Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time for family bonding, delicious food, and cherished memories. But if you’re a parent with toddlers, you know the reality can be a bit more chaotic—especially when you’re trying to cook, serve guests, and keep your little ones entertained for hours. The constant juggling act between boiling potatoes, carving the turkey, and answering “Why is the turkey so big?” can quickly turn a holiday into a stress-filled race against the clock.
So, how do you keep your toddler happy and engaged while you’re busy preparing for the big feast? The secret is to plan ahead with a few easy and fun activities that will keep them entertained and feeling included—without distracting you from your holiday responsibilities.
If you’re feeling a little anxious about Thanksgiving day, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with some simple, stress-free ways to keep your toddler entertained and ensure you still get to enjoy the holiday!
Objection #1: “My Toddler Gets Bored Easily—How Can I Keep Them Busy for Hours?”
It’s true: toddlers have boundless energy, and keeping them entertained for long stretches of time can feel like an impossible task. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to plan out an entire day of activities. With a few key strategies, you can keep them busy without it taking up all your time or energy.
Let’s break it down into simple, fun ideas that will keep your toddler occupied while you manage everything else!
1. Create a “Thanksgiving Activity Basket”
Toddlers love having a dedicated space just for them, and the best part? It keeps them from rifling through your kitchen drawers or knocking over your carefully set Thanksgiving table. A simple activity basket or box filled with holiday-themed toys and supplies can keep them entertained for a good chunk of time.
How to do it:
- Fill a small basket with Thanksgiving-themed toys, like mini pumpkins, plush turkeys, or a few fall-colored balls. Toddlers love sensory play, so adding items they can squish, toss, and arrange will keep them busy.
- Include coloring books, crayons, or stickers with Thanksgiving images like turkeys or autumn leaves.
- Add a couple of simple puzzles or board books about Thanksgiving for quiet, independent play.
Why it works: Having their own “special” basket will make your toddler feel included in the holiday festivities and keep them entertained without constant attention. You can rotate activities to keep things fresh!
2. Thanksgiving-Themed Crafts: Messy Fun, Done Right
Crafting can be a fun way to keep your toddler busy while also tapping into their creativity. But let’s face it—toddlers and glue sticks don’t always mix. The trick is to keep things simple, low-mess, and toddler-friendly.
How to do it:
- Set up a Thanksgiving craft station with supplies like colored paper, stickers, and non-toxic markers. Activities like handprint turkeys or paper plate wreaths are simple enough to keep toddlers engaged but easy to clean up.
- You can even make it into a family project. While the grown-ups are cooking, have your toddler work on crafting their own little “Thanksgiving place cards” for the family. They can decorate them and you can set them up on the table later.
Why it works: Crafting is a great way to keep toddlers occupied for longer periods, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it doubles as a keepsake you can hang on the fridge!
3. Play Thanksgiving-Themed Games
While the grown-ups are catching up and enjoying appetizers, your toddler can be having their own mini celebration with some easy, fun games. You don’t need anything elaborate—simple games that engage their imagination will do the trick!
How to do it:
- Turkey Bowling: Set up some empty cans or plastic bottles and decorate them with turkey faces. Use a small ball to knock them down (just like bowling!). Your toddler will love this game and can play independently or with you.
- “Pin the Feather on the Turkey”: This Thanksgiving version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is a fun game to engage toddlers in a light-hearted, silly activity.
- Pumpkin Hunt: Hide small toy pumpkins around the house (or yard) and have your toddler go on a “pumpkin hunt.” It’s like a mini scavenger hunt, and they’ll love finding the hidden treasures!
Why it works: Simple, active games like these help burn off some energy, allowing your toddler to have fun while you get things done. Plus, they can play with family or friends, keeping everyone engaged!
4. Set Up a Toddler-Friendly “Snack Station”
We all know toddlers love to snack—and Thanksgiving is full of delicious, kid-friendly options! Why not set up a special snack station just for them? This way, they can help themselves to healthy, holiday-themed snacks without bothering you during meal prep.
How to do it:
- Create a simple, self-serve snack area with small portions of baby carrots, apple slices, crackers, or cheese sticks. You can even make a cute “Thanksgiving snack mix” with pretzels, cereal, and dried fruit.
- To make it even more festive, give them small cups or bowls decorated with pumpkins or fall leaves.
- If you have family members or older kids, assign them to help the toddler access snacks without making a mess.
Why it works: Toddlers love feeling independent, and having a snack station means they can munch without constantly asking for your attention. It also helps keep them full and happy until the big meal!
5. Interactive Thanksgiving Story Time
When it’s time to wind down and give your toddler a break from all the excitement, storytime is a great option. But why not make it extra special with Thanksgiving-themed books?
How to do it:
- Gather a few Thanksgiving picture books with fun illustrations and simple stories. Some great options are “The Very First Thanksgiving” or “Bear Says Thanks”.
- If you have a little more time, you can even make up your own Thanksgiving story, incorporating things you’re grateful for or funny anecdotes from your own family traditions.
Why it works: Storytime offers a quiet, calm moment in the day and helps toddlers wind down. Plus, it gives you a few minutes to relax while still keeping them entertained.
6. Set Up a Toddler-Friendly Thanksgiving Parade (or Dance Party!)
If your toddler is in a particularly active mood, why not have an impromptu Thanksgiving parade around the house? You don’t need anything fancy—just some music, a few props, and a lot of enthusiasm.
How to do it:
- Use simple items like scarves, mini instruments, or even kitchen utensils to make a parade! March around the house together and make up silly songs or dances.
- Alternatively, put on some Thanksgiving tunes (or even a playlist of your toddler’s favorite songs) and have a dance party to get the wiggles out.
Why it works: Toddlers love movement and music, and this gives them a chance to release all that extra energy. Plus, it gets them involved in the holiday festivities in a fun way!
Thanksgiving with Toddlers: It Can Be Fun and Stress-Free!
Thanksgiving with toddlers doesn’t have to be a source of stress or anxiety. By setting up a few simple activities that keep them entertained and feeling involved, you’ll be able to focus on the food, the guests, and everything else that makes the holiday special—while still keeping your toddler happy.
With just a little planning, your Thanksgiving can be both fun and manageable. So, embrace these easy, toddler-friendly activities and get ready for a holiday filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, a lot of turkey! 🍗🦃
Post sponsored by Amazon Baby & Toddler / Photo courtesy of Freepik
