41 Fun Thanksgiving Activities To Enjoy in 2024

No matter who you're gathering with to celebrate the momentous holiday, Thanksgiving activities are essential to making the day as memorable as possible. Undecided about what to do? We’ve got just what you need to help. Whether it’s with your friends or family, there’s something on this list for everyone, including activities like cooking, scavenger hunts, hikes and so much more. 

This holiday is all about the simple act of being grateful, and nothing spells out gratitude like taking a moment to truly appreciate all that we have. Spending time with your loved ones to do so is a fantastic tradition, and this list will help you uphold it in style for years to come.

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• Thanksgiving Activities for Foodies
• Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Adults
• Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Families With Kids 

Thanksgiving Activities for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class 

What better way to kick off your Thanksgiving activities than with a family cooking class? Whether you’ve all cooked together before or it’s a new endeavor, taking cooking classes near you is a delicious Thanksgiving activity for foodies. You can also improve your skills together from the comfort of your own home thanks to online cooking classes. Before you know it, you'll all be expert cooks, taking your new-found skills to Thanksgiving and beyond.

2. Go on a Food Tour 

Another exciting Thanksgiving activity that you can do with your family is exploring your city's culinary scene through food tours near you. These tours are a fantastic way to indulge in delicious and satisfying meals from the best restaurants around. While doing so, you'll also learn about the city’s history and how it shaped those meals from an experienced guide. 

3. Bake a Pumpkin Dessert 

Grab your oven mitts for this next cozy Thanksgiving activity: baking a pumpkin dessert. Whether you’re an expert baker or starting as a novice, there’s a recipe for every level. Try your hand at making a classic pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies or even pumpkin pancakes, which are sure to be a hit for breakfast lovers. The best part? Baking is an activity that can be done solo or with loved ones. 

4. Cook a Green Bean Almondine 

When it comes to Thanksgiving activities, there’s nothing like prepping for the evening meal. Make sure yours is balanced by whipping up a green bean almondine as a side dish to go with the rest of your hearty offerings. This is an especially great dish for those who like their vegetables with a nutty twist. 

5. Roast Turkey Legs 

For those who don’t want to roast a whole turkey, prepare and roast a dish of delicious turkey legs as a Thanksgiving activity instead. This also takes the stress out of serving since you won’t have to carve up an entire turkey. As for the rest of the meal, make sure to check off all your Thanksgiving essentials before the big day. 

6. Whip up Some Vegan Stuffing 

If you're a plant-based eater, cooking a delectable vegan stuffing to go with your meal is a must-try Thanksgiving activity. Made with fresh sourdough bread, chopped vegetables and healthy herbs like thyme and rosemary, this is a fragrant dish that will have every guest reaching for more. If you have more vegans joining you at the table, explore other mouthwatering vegan Thanksgiving recipes. 

7. Serve Your Guests a Warm Drink 

As the weather gets more chilly, this next Thanksgiving activity is a great way to stay warm. You can make your guests a tasty warm drink like apple cider, hot chocolate (with hot chocolate spoons!) or even pumpkin-spiced coffee and lattes. Making these drinks from scratch as a Thanksgiving activity will add a special touch that’s sure to be remembered fondly by your guests long after they’re done with that first cup. 

8. Organize a Pie Swap 

If you're keen on getting your whole community involved in a Thanksgiving activity, organize a pie swap. Everyone can try their hand at baking a delicious sweet or savory treat and sit down to enjoy someone else's creation. The surprise element of this activity is what makes it fun; you don’t know what you’ll end up with, but it’s sure to be delicious. If you’re not a fan of pies, consider swapping other Thanksgiving foods instead. 

9. Try a New Cookie Recipe 

Do you have a certain holiday-themed cookie recipe on your list that you’ve been meaning to try? Now’s the chance. One of the most pleasing Thanksgiving activities to try is cookie baking, and Nutella cookies are easy enough to make yet tasty enough to leave your guests wanting more. This is a surefire Thanksgiving activity to evoke the holiday spirit. It’s also a chance to test recipes for the future — after all, Christmas is just around the corner. 

10. Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars 

Making a batch of pumpkin cheesecake bars is an immersive Thanksgiving activity that results in a well-deserved sweet treat. Each bite is soft and cool, with gorgeous warm tones of oranges and browns that match the autumn weather, making them the perfect holiday dessert. As a culinary Thanksgiving activity, this one nears the top of the list.

11. Announce a Cookie Swap 

Like the pie swap mentioned earlier, hosting a cookie swap is another exciting Thanksgiving activity. This one might be even more rousing since those participating can try multiple cookies in exchange for their own. As suggested by Giftster, there are a few things to do to make this Thanksgiving activity enjoyable for everyone.

Pen down a guest list while creating certain guidelines, including a theme and any allergies for people to bear in mind. Once you've settled on a theme, send out the invites and wait for the RSVPs. After attaining confirmed numbers, it's time to do the prep work for the actual event, such as food, drinks and décor. 

12. Craft Signature Cocktails 

What’s a foodie event without the perfect drink to match? With the holidays soon arriving, trying your hand at crafting signature cocktails is a fantastic Thanksgiving activity. If you’re not sure where to start, take a simple base like this blood orange margarita and then add your own creative holiday twist. 

Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Adults 

13. Take an Online Mixology Class

For a more guided Thanksgiving activity for adults that still involves mixing up your own drinks, consider taking one of the many online mixology classes available. You'll learn about the nuances of flavor and taste from world-class mixologists, all from the comfort of your own home. Afterward, you can sit back, relax and enjoy a tasty drink.

14. Arrange a Fall Bouquet 

Bring the season right into your home with this next Thanksgiving activity. Whether using real or faux flowers, considerations such as vase size and design, patterns, flower colors and variety all need to be considered. Finally, if using real flowers, don't forget to read up on the best care and maintenance practices for your floral choices. 

As you'll see in the instructions given by Bless’er House, there's a lot to consider when crafting a seasonal bouquet, but the upside is that you'll have a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table throughout the Thanksgiving season.

15. Take a Road Trip 

Take advantage of the holiday weekend by planning a road trip. This is a classic Thanksgiving activity that never gets old. Watch the fall colors grace the road ahead as you cruise toward your destination of choice. Ready to hop behind the steering wheel of your car or RV? Spots like Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, Solvang, California and Top of the Hill RV Resort, Texas are ideal stops for this Thanksgiving activity.

For even more scenic routes and alluring ends to your journey, Cruise America lists a few more spots. Whether you want a nature-filled getaway or another city to explore, this Thanksgiving activity is for everyone. 

16. Plan a Bar Crawl 

If you're looking for Thanksgiving activities that double as catch-up plans for those dearest to you, then why not plan a bar crawl? You can gather your friends and sign up for an official, organized pub crawl or you can plan your own with some of your favorite bars in mind. 

To ensure you hit all the stops and help this Thanksgiving activity go smoothly, consider making a passport for everyone to get stamped at each location, or take Billetto's advice and offer a prize for those who make it to the end of the night. And speaking of making the end of the night, make sure you plan to eat early and again later — this is key for those drinking alcohol! 

17. Sing Karaoke 

Besides being able to prepare your loved ones' favorite snacks and drinks, with this particular Thanksgiving activity, you'll get to pick the theme and have a list of songs tailored to your group. The best part? Thanks to apps like Smule, it can all be done from your phone or tablet. It’s sure to be absolutely hilarious.

18. Break the Ice 

While this holiday is known for gathering with loved ones, it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people. Maybe you've recently met someone who doesn't have people in their lives with which to enjoy Thanksgiving activities. If so, take the opportunity to gather around and break the ice with fun, lighthearted questions and games.

To make this Thanksgiving activity a hit, Remo recommends ensuring you know the demographic of your guests, for example, are they children or elderly people? This will help you choose suitable games and topics.

Ensure you also have enough comfortable seating, as well as soft, warm lighting and mood-appropriate music. Then, once you know each other a bit better, try one of the other Thanksgiving activities on this list to continue the fun. 

