it here. - “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims” by B.G. Hennessy
With simple text and rhyming verses, this book introduces little ones to the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people, perfect for early Thanksgiving discussions. Get it here. - “Llama Llama Gives Thanks” by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama’s adventures continue in this sweet board book about gratitude and family. A simple story that toddlers will love to hear over and over. And over. Get it here. - “Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving” by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete the Cat takes toddlers on a fun, colorful journey to learn about the first Thanksgiving. With flaps to lift, it’s interactive and engaging! Get it here.
Let’s wrap up this post about Thanksgiving activities for toddlers, shall we?
Happy Thanksgiving, mamas! I hope these ideas add a little more fun (and maybe even a little less stress) to your Thanksgiving prep. Enjoy these moments with your little ones—they’re the memories that make this season extra special!
Did you try any of these activities? Let me know in the comments!
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