Thanksgiving is the perfect time to help preschoolers explore creativity, gratitude, and learning through play. From colorful turkey crafts to hands-on math games and sensory bins, these Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers turn holiday fun into meaningful moments. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you’ll find easy, age-appropriate ideas to keep little ones engaged, curious, and thankful all season long.
20+ Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers
Explore fun Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers that inspire creativity, learning, and gratitude through crafts, games, and sensory play.
Arts & crafts activities
1. Handprint turkey craft
Transform little hands into cheerful turkeys with this classic Thanksgiving craft. Preschoolers will love tracing, painting, and decorating their handprints while learning about the holiday’s symbols of gratitude and togetherness.
Materials needed:
- White paper or cardstock
- Washable paints or colored paper
- Markers, glue, and googly eyes
Instructions:
- Trace or paint your child’s hand on paper to form the turkey’s body.
- Add feathers, a beak, and eyes using markers or craft materials.
- Write “I’m thankful for…” on the page to personalize their turkey.
2. Thankful leaf tree
Encourage preschoolers to express gratitude by creating a beautiful Thankful Leaf Tree. Each leaf represents something they’re thankful for, helping children develop mindfulness and appreciation.
Materials needed:
- Small tree branch or cardboard trunk
- Construction paper (fall colors)
- Scissors, glue, and string
Instructions:
- Cut out paper leaves in autumn colors.
- Ask kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for on each leaf.
- Attach leaves to the branch or trunk to form a gratitude tree display.
3. Leaf printing with paint
Invite preschoolers to explore nature through art by transforming real fall leaves into colorful paint stamps. They’ll discover patterns, textures, and color mixing while creating vibrant leaf prints that celebrate the beauty of autumn and the Thanksgiving season.
Materials needed:
- Real fall leaves (various shapes)
- Washable paints
- Paintbrushes and white paper
Instructions:
- Brush a thin layer of paint onto the back of each leaf.
- Press the leaf onto paper to reveal a colorful leaf print.
- Experiment with color mixing and overlapping prints.
4. Turkey feather counting game
Combine math and play with this fun turkey feather counting activity. Preschoolers strengthen number recognition and fine motor skills as they count and attach feathers to their turkey.
Materials needed:
- Paper turkey template
- Colorful craft feathers or paper cutouts
- Number cards (1 – 10)
- Glue or clothespins
Instructions:
- Give each child a paper turkey and number card.
- Ask them to attach the matching number of feathers.
- Continue counting up to ten and compare whose turkey has the most feathers!
5. Pumpkin seed sorting
A sensory math favorite, this activity lets preschoolers sort and count pumpkin seeds by size, color, or texture. It’s perfect for fine motor practice and fall-themed learning.
Materials needed:
- Clean, dry pumpkin seeds (dyed in different colors if desired)
- Small bowls or cups
- Tweezers or tongs
Instructions:
- Place a mix of seeds in front of each child.
- Invite them to sort by color or size using tweezers.
- Count how many are in each group and discuss which has more or less.
Math & counting activities
6. Shape turkey craft
Turn geometry into a festive art project with this playful shape turkey! Preschoolers practice recognizing circles, triangles, and rectangles as they assemble their colorful paper turkeys.
Materials needed:
- Construction paper in fall colors
- Scissors and glue sticks
- Googly eyes and markers
Instructions:
- Cut out basic shapes (circle for body, triangles for feathers, rectangles for legs).
- Arrange and glue the shapes to build a turkey.
- Count each shape used and name its color aloud.
7. Thanksgiving sensory bin
Bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to life with a hands-on sensory bin filled with autumn textures. It encourages curiosity, tactile exploration, and fine motor skills.
Materials needed:
- Dried corn, beans, or rice
- Mini pumpkins, plastic turkeys, scoops, and cups
- A large bin or tray
Instructions:
- Fill the bin with dried corn or beans.
- Add themed toys and tools for scooping or pouring.
- Let children dig, scoop, and explore while describing textures and sounds.
8. Gratitude circle game
Help preschoolers understand thankfulness through a simple sharing game. The Gratitude Circle encourages empathy and confidence while improving verbal skills.
Materials needed:
- A soft ball or plush toy
- A circle of children
Instructions:
- Sit in a circle and pass the ball around.
- When a child catches it, they say something they’re thankful for.
- Continue until everyone has shared.
9. Corn kernel counting cups
Practice early math skills with this tactile counting activity. Using dried corn kernels, preschoolers strengthen number recognition and fine motor coordination.
Materials needed:
- Small cups labeled with numbers (1 – 10)
- Dried corn kernels
- Spoons or small scoops
Instructions:
- Place numbered cups on the table.
- Have children scoop the matching number of kernels into each cup.
- Count together and check if the amounts are correct.
10. Paper plate cornucopia
Celebrate abundance with this colorful paper plate craft! Preschoolers fill their cornucopia with drawings or cutouts of fruits and vegetables they love.
Materials needed:
- Paper plates (cut in half)
- Crayons, glue, and colored paper
- Fruit and veggie printouts or stickers
Instructions:
- Decorate the paper plate to look like a woven basket.
- Cut out paper fruits and veggies, then glue them spilling out of the cornucopia.
- Talk about how Thanksgiving celebrates sharing food and gratitude.
