10 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Activities for Toddlers
Thanksgiving is here, and while you’re busy cooking, cleaning, or setting up for guests, keeping your toddler entertained can feel like a challenge! Between managing a to-do list and tending to a child who may be craving your attention, the day can feel overwhelming. For your toddler, the excitement, unfamiliar routines, and bustling activity might lead to feelings of restlessness or overstimulation. We’ve put together a list of fun, simple activities for toddlers to help keep them happy and calm while you handle your holiday prep!
10 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving-Themed Toddler Activities to Try This Holiday:
1. Pumpkin Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with dried beans, toy pumpkins, scoops, and small containers. Let your toddler explore textures, practice scooping, and enjoy some calming sensory play. Check
2. Turkey Handprint Art
Create adorable keepsakes by tracing your toddler’s hand on paper. Let them decorate it with markers, stickers, or even paint to transform it into a colorful turkey.
3. Thanksgiving Story Time
Gather a few holiday-themed books like “Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks“ or “Bear Says Thanks”. Sit down together for a cozy reading session that sets the tone for the day.
4. Make a Gratitude Tree
Cut out a tree trunk and leaves from construction paper. Write down things your toddler is thankful for (with their help, of course!) and tape the leaves to the tree for a fun visual reminder of the season.
5. Toddler-Friendly Cooking Tasks
Get your little one involved in the kitchen with simple, safe tasks like stirring batter, sprinkling marshmallows on sweet potatoes, or arranging rolls on a tray. It’s a great way to include them in the festivities.
6. Turkey Waddle Race
Set up a mini indoor obstacle course where your toddler can “waddle like a turkey” (just like a penguin). Add pillows, chairs, or toys to navigate around for some silly, energy-burning fun.
7. Thanksgiving Sticker Fun
Grab some Thanksgiving-themed stickers and let your toddler decorate paper plates, cards, or even plain napkins for the table. It’s an easy, mess-free activity they’ll love.
8. Build a “Thankful Box”
Decorate a small box with your toddler using crayons, stickers, or markers. Encourage them to add small items they’re thankful for, like a favorite toy or photo, to the box throughout the day.
9. Paper Bag Turkeys
Use paper lunch bags, googly eyes, and construction paper to create simple turkey puppets. Once decorated, they can use them for pretend play.
10. Holiday Dance Party
Turn on some festive music and have a dance party in the living room. Songs like “Turkey Trot” or fun kid-friendly playlists will keep your toddler moving and entertained.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful when it comes to keeping your toddler happy. With these engaging activities, they’ll stay entertained while you enjoy the day with family and friends. For even more ideas, check out our recent blog: 5 Creative Fall Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers!
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Happy Thanksgiving!
