Thanksgiving break is here, and while it’s a time for gathering, eating, and reflecting, it can also mean bored kids itching for something to do. Why not keep their hands (and minds) busy with some simple, festive crafts? These Thanksgiving activities for kids are perfect for moms looking to keep little ones entertained while adding a special holiday touch around the house. With a mix of nature-inspired projects, handprint keepsakes, and classic turkey crafts, you’ll have a week full of fun, creative ways to keep kids excited about Thanksgiving.
Keep Little Hands Busy with Classic Thanksgiving Crafts
The Beloved Paper Plate Turkey
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a turkey, and paper plate turkeys are a classic! They’re easy, cheap, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for young kids.
- What You’ll Need: Paper plates, crayons or markers, construction paper (in red, yellow, and orange), glue, scissors, and googly eyes if you’ve got them.
- How to Make It:
1. Start by coloring the plate brown for the turkey’s body.
2. Cut out feather shapes from construction paper, using warm, fall colors.
3. Help kids glue the feathers around the top half of the plate.
4. Cut a little triangle for the beak and a wattle shape, and glue them to the center.
5. Finish by adding googly eyes or drawing them on.
In our family, paper plate turkeys have become a Thanksgiving tradition. My youngest loves to “name” each turkey after family members, so our table ends up filled with “Grandma Turkey,” “Auntie Turkey,” and even a “Baby Cousin Turkey.” It’s a fun way for the kids to feel connected to everyone, especially relatives who aren’t able to join us in person. Each year, we save one or two turkeys, and looking back at them over the years is like having our own little time capsule of Thanksgivings past.
Handprint and Footprint Turkey Keepsakes
These are keepsakes moms will treasure, and kids will have a blast making them. Handprint turkeys are adorable on cards, canvases, or as a cute art display for the fridge.
- Supplies: Paint in multiple colors, large paper or cardstock, and markers.
- How to Create:
1. Paint each child’s hand in different colors (for the turkey feathers) and press it onto the paper.
2. Draw or paint in a face and legs for the turkey once the paint dries.
3. Let kids write their names, add fun phrases, or turn these into cards for family members.
Footprint turkeys work just as well if you have younger kids who love stamping their feet! These prints make sweet keepsakes and can even be a fun surprise card for grandparents.
Materials Checklist for Each Craft
Here’s a quick summary to help you grab everything you need without hassle.
Thanksgiving-Themed Wreath Crafts to Kick Off the Holiday
For a change of pace, try a Thanksgiving wreath craft that the whole family can work on together. Wreaths bring a seasonal feel to your door or mantel, and they’re full of ways for kids to personalize them.
Leaf and Acorn Wreaths
Austin is packed with beautiful parks, making it easy to gather leaves, acorns, and pinecones for your wreath. This is a great excuse to get outdoors for a bit!
- What You’ll Need: Leaves, acorns, cardboard (for the base), glue, and ribbon.
- How to Make:
1. Cut a ring out of cardboard to use as your wreath base.
2. Let kids glue leaves and acorns all around the ring.
3. Top it off with a festive ribbon and hang it up!
For a twist, create a “gratitude wreath” by cutting out paper leaves and having each family member write what they’re thankful for. Attach the leaves to the wreath, making it both a decoration and a memory of the holiday.
Corn Husk and Pinecone Turkey Wreath
Take the humble pinecone and turn it into a turkey! These little guys are fun to make and look adorable arranged into a wreath.
- Supplies: Pinecones, small pieces of felt, craft feathers, glue, and a wreath form.
- Instructions:
1. Have kids paint pinecones brown (or leave them natural) and add small felt beaks, wattles, and feathers to make turkeys.
2. Glue the pinecone turkeys to a wreath base.
3. Add some leaves, twine, or even tiny pumpkins if you want to fill it out.
Simple Instructions List for Popular Crafts
Here’s a reference list for easy instructions once you’ve gathered your supplies.
- Paper Plate Turkey: Color paper plate, cut and attach paper feathers, glue on beak, wattle, and eyes.