19. Volunteer in Your Neighborhood 

Volunteering is a Thanksgiving activity that will fill your heart while doing the same for others. During this season of gratitude, show yours by volunteering at a local food bank like Feeding America.

As suggested in the name, the charity's vision is "an America without hunger." By partaking in this charitable Thanksgiving activity, not only can you help those in need, you can also take the chance to educate yourself on the hunger crisis as a whole.

20. Hike in a National Park 

If you’re craving an outdoor adventure before the weather gets too cold, then hiking is one of the best Thanksgiving activities for you. If this sounds like fun, be sure to research where you're going — the National Park Service is a great place to do this — and ensure you pack appropriately. 

Essentials to throw in the bag include food, water and navigation tools, along with appropriate gear for the weather (check the forecast!). A flashlight or headlamp is recommended in case you get caught out in the dark, and first aid supplies should always have a space reserved in your backpack.

If you're planning to wander into the wild, be sure to include some items to help keep warm in case you get lost, like matches and fire starters. Repair kits with a knife, duct tape and scissors are always handy (because you never know when you'll need them) and you'll thank yourself for packing an emergency shelter (like a tent or foil blanket) should you find yourself lost after dark.

Of course, if you fancy a Thanksgiving activity that's a little less challenging, you can also explore local trails and parks. However adventurous you feel, getting outdoors at this time of year is a tonic for the soul that we'd recommend wholeheartedly. 

21. Play Thanksgiving Trivia 

If you'd prefer to spend your Thanksgiving indoors, no problem! There are still many Thanksgiving activities you can enjoy, such as a trivia night. From turkey facts to holiday stats, this Thanksgiving activity is a chance to learn and have fun. 

A great way to test your group's knowledge of our nation is Britannica's United States of America quiz. Alternatively, if your guests aren't interested in a specific theme, you can switch these with some of your own. Throw in some prizes to make this Thanksgiving activity even more electrifying. 

22. Host a Friendsgiving 

While Thanksgiving is all about family, friends deserve to celebrate together, too. Enter Friendsgiving, a Thanksgiving activity that has gained popularity over the years. It’s a way to celebrate and show gratitude for the meaningful friendships in your life.

This is also an awesome opportunity to share a delicious meal, complete with decadent Thanksgiving desserts. A potluck-style gathering complete with a selection of Friendsgiving foods is perfect for sampling your friends' best holiday recipes and allows everybody to bring — and share — a taste of home.

23. Decorate Thanksgiving Placemats 

Bring out your inner DIY skills for this next Thanksgiving activity. There are many ways to go about decorating Thanksgiving placemats, from store-bought mats that you can alter to homemade options from materials you already have. 

Do you have a few old throws that have been gathering dust for some time? Simply gather your throws, a ruler, a marker and scissors to get started with this Thanksgiving activity.

In just a few simple steps, StoneGable helps you turn them into a gorgeous set of placements, perfect for the holiday season and onward. Not only will your table be protected from spills and stains, but your peculiar placemats will quickly become the gab of your guests! 

24. Plan a Movie Marathon 

After doing all the Thanksgiving Day activities that require energy, sit back and relax with one that doesn’t — a movie marathon. Whether it’s a popular movie series from years ago or a new one you’ve been meaning to get to, there’s nothing like settling on the couch for an exciting cinematic journey. 

As all movie fanatics know, key considerations for a successful movie marathon include drinks and snacks, the theme (which will determine the movies watched) and comfortable seating. All of these are recommended by wikiHow to make this Thanksgiving activity enjoyable for all.

Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Families With Kids 

25. Solve a Corn Maze 

Searching for Thanksgiving activities that promise endless excitement for kids? Consider driving out to a corn maze at your local farm. Navigate the paths lined with tall corn stalks and experience the feeling of satisfaction that awaits when you finally find the exit. 

According to USA Today, Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, Maine is the best corn maze for this Thanksgiving activity. If it's too far from you, there's no need to worry as nine other spots on the list are ready for your arrival.

