Thanksgiving Games for Adults and Children

Thanksgiving is coming and you’re hosting a huge party. Well maybe not so huge but it’s important that everyone has fun. If you’re not planning to spend the entire weekend in front of the TV or want to isolate those that will from those who shouldn’t then using Thanksgiving games for adults and children is a great solution.

Although all the stuffing is gone and the turkey has gone cold no one is ready for dessert yet, probably because they are stuffed . This is why your Thanksgiving dinner menu has to include some fun Thanksgiving games. Before we get into the fun part of this post you need to do some planning. No worries none of these games include lengthy preparations or sending packages to your friends and relatives three weeks in advance but it does include a small shift in your perception.

Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Everyone’s idea of what a Thanksgiving dinner or Thanksgiving party should look like is different. This is why you shouldn’t try to please everyone involved! Instead create an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves. Let those who want to watch the game, watch the game. And those who want to play the Wii, play the Wii. If you want your guests to participate in the activities you have in mind then first of all do some prep work. Find “partners in crime” who will excite everyone and create a game spirit. Also get some prizes for the winners to encourage other to join in the festivities.

Thanksgiving Games for Adults
Once you’ve got everyone on board it’s time to let the games begin! One last tip: try to use games that will be entertaining for both adults and children. Actually if you use thanksgiving games for adults the children will hop on the bandwagon too. The thing is that there are so many fun children’s games that adults enjoy that there’s no problem turning them into “adult thanksgiving games”. You can always start by breaking the ice with these ice breaker games for adults and then move on to the games.

Active Thanksgiving Games
If your party is an active bunch then there are lots of fun thanksgiving games for adults you can try with them especially since everyone is full of turkey and a few cups of cider to say the least.
Turkey Waddle – this is a great game if you’ve got a lot of people and you can break them into two groups. The idea is to “waddle” with a turkey (use a balloon that’s been decorated, or not) between your legs from start to the finish line and back and pass the turkey to the next person in your team. The first team to do go back and forth wins. You can make this more interesting by creating an obstacle course for those competing.
Photo Scavenger Hunt – get a scavenger hunt going inside or outside the party, give each team a camera to make it more fun and a list of assignments to complete. Check out these party games for adults for more info on how to plan a scavenger hunt.
Pin a Nose on the Turkey – this is a great game to play when an adult is the one “pinning the nose” and the children direct him or her where to go. Print out a turkey, or make one yourself using this coloring page then draw and cut out a turkey nose that you’ll use to pin on the turkey.
Make a Family Thanksgiving Cookbook - make a collection of all your favorite dishes, one dish by each person and take their picture eating that dish. You can even make it a Thanksgiving tradition and add a new recipe each Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving Crafts Craft Ideas
Here are two great websites: site 1, site 2, with simple thanksgiving craft ideas that you can use for your party. I would suggest choosing crafts that could later be used by the person making them, for example a place card holder or place mat, instead of creating crafts that are going to clutter your guest’s homes.

Brainy Thanksgiving Games
There are lots of party favorites like Scramble (here’s a free worksheet), word search (here’s a free printable) and even scrabble (here’s a free set) which have been modified to be in Thanksgiving spirit. You can play with the entire party or break into groups and play each game with only those who are interested. Another favorite Thanksgiving game is Thanksgiving bingo. Check out these resources: instructions and even an online tool that actually created customized boards.
Thanksgiving trivia – I found this great set of questions and answers all themed around the holiday.

Although the thanksgiving dinner menu is usually the center of conversation and excitement you can easily use Thanksgiving games for adults to create engagement and contribute to the warmth of the holiday. By playing together we create lasting memories that help us grow as people. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.