Perhaps you are hosting Thanksgiving and need help occupying the kids while you’re in hostess mode. Or maybe you are guests at someone else’s home, and you need some help keeping the kids busy while the holiday meal is prepped. Either way, I have ideas for you!
I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner for 13 of the last 14 years. I love doing it. It’s my holiday, and my family knows that if they want to see me on Thanksgiving, they’ll be eating turkey in MY home. I’ve been a parent for 12 years, so I know what it’s like to keep kids occupied during a busy Thanksgiving morning!
Here are my mom-tested and mom-approved Thanksgiving morning activities for the kids!
1. Tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
The longstanding tradition of this parade is one that elicits a “good-ole-days” nostalgia that belongs on a holiday morning! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the entertainment provided during the televised parade, and our team has created a fun scavenger hunt for your kids to use during the parade. We were inspired by past versions created on Teachers Pay Teachers and seen on social media created by Red Stick Mom. Download our scavenger hunt here: Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Scavenger Hunt
2. Allow the kids to help!
Tiny hands can help peel vegetables or apples, mash potatoes, and taste test your recipes. While it can feel overwhelming to have children in the kitchen while you prep for a big meal, the memories that are made are worthwhile!
3. Consider purchasing a special tablecloth or placemats for the table and allow your kids to decorate them.
We love these tablecloths for the kids table. They’ll spend hours coloring and feel like they have a hand in the decor for your big meal.
4. Set the table!
Bigger kids can help set up your tablescape and add some adorable flair. Give them a list of your guests and allow them to create place cards for each person at the table. Some of my favorite memories are of my family finding their place cards after I had written them for my grandmother’s table, and now my kids do the same!
5. Bring out the “special” toys or activities.
Thanksgiving morning can feel like a marathon if you are hosting, and if you are a guest elsewhere and parenting outside of your typical space or routines it can be even harder. We absolutely love these themed Buggy Bags. The Thanksgiving bags can be brought out as a line of defense whenever you most need them. And, best of all, Buggy Box is a Boston local mom-owned business!
I hope these activities help you have a calm(er) and more enjoyable Thanksgiving morning! Sending you love from my table to yours.
