Thanksgiving Family Games
Turkey, potatoes, rolls. Mmmmm! Thanksgiving is all about the food. BUT it is also all about expressing gratitude for our blessings and spending time with those we love. With everyone together, it is a perfect time to make memories. One great way to do this is through doing games and activities together. Below are my suggestions for games to play at your next Thanksgiving gathering.
Games For a Crowd
1- Signs
To play signs, each player selects a sign that will represent themselves. Then the players pass their signs around the circle as the person in the middle attempts to identify who currently has the sign. This one is awesome, because people can come and go as they please and there isn’t really a limit on the number of people that can play. You could even have everyone pick Thanksgiving themed signs! If you’re unfamiliar with the game, click here for full instructions.
2-Charades
To play charades, use a free printable or write different items on slips of paper that people will have to act out. You could make this Thanksgiving themed, or just leave it open. Generally, I like to have a theme such as movies, animals, music, or more. Use the link here to access a free Thanksgiving charades printable.
3-Pairs/Missionary Tag
This is one of my personal favorite games to do with a large group of people. It gets everyone moving and is great for those kiddos that need to release some energy. Essentially pairs link arms and stand in a circle. The person being chased wants to link arms with a pair so that the 3rd person becomes the new target being chased. So fun! For more complete instructions, follow this link.
4-Touch Football
We all know that football is classic Thanksgiving day activity. Whether you play on teams and keep score or just toss the ball around, football can be a great group activity. Maybe just don’t play right after stuffing yourself with food.
5-Pictionary
Give players Thanksgiving/Fall related topics to draw. Then have their team guess what they are trying to draw as quickly as possible. Here is a website with over 90 words you can use for playing Pictionary or taboo.
6- Jackbox TV Games
Everyone wanting to sit around on the couch after eating way too much food? Get them to play some Jackbox TV games! All you need is a large TV screen, internet, and devices such as phones to play on! Each party pack comes with different games such as Drawful or Quiplash that are sure to get everyone laughing and having a good time.
7- Thanksgiving Bingo
Bingo is one of those games that can be played by pretty much any age. This can be a real life saver when you have family of all different ages together. Play as many rounds as you’d like, and get everyone involved!
8- Family Feud
This one would require a bit of preparation beforehand, but could be so fun! If you’ve never seen the TV show, members of a each team try to guess the most popular answers to questions. Click this link to see how you can set up your own family feud this Thanksgiving!
9- Would You Rather
Would you rather cook all of Thanksgiving dinner by yourself or do all the dishes afterwards? I feel like games like this always result in interesting conversations! Have everyone go around and share which option they would choose AND why they chose it. Wanting a printable? Use the link above.
Games For a Small Group
10 -Spikeball
If it’s not too chilly out, send your family outdoors to play some spikeball! This is a simple 2-4 player sport that is really popular right now! This is a great option for those who have a hard time sitting still or enjoy being outside. (aka my brothers haha)
11- Mad Libs
Growing up my family would drive 45 minutes to visit my extended family for Thanksgiving dinner. My siblings and I would often do mad libs together in the car to pass the time. Whether you play this game while traveling or while sitting around together, it is a cute, simple activity to enjoy together.
12- Wii Games
Just Dance, Mario Cart, Wii Sports! There are so many good options for games that can be played on the Wii together. The only restraint is that you are limited in the number of people that can play. You can either play with a smaller group or have individuals take turns!
13 – Thanksgiving Photo Scavenger Hunt
Photo Scavenger Hunts are so fun! All you need is something to take pictures on and you can set out on an adventure. Follow this link for a free printable!
14 Thanksgiving Puzzle
My cousins always have a puzzle out for the holidays. It is an activity that people can casually work on together, which is always nice. Personally, I’m a big fan of holiday puzzles!
Board Games/ Card Games
If you’re more of a board games kind of family, check out this link to see some of the most popular board games for families or this link for the top games in 2022.
Some of my personal favorites are Secret Hitler, Cover Your Assets, Betrayal at House on the Hill, Ticket to Ride, and Skipbo. My family has a closet FULL of games and you best believe we pull those out for the holidays!!
Some other ones that are pretty fun and popular include Codenames, Chameleon, Settlers of Catan, Egyptian Rat Screw, Exploding Kittens, Headbandz, Uno, Phase 10, and Telestrations. Try any of these out for a good time!
