7 Ways to Keep Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

We all know how stressful it is as we rush around on Thanksgiving: roasting the turkey, cooking sides, setting a table, and generally tidying up. Then there are the kids: running, arguing, bored, and wanting attention. However, you can prepare for your kids’ frustration by having a plan beforehand and stopping it before it starts. Here are 7 Ways to Keep Kids Busy on Thanksgiving while you prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.

7 Ways to Keep Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

1. Give them jobs to do.

Give the kids an age appropriate task or two to complete. Not only to keep them busy but to include them and give them some responsibility and a sense of belonging in the days festivities. Polish the furniture before family comes over, set the table, peel potatoes, fold napkins, and make salad or an easy dessert. These simple activities will keep them involved in preparations. Try to make it less of a punishment and more like they are being an important part of the day.

2. Set up a snack station.

Healthy, light snacks can keep kids from getting cranky from hunger. Popcorn in paper cups, baggies of trail mix, and dried and fresh fruit in baskets all make great snacks. These munchies can help them make it through until the sit down dinner. Don’t forget to grab some snacks for yourself.

3. Make them coat check clerks.

A great way to begin teaching our little ones hospitality is by stationing them at the door as guests arrive. Have them welcome everyone and take hats and coats. If they are big enough, they can offer and serve drinks.

4. Turn on the parade.

If you haven’t started this tradition yet, this is a great year to begin putting on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Serve your kids a snack, and even if you’re busy be sure to sit down at least some of the time and enjoy the floats and musical numbers with them between your tasks. A few snuggles throughout the day will act like a tonic for all of you.

5. Set them up with the sale ads.

Give the kids paper and markers and let them circle their wish list or write letters to Santa. The next day is after all the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday! This is also a great opportunity to talk about other children who are less fortunate. Let them choose a couple gifts to buy to donate to others.

6. Create a craft station.

Set up a table with play dough and fall cookie cutters, pipe cleaners, crayons, paper, paper bags for puppets, googly eyes, glue, and scissors. Let them create decorations for the table. A roll of white butcher paper or brown wrapping paper can become a canvas that can be spread on the dining table as a sweet handmade table cover.

7. Get a game marathon going.

Set out games that are quick and easy to play for all the kids like Candy Land, Twister, Sorry, and Trouble. Maybe even charades for the older ones, musical chairs, or card games. Put someone in charge to oversee them and join in when you can.