A day of prayer for blessings, safe journeys, victories, or abundant harvests; thanksgiving. It is celebrated in the United States, Canada, and many other countries. On this special day, family members gather and rejoice with one another.
But the festivities can be quite boring for some, especially teens, as they are neither kids anymore nor fully mature. So, there must be some extra spice to the celebrations to make this age group feel thrilled and enjoy their best.
This blog covers 10 exciting Thanksgiving activities for teenagers along with their families that must be added to the plan for unlimited fun!
Choose your favourite ones and let the celebrations begin!!!
Thanksgiving Activities for Teens and Kids
1. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of gratitude-themed items. Or add any other activity to the list to be done. Set a time for the activity. Start the timer. Hand over the list to those who want to play. They have to find the hidden objects around or in the house, or neighbourhood.
This game is a good show of teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that help to build leadersip skill in kids. We bet the teens would definitely enjoy the hunt!
2. Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
There is hardly anyone who won’t like watching movies. And when it comes to teenagers, movies are a big yes. Of course, they have their own likes and dislikes regarding film choices but that’s not a big deal.
Just host a movie night. Opt for such a picture that is cumulatively liked by the whole family or the one you have an emotional attachment with. This will offer you maximum quality time together.
3. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Time to test your creativity. This activity is basically for kids to enhance their carving skills but you can team them up with teenagers to get better results. What’s more fun than carving a pumpkin with a unique design in your mind!?!
So, when two different age groups play together as a team, something extraordinary will be produced. Also, this will give some free time to elders for their chitchat.
4. Friendsgiving Dinner
Taking about festivities without food is impossible. Encourage your teens to arrange and host a delicious meal or make snacks for their friends. They would never refuse!
Moreover, sharing your food with your loved ones in this manner will create a sense of liberty and community.
5. Thankful Jar
This game proves to be very interesting and engaging for the whole family. Hand over small cards or slips to everyone. Ask them to write what they are thankful for. Place all the slips in a jar. It could be optional if they want to mention their names or not.
Then share the statements over hi-tea with one another. This jar can be placed at the central place in your house making it a memory. As it contains all the blessings you appreciate and value in your life.
6. Name That Baby!
For this, you have to collect some old baby pictures. Yes, it could be even your Granny!!!
Start showing each photo to your guests or family members. Let them guess who the baby is in the picture. Obviously, some would be hard to guess. But still, it would be great fun.
The person with the most correct guesses wins the game!
7. DIY Thanksgiving Crafts
If you want to hold on to the noise of playing kids and gossiping teens for some time, give them some material (paper, colored pencils, cardboard, beads, pearls, strings, etc.) to create something exceptional.
They could use their painting, drawing, or sketching skills. Besides, they can make various accessories like garlands, bracelets, gratitude cards, or whatever they want to create.
8. Cooking Challenge
If a few teenagers in your guest list like to cook, why not plan a competition for them?
Organize a cooking competition where teens create their own Thanksgiving dish, experimenting with recipes and flavors. This will keep them engaged and having lots of fun.
9. Volunteering
While enjoying all the feasts and meals, don’t forget the deprived ones. Encourage teens to give back by volunteering at a local soup kitchen, food drive, or community center to help those in need during the holiday.
Also, they can arrange clothes, food, household items, groceries, etc., for those who cannot afford to celebrate this event.
10. Photo Booth Fun
Pictures, selfies, and filters are mandatory for today’s generations. Set up a Thanksgiving-themed photo booth with props and let teens capture their silly yet memorable moments with friends and family.
Final Words
These creative and fun-filled activities offer a perfect way to ensure that teens are not only involved but also thoroughly entertained. From Gratitude Scavenger Hunts and Friendsgiving Dinners to creative DIY crafts and community volunteering, these ideas foster connection, creativity, and a sense of purpose during the holiday.
As you plan your Thanksgiving, consider incorporating a mix of these activities with some other AI activities for kids to make the celebration more inclusive and memorable. Encourage your teens to take the lead on some of these activities, letting them create lasting memories.
Whether it’s through playful competition, creative expression, or giving back to the community, these activities will make your Thanksgiving a joyous occasion for everyone. So, gather your loved ones, choose your favorite activities, and enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with fun, laughter, and meaningful moments!
