Thanksgiving Activities With Toddlers: Making Memories and Cultivating Gratitude
Hey readers,
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and giving thanks. It’s also a time for fun and festivities. If you’re looking for some Thanksgiving activities that will keep your toddlers entertained and engaged, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together a list of ideas that are perfect for Thanksgiving with toddlers, from crafts to games to activities that will help them learn about the holiday. So get ready to have some fun and make some memories.
Creative and Festive Crafts
Turkey Handprint Art
This is a classic Thanksgiving craft that’s always a hit with toddlers. Simply have your toddler dip their hand in paint and then press it onto a piece of paper. Once the paint has dried, you can add details like feathers, eyes, and a beak to create a festive turkey.
Construction Paper Pilgrims and Indians
Another fun Thanksgiving craft is to make construction paper pilgrims and Indians. You can use simple shapes and colors to create these characters, and then add details like clothing, hats, and feathers.
Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Create a sensory bin filled with Thanksgiving-themed items like corn kernels, beans, cranberries, and acorns. Your toddler will love exploring the different textures and colors, and they’ll also be learning about the holiday.
Engaging Games and Activities
Pumpkin Bowling
Set up some empty water bottles or bowling pins and let your toddler practice their bowling skills. You can use a small pumpkin or a stuffed animal as the bowling ball.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Hide Thanksgiving-themed items around the house and give your toddler clues to find them. This is a great way to get them moving and exploring, and they’ll love the excitement of finding all the hidden items.
Thanksgiving Charades
Write down some Thanksgiving-related words or phrases on pieces of paper. Then, have your toddler take turns acting out the words or phrases while the rest of the family guesses.
Learning About Thanksgiving
The History of Thanksgiving
Tell your toddler a simplified version of the history of Thanksgiving. Explain how the Pilgrims came to America and how they celebrated their first Thanksgiving with the Wampanoag Indians.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Talk to your toddler about the different Thanksgiving traditions that your family has. Do you go to a family gathering? Eat a special meal? Watch a parade? Help them understand the meaning behind these traditions.
Being Thankful
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful. Talk to your toddler about what they’re thankful for. It could be their family, their friends, their home, or even their favorite toys. Help them understand the importance of being grateful.
Detailed Table Breakdown
| Activity | Age Range | Materials | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Handprint Art | 2-4 years | Paint, paper | Dip toddler’s hand in paint and press onto paper to create a turkey. |
| Construction Paper Pilgrims and Indians | 2-5 years | Construction paper, scissors, glue | Use shapes and colors to create pilgrims and Indians. |
| Thanksgiving Sensory Bin | 1-3 years | Corn kernels, beans, cranberries, acorns | Fill bin with Thanksgiving-themed items for exploration. |
| Pumpkin Bowling | 2-4 years | Empty water bottles or bowling pins, small pumpkin or stuffed animal | Set up pins and let toddler bowl with a pumpkin or stuffed animal. |
| Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt | 2-5 years | Thanksgiving-themed items, clues | Hide items and provide clues for toddler to find. |
| Thanksgiving Charades | 2-5 years | Paper, pen | Write Thanksgiving-related words or phrases and act them out. |
| The History of Thanksgiving | 2-4 years | Simple story or book | Explain the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. |
| Thanksgiving Traditions | 2-4 years | Family traditions | Discuss family’s Thanksgiving traditions and their meaning. |
| Being Thankful | 2-5 years | Conversation | Talk about what toddler is thankful for and why. |
Conclusion
There you have it, readers! These are just a few ideas for Thanksgiving activities with toddlers. With a little creativity, you can create a fun and festive holiday celebration that your toddler will love.
And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more Thanksgiving inspiration, including recipes, decorating ideas, and family-friendly activities.
FAQ about Thanksgiving Activities With Toddlers
Q: What are some easy Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers?
A: Try making handprint turkeys, leaf rubbings, or construction paper corn on the cob.
Q: How can I adapt Thanksgiving recipes for toddlers?
A: Puree foods like mashed potatoes and squash, or cut foods into small pieces.
Q: What are some fun Thanksgiving games for toddlers?
A: Play “Pin the Feather on the Turkey” or have a “Turkey Toss” beanbag game.
Q: How can I keep my toddler entertained during a Thanksgiving meal?
A: Provide them with small snacks, toys, or books to keep them occupied.
Q: What are some age-appropriate Thanksgiving songs for toddlers?
A: “Over the River and Through the Wood” and “We Gather Together” are popular choices.
Q: How can I make Thanksgiving special for my toddler?
A: Decorate the table with toddler-friendly decorations, read Thanksgiving-themed books, and create a special photo opportunity.
Q: What are some Thanksgiving activities for toddlers that promote learning?
A: Engage them in sensory play with autumn leaves or vegetables, or read books about the Thanksgiving story.
Q: How can I encourage my toddler to participate in Thanksgiving preparations?
A: Let them help set the table or stir ingredients with a wooden spoon.
Q: What are some safety precautions to consider when doing Thanksgiving activities with toddlers?
A: Supervise cooking and crafting activities, and keep sharp objects out of reach.
Q: Where can I find more Thanksgiving activities and ideas for toddlers?
A: Check online resources, parenting magazines, or local libraries for inspiration.