26. Film a Family Documentary 

Time is one of the most important things we have in life, which is why this next Thanksgiving activity for families holds so much importance. By filming a family documentary together, you can capture priceless moments and cherish them for years to come. 

According to Desktop Documentaries, all you need to execute this Thanksgiving activity is a camera, smartphone or any other device that can record videos, along with an Oscar-worthy outline and, of course, your family. When you're happy with the film, don't forget to share the results at your next family gathering.

27. Set up a Pumpkin Hunt 

If you and your family love spending time outdoors, this Thanksgiving activity is for you. It's very similar to an Easter egg hunt but with pumpkins. If you've never been on a pumpkin hunt before, the first thing you need to do is grab some pumpkins — ChrystalandComp suggests fake ones, which can be reused each year.

Hide them around your yard, arm the kids with collection bags and let the hunt begin! Variations of this Thanksgiving activity can add even more excitement, such as the pursuit of specific pumpkin colors or a race to see who finishes first. Combine this with decorating before or after the hunt and you'll have preoccupied kids with smiles on their faces for hours on end.

28. Enjoy Playing Thanksgiving Games 

If you’re looking for a variety of options to fill an afternoon or even an entire day, consider playing Thanksgiving games. When it comes to Thanksgiving activities, this one offers entertainment for everyone involved. Bring out a few, pick and choose the ones that intrigue you most and then get started.

Don't have any games on hand? Fear not! There are lots of food-themed dinner party games that can be tweaked for Thanksgiving, from guessing the mystery ingredient to a foodie photo contest, for which you only a smartphone. Whatever you decide to play, games are a fantastic Thanksgiving activity to keep everybody entertained and involved.

29. Fill a Gratitude Jar 

After a long day full of Thanksgiving activities, filling up a gratitude jar is the best way to end it. You can make individual jars to keep or one large communal jar. It can even be a conversation starter if you choose to do it at the start of the day. 

This Thanksgiving activity is super easy to set up. All you need is a glass jar, gratitude cards and tape. Hearth & Vine even suggests turning this activity into a game by having everyone guess who wrote the messages on each card.

30. Bring out the Board Games

No matter how chaotic your year has been, board games will always make you feel lighter. Return to family favorites or explore new board games. For a simple option that's always a hit, try Pictionary with this handy random word generator. If you've never played Pictionary, rules and instructions are also provided for you on the generator site.

You'll need a minimum of four people to play, but there's no cap on the maximum, perfect for extended family gatherings. One thing’s for certain: this Thanksgiving activity promises priceless memories and non-stop laughter, especially if every member of the family gets to choose and lead a game. 

31. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 

Start a new tradition (or maintain an ongoing one) by watching the classic live show that Americans everywhere tune into each year: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Whether you choose to visit the Big Apple in person or catch the show on TV, this Thanksgiving activity is sure to be an entertaining surprise for the kids. With so many floats to choose from, they'll have a tough time picking their favorites.

32. Do a Jigsaw Puzzle 

Sit down and settle in for a cozy afternoon of puzzle-building. With your entire family gathered around the table, you’re sure to solve the puzzle of choice sooner or later. Either way, this activity provides the perfect opportunity to relax while sharing meaningful conversations.

Head to PuzzleWarehouse to find the perfect fit for you and your family. Adding a level of shopping convenience, PuzzleWarehouse allows you to purchase puzzles by theme and difficulty, with thousands of options to choose from. 

33. Watch a Thanksgiving Special 

There’s no shortage of Thanksgiving specials on TV when the holiday rolls around. If you’re looking for something modern, there are countless reruns of popular TV shows you can watch together. Alternatively, maybe a classic film with the family is more appealing.

One of our favorite picks is A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving from 1973, available to stream via Apple TV. Whatever you choose, don't forget to stock up on movie snacks. 

34. Construct a Blessings Tree 

If you often spend Thanksgiving with the whole extended family, it might be the perfect time to construct a family tree with blessings. From the youngest child in the family to the oldest adult, having everyone share what they're grateful for makes for meaningful memories.