- Handprint Turkeys: Paint hands in colors for feathers, press on paper, add face and legs.
- Leaf and Acorn Wreath: Glue leaves and acorns to a cardboard ring, add ribbon to hang.
- Pinecone Turkey: Attach felt beaks and feathers to painted pinecones, arrange on wreath form.
Creative Thanksgiving Decorations and Keepsakes to Treasure
Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree
This project gets kids talking about gratitude in a hands-on way. A gratitude tree gives everyone a chance to share what they’re thankful for and turns those moments into something visible and festive.
- What You Need: A few twigs (from the yard or a local park), a small vase or pot, rocks to secure the branches, paper, markers, and string.
- How to Create:
1. Arrange the twigs in a vase or pot, using rocks or sand to hold them steady.
2. Cut out paper leaves, giving each family member a few to write what they’re thankful for.
3. Hang the leaves on the branches using string.
The gratitude tree has turned into a favorite family tradition. One year, my son wrote that he was thankful for “pizza Fridays” and our dog’s funny “happy dance” – and it cracked everyone up! Little moments like these add a special touch to the holiday and have become a conversation starter that brings out smiles (and sometimes laughs!) during Thanksgiving dinner.
Gratitude Ideas for Kids
Here are a few prompts to help kids think about what to add to the gratitude tree or wreath.
- “What’s your favorite thing about your family?”
- “What’s something kind someone did for you?”
- “What’s your favorite place to go?”
- “What food are you grateful for?”
- “What’s one thing you’re proud of?”
Handprint Thanksgiving Decorations and DIY Cards
Kids love making things they can share, and Thanksgiving cards are a perfect way for them to spread holiday cheer.
- Handprint Decorations: For fun decorations, paint your child’s hand in fall colors and press onto a piece of cardstock to create a handprint turkey. These can be cut out and used as placemats, wall decor, or even as DIY place cards for Thanksgiving dinner.
- DIY Thanksgiving Cards: Let kids fold construction paper into a card, then decorate with handprints, drawn leaves, or turkeys. Encourage them to write a message inside – a perfect way to add a personal touch when gifting to family members.
FAQ: Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities for Kids in Austin
Where can I find kid-friendly craft supplies in Austin?
Besides big stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby, local options like the Austin Creative Reuse Center offer inexpensive, eco-friendly supplies perfect for Thanksgiving crafts. The center is full of unique materials and is budget-friendly, making it a great place to explore with kids.
Any local spots to see fall colors or collect natural items for crafts?
For colorful fall leaves and acorns, try visiting spots like the Barton Creek Greenbelt or Lady Bird Lake. These locations offer easy trails, perfect for collecting pinecones, leaves, and acorns while soaking up some of Austin’s autumn scenery.
What if it rains? Are there indoor places to do these crafts?
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, consider visiting Austin’s many public libraries, some of which have crafting areas and supplies for kids. Places like the Austin Central Library and the Laura Bush Community Library often host seasonal craft sessions and offer family-friendly spaces to work on projects together.
How can I keep these crafts clean and organized with young kids?
Try setting up a designated craft area with disposable table covers or a plastic tablecloth, especially with paint or glue. Baby wipes and a small trash bin nearby help with quick cleanups, and organizing materials in labeled containers can make it easy for kids to find what they need.
What are some Thanksgiving family activities in Austin besides crafting?
Austin’s annual Turkey Trot is a popular Thanksgiving Day event, perfect for families who want a fun way to kick off the day. There are also Thanksgiving-themed events at places like the Thinkery Children’s Museum, which often hosts hands-on crafts and activities for families throughout the holiday season.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Creativity and Memories
Thanksgiving crafts don’t just keep kids entertained – they also help create memories that stick. This holiday, let them get creative with these easy, festive ideas that make use of things you already have around the house (or can grab on a quick walk). These activities will fill the holiday with laughter, busy hands, and decorations made from the heart. Happy Thanksgiving!
