Wondering what to do on Thanksgiving Day? Here’s a fun Thanksgiving Scavenger hunt that will get your kids excited, but also highlight the meaning of the day!
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And if you don’t have time on Thanksgiving day, the hunt will work anytime!
Why You Should Do the Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Kids
This hunt is a bit different. First, it focuses on the life skill of gratitude. And second, it’s all about taking photos! Here is exactly why you should try this Thanksgiving scavenger hunt:
- It’s FREE!
- There’s no prep (just print and go!)
- It teaches thankfulness in a fun way
- Kids will LOVE that they get to use technology, and be excited to share!
- There’s absolutely no cleanup!
Seriously, a scavenger hunt is the BEST easy activity to do with kids!
And it’s perfect for a small family or a large gathering of kids to keep them busy on Thanksgiving day.
Items on the Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Include:
- one food that you love
- something outside you enjoy
- something in the room you are thankful for
- a person you are grateful for
- a place you are grateful for
- something that keeps your body healthy
- something beautiful
- something that makes you feel safe when you are scared
- an activity you enjoy doing
- something that cheers you up when you are sad
- something that makes a sound you love
- something you need every day
…and more!
Instructions for Your Kids Scavenger Hunt
1.Print out the download on regular paper or cardstock. (pdf below).
2. Decide on the rules. Have kids find all of them or as many as they can in an allotted amount of time.
3. Give the kids a camera, ipad, or other picture taking device. Be clear on the technology rules and expectations before you start.
4. Next, kids hunt for their answer to each statement on the sheet. For young kids, read the statements to them. Older kids can complete it entirely on their own. And if you have a large group, consider pairing up the older kids with the younger kids. They can help each other and take turns.
5. At the end, kids SHARE the things they found that they’re grateful for. Have them explain why they chose that item for even more benefit.
Additionally, make it a family affair, and have parents do the scavenger hunt too! Then you can all compare your items!
No camera? No worries, just find the items! Or describe them. Or draw them. Either way, be creative and have fun!
Other Easy Ways to Elevate Your Gratitude:
- Try the Gratitude Challenge: 30 Days of Blessings
- Write These 50 Gratitude Journal Prompts
- Check out 60 Inspiring Gratitude Quotes
- Shop the Three Minute Gratitude Journal for Kids (on Amazon)
Get the Free Scavenger Hunt Printable HERE!
To do the hunt multiple times, simply stick it in a page protector and mark it with a dry erase marker.
Also, if you repeat it in different locations, you’ll get lots of different results – showing the kids there’s even MORE to be thankful for. So, do it in your home, at grandma’s house, outside, at the park, etc.
Give a Prize to the Winner
Now, no one has to get a prize for this Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt. But if you’re doing it in a group, or you want to add a fun element, try giving these items to the person that found the most, or completed the scavenger hunt the fastest.
- The Book Thankful
- A coupon for a privilege (extra electronics time, later bedtime, choosing dinner, etc.)
- A Thanksgiving joke book
- Fun holiday socks
- Make a Turkey Stickers
- A small craft or lego set
- Gobble T-Shirts
- Turkey puzzle
- A homemade treat or snack
- How many turkeys can you find?
- A turkey hat
- Gum
- Thanksgiving tattoos for kids
Check Out More Holiday Tradition Ideas
Looking for great ways to build remarkably strong relationships?! Look no further! Check out my affordable ebook with 260+ family traditions – perfect for making unforgettable memories this holiday season!
Before You Go…
And finally, if you love Thanksgiving activities check out this Thanksgiving bingo from Crazy Little Projects.
Enjoy the holiday with family and friends, and don’t forget to reflect on life’s many blessings!
And Read These Other Awesome Thanksgiving Posts…
- 11 Awesome Thanksgiving Day Activities for Your Family
- Thanksgiving Menu Planner Free Printable
- A Fun Fall Bucket List for Families
And if You’re Thinking Ahead to Christmas, Read:
- The Best Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Kids
- 25 Days of Christmas Books Countdown
- 23 Meaningful Christmas Traditions