In return for pledging your support and, in doing so, helping underprivileged children, Blessings In A Backpack will send you the equipment needed to create your own family tree. It's a worthy cause to support, and creating a family tree together is a Thanksgiving activity that your family is sure to remember and cherish for years to come. 

35. Start a Game of Flag Football 

This next Thanksgiving activity is for the sports fanatics out there. Organize a friendly game of flag football, an American pastime that competitive families absolutely love. For those who need a refresher on the rules, the National Football League provides a detailed set of instructions on how to make the most of this Thanksgiving activity. 

From the field size to the rules, and even guidelines concerning running, receiving, passing and plays, you'll be a pro in no time. The best part about this Thanksgiving activity is that anyone can play, so get the whole gang involved and see who the dominant football stars are in your family.

36. Hold a Scavenger Hunt 

Searching for an activity that will keep your kids entertained for hours? A scavenger hunt is the way to go. When it comes to daytime Thanksgiving activities, this one is all about the preparations you do beforehand. Aside from the clues, all you'll need is a pair of scissors and tape. You'll also want to drum up some prizes to help make this Thanksgiving activity exciting for the little ones.

You can create your own unique hunt and clues if you’re feeling up to it, but if you aren’t, Play Party Plan has a free printable option you can use. Once you've printed and prepared the clues, easy steps are provided for you to plan and set up a successful hunt for your little ones. 

37. Draw on the Sidewalk 

If you're looking for a simple activity to keep everyone entertained, and maybe even bring out your inner child, grab a bucket of chalk and let the driveway or sidewalk be your canvas. It's easy to organize, fun for everyone and the kind of activity that encourages creativity. 

Be sure to use non-toxic chalk and ensure everybody is dressed for the weather, including sunscreen if it's warm outside. Cleaning up after your art session is also key — the last thing you want is to upset your neighbors on Thanksgiving! For more inspiration, KiwiCo has some great ideas to customize this activity, ranging from art for beginners to those that offer more of a challenge.

38. Assemble Care Packages 

Many people see Thanksgiving activities as an opportunity to give back to the community. A great way to do this is by assembling care packages. Gather your family, friends and even others in your community to create packages and drop them off at a charity or a local community event.

From phone and travel accessories to different kinds of food, there's always something that can be given to those in need. Convoy of Hope has some fantastic tips to build care packages for those in need, from low-income families to those in areas around the world struck by disaster. Simply pack your kit, ship it off to Convoy of Hope and let the team take care of the rest.

39. Jump in the Leaves 

Simple, and enjoyable for all, jumping in the leaves is a Thanksgiving activity that will never get old, no matter how old you are. Simply don some boots, grab a rake, make a pile of leaves and get jumping! Kids adore this activity, and for good reason.

If you want to change things up, KinderCare offers a number of ideas to up the ante, from a leaf-gathering race to a labyrinth-building competition. You could even set up a leafy treasure hunt — the perfect Thanksgiving activity for solving the kids' holiday boredom.

40. Paint Handprint Turkeys 

Painting handprint turkeys is one of the most traditional Thanksgiving activities for young families, producing timeless keepsakes to look back on later when the little ones fly the nest. The best part? All you need is paint, paper, markers and a few other items of stationery.

Instructions from wikiHow give you three variations to choose from: the construction paper method, the paint method and the colored pencils method. No matter which you opt for, it's as simple as tracing, cutting and pasting, and results in sentimental decorations that can be treasured for years to come.

41. Decorate Seasonal Pumpkins 

Make use of any Halloween pumpkin leftovers or gourds by revamping them with a little acrylic paint. As far as Thanksgiving activities go, this one will keep those of all ages focused on crafting the perfect work of art. For ideas and inspiration, Homes & Gardens has some great tips for achieving the perfect pumpkin finish.

Whether bringing old traditions back or trying something new, the Thanksgiving activities available to you, your family and your friends are sure to make the day even more exceptional. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal with family, connect with nature or do something else entirely, it’s sure to be fun and full of warmth. 

For even more special occasion ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.