Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Activities (with a Side of Laughter)

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Thanksgiving: the season of turkey, pie, and pretending you actually enjoy cranberry sauce. But beyond the food and football, Thanksgiving is a chance to pause and soak in all the goodness God has poured into our lives. For us as a homeschooling family, it’s a time to ditch the math books (temporarily) and focus on gratitude, connection, and creating memories that don’t involve worksheets.

Whether you’ve got a house full of littles, teens who roll their eyes at everything, or a mix of extended family ready to share the mashed potatoes, here are some family-friendly Thanksgiving activities that are so much fun, even Uncle Bob might crack a smile.

Memory Verses to Jumpstart Thankfulness

Why not kick off your Thanksgiving festivities with some inspiration straight from God’s Word? Here are three verses to display proudly—on your fridge, dining table, or even the dog’s collar if it helps them stick:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
• Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
• Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Write them out in your fanciest handwriting (or let the kids’ squiggly letters add charm). These reminders will keep your hearts focused on the true meaning of Thanksgiving: God’s blessings.

Fun Family Thanksgiving Activities

1. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Hide items around your home or yard that represent thankfulness: a leaf for creation, a family photo for loved ones, or a candle for the light of Christ. Then unleash your family to find them!

Homeschool Twist: Turn this into a writing prompt. Ask the kids to write a paragraph about why each item is meaningful and how it connects to God’s blessings. Bonus points for spelling “Thanksgiving” correctly on the first try.

2. Thankfulness Tablecloth

Lay a plain white tablecloth on the table and arm your family with fabric markers. Everyone can write or draw something they’re thankful for. Each year, you’ll add more gratitude, making it a keepsake filled with memories.

Homeschool Twist: Younger kids can practice their handwriting, while older ones can jot down Bible verses or a mini-essay on gratitude.

3. Family Recipe Swap and Cooking Day

Pick a family favorite recipe and cook together. Not only will your kitchen smell amazing, but you’ll also share stories about why Grandma’s green bean casserole holds a special place in your heart (even if it’s mainly nostalgia).

Homeschool Twist: Fractions and measurements! Have your kids double a recipe and learn why math actually matters. For older kids, explore the history of Thanksgiving dishes.

4. “Acts of Kindness” Thanksgiving Chain

Grab some colorful paper, cut it into strips, and write down acts of kindness: “Do someone else’s chore,” “Pray for a friend,” or “Give Mom the last slice of pie” (yes, please!). Each day of Thanksgiving week, pull one chain link and complete the act together.

Homeschool Twist: Tie this to Galatians 6:10 and talk about how we can share God’s love with others.

5. Thanksgiving Family Skit

Split into teams and act out Bible stories about gratitude, like the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19). Costumes are optional but highly encouraged—towels make excellent robes.

Homeschool Twist: Dive deeper with a post-skit discussion: “How can we be like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus?”

5 Ways to Show Your Family You’re Thankful

1. Write a Thank You Note
   Pen heartfelt letters to each family member. Even a simple “Thanks for being the best potato masher” can go a long way.
   
2. Serve Them in a Special Way
   Make their favorite meal, tackle their least-loved chore, or surprise them with extra screen time (your teens will call you a hero).
   
3. Create a Thankfulness Jar
   Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, write one thing you’re thankful for about a family member and pop it in a jar. Read them aloud during dessert.
   
4. Pray for Them Daily
   Philippians 1:3-4 says it all: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”
   
5. Spend Time Together
   Unplug for an hour (or ten minutes, if that’s all you can manage) and be present. Play a board game, go for a walk, or just sit around the table reminiscing about the good ol’ days.
   

Why Thanksgiving Matters

Thanksgiving is more than turkey-induced naps and competitive pie-eating contests (though we’re fans of both). It’s a chance to thank God for His abundant blessings and to cherish the people He’s placed in our lives.

Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate that heritage with laughter, love, and maybe a few too many rolls.

Walking in Him,
Tricia Goyer

P.S. Don’t forget to take a family photo—because nothing says “we love each other” like trying to wrangle everyone into one frame!

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

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