Thanksgiving Fun with the Grandkids: Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate Together

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a time to slow down, gather the people we love, and count our blessings — especially those little hands that reach for ours when the grandkids come to visit. Whether you have a house full of energetic toddlers or too-cool teenagers, there are plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving special and create memories that will last long after the leftovers are gone.

Here are some fun and meaningful ideas to celebrate Thanksgiving with your grandchildren this year.

Get Creative with Thanksgiving Crafts

Kids love any excuse to use their imagination and maybe make a little mess! Set up a craft corner and let them get creative while dinner is cooking.

Fun craft ideas include:

Handprint Turkeys with a Twist – Let each grandchild make their turkey, then write what they’re thankful for on each feather.
Gratitude Tree – Gather some branches, place them in a vase, and let everyone hang paper leaves with notes of gratitude.
Pumpkin Decorating Station – Paint or sticker mini pumpkins to use as place cards or centerpieces. You can find more about painting pumpkins from my friend over at Little Sprouts Learning
Family Tablecloth Tradition – Use a plain white tablecloth and fabric markers so everyone can draw or sign something new each year. One year I had everyone write what they were thankful for. It’s fun to see what everyone wrote years later.
Turkey or Pilgrim Hats – Simple paper hats make adorable photos and keep little hands busy.

Make Delicious Memories in the Kitchen

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the food — and there’s no reason the grandkids can’t help! Cooking together is such a fun way to connect and pass down family traditions.

Try these kid-friendly ideas:

Grandma’s Pie Helpers – Little ones can stir, measure, or top pies with whipped cream.
Harvest Snack Mix – Mix popcorn, pretzels, candy corn, and cranberries for a sweet and salty treat.
Kids’ Appetizer Board – Arrange fruit, veggies, and cheese cubes in the shape of a turkey.
Mini Pumpkin Pies – Make individual pies using muffin tins so everyone gets their own little dessert to decorate.

Head Outside for Some Fall Fun

After a big meal (or while waiting for one), head outdoors to burn off some energy and enjoy the crisp fall air.

Try these outdoor ideas:

Leaf Scavenger Hunt – Who can find the biggest or most colorful leaf? You could also try Autumn Leaf Threading.
Family Turkey Trot – Take a walk or jog around the neighborhood before dinner.
Thankful Nature Walk – Collect items from nature that represent what you’re thankful for — a feather for family, a rock for strength, a leaf for growth.

Start Heartfelt Family Traditions

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach gratitude and create meaningful family moments.

Traditions to start this year:

Thankful Jar – Everyone writes something they’re grateful for and reads it after dinner.
Story Time with Grandma or Grandpa – Share favorite Thanksgiving memories or family recipes.
Pass the Gratitude Candle – Light a candle and take turns saying one thing you’re thankful for before blowing it out.
Give Back Together – Bake cookies for a neighbor, write thank-you notes to community helpers, or donate to a local food drive.

Just for Fun

Not everything has to be serious — laughter is part of the celebration too!

Try these lighthearted ideas:

Thanksgiving Bingo – Create cards with pictures of food, family, and traditions. Amazon Affiliate Link where you can find Bingo Cards.
Photo Booth Fun – Set up a corner with props like pilgrim hats, turkey feathers, and funny glasses.
Movie Time – Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with popcorn, just like in the movie!
Family Puzzle or Game Night – Start a puzzle or board game that everyone can work on throughout the day.

The Real Joy of Thanksgiving

At the end of the day, it’s not about the perfect meal or the Pinterest-worthy table — it’s about connection. These simple activities help us focus on what really matters: time spent together, laughter, love, and gratitude. So, gather those grandkids, make some crafts, bake some pies, and create memories that your family will cherish for years to come.

Ready to keep the celebration going? Visit our Life is a Celebration Hub for even more festive ideas, recipes, and traditions to enjoy all season long.