Literacy & language activities
11. “I’m Thankful For…” Drawing Prompt
Encourage self-expression and gratitude with this simple art activity. Preschoolers draw or dictate things they’re thankful for, helping them connect emotions with visuals and words.
Materials needed:
- Blank paper or printable template
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Optional: sentence starters (“I’m thankful for…”)
Instructions:
- Talk about what it means to be thankful.
- Invite children to draw something or someone they appreciate.
- Share drawings aloud and display them on a gratitude wall.
12. Turkey alphabet match
Blend literacy and fine motor fun with this alphabet turkey game! Kids match feathers labeled with letters to the correct turkey body, reinforcing early letter recognition.
Materials needed:
- Paper turkey templates
- Feathers labeled with uppercase and lowercase letters
- Glue or clothespins
Instructions:
- Write uppercase letters on turkey bodies and lowercase letters on feathers.
- Have children match and attach the correct pairs.
- Say each letter sound as they work to reinforce phonics.
13. Pumpkin play-dough turkeys
This sensory craft combines creativity with fine motor skills as preschoolers shape their own turkeys out of colorful play-dough. It’s fun, squishy, and perfectly festive!
Materials needed:
- Brown and orange play-dough
- Craft feathers, googly eyes, and beads
- Small twigs or sticks
Instructions:
- Roll a ball of play-dough to form the turkey’s body.
- Press in feathers and add eyes or beads for decoration.
- Encourage kids to describe their turkeys using simple sentences.
14. Story sequencing cards – “From seed to feast”
Teach storytelling and order comprehension with Thanksgiving sequencing cards. Children learn how pumpkins or corn grow and end up on the dinner table.
Materials needed:
- Printable sequencing cards (4 – 6 steps)
- Laminator (optional)
- Velcro dots or tape
Instructions:
- Show cards depicting a process (planting > growing > harvesting > cooking).
- Ask children to arrange them in the correct order.
- Discuss each step using short, clear sentences.
15. Thanksgiving vocabulary picture match
Help preschoolers build Thanksgiving vocabulary through a fun and visual matching game! Children match words or spoken clues with colorful Thanksgiving pictures, reinforcing early literacy and comprehension.
Materials needed:
- Picture cards (turkey, pumpkin pie, corn, leaf, apple, hat, feast, etc.)
- Matching word cards (optional for older preschoolers)
- A small table or floor area for sorting
Instructions:
- Spread the picture cards face up on the floor.
- Say a Thanksgiving-related word aloud (e.g., “turkey”) and ask children to find the matching picture.
- For advanced learners, mix in word cards and have them pair pictures with the correct words.
- Celebrate each correct match with claps or Thanksgiving cheers!
Sensory & motor skills activities
16. Feather transfer fine motor game
This Thanksgiving-inspired fine motor activity helps preschoolers strengthen hand-eye coordination while pretending to “decorate” their turkey with feathers.
Materials needed:
- Plastic tweezers or tongs
- Small bowl of craft feathers
- Turkey cutout or egg carton “turkey”
Instructions:
- Give each child a pair of tweezers and a bowl of feathers.
- Have them pick up and transfer feathers one by one onto the turkey.
- Count how many feathers each turkey has when finished.
17. Harvest sorting station
Turn your classroom into a mini harvest table where preschoolers sort fruits, veggies, and seeds by color, size, or shape. This combines sensory fun with early math skills.
Materials needed:
- Plastic fruits and vegetables or real produce (safe sizes)
- Sorting trays or baskets
- Labels with colors or size words
Instructions:
- Set out the fruits and vegetables in a basket.
- Invite kids to sort them by color, size, or type.
- Discuss patterns like “big and small” or “green and orange.”
18. Turkey bowling game
Get active with a hilarious Thanksgiving bowling setup! It’s perfect for improving coordination and teamwork while bringing lots of laughter to the classroom.
Materials needed:
- Empty plastic bottles or paper cups
- Small pumpkin or soft ball
- Markers, paper, and tape
Instructions:
- Decorate the bottles with turkey faces and feathers.
- Arrange them like bowling pins.
- Roll the pumpkin to knock them down and count how many fall!
19. Cornmeal sensory writing tray
Add a touch of literacy and sensory exploration with this tactile writing activity. Preschoolers trace letters, numbers, or Thanksgiving shapes in soft cornmeal.
Materials needed:
- Shallow tray or baking pan
- Cornmeal or sand
- Letter cards or picture prompts
Instructions:
- Pour a thin layer of cornmeal into the tray.
- Show a letter or shape card and ask children to trace it using their finger.
- Smooth over the surface and try a new one!
20. Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
Add excitement and movement to your Thanksgiving celebration! This scavenger hunt helps kids build observation skills while finding themed items around the room.
Materials needed:
- Printable scavenger hunt list or picture cards
- Small Thanksgiving-themed objects (turkey, leaf, pumpkin, pie, corn)
- Basket or bag for collecting items
Instructions:
- Hide small Thanksgiving objects around the classroom.
- Give each child or team a scavenger list.
- Let them search, collect, and check off each item they find.
Games & group activities
21. Collaborative thankful mural
Create a large classroom mural that celebrates gratitude and teamwork! Preschoolers work together to design a colorful wall display filled with drawings, handprints, and thankful messages.
Materials needed:
- Large roll of paper or bulletin board
- Crayons, paints, markers
- Cut-out paper leaves and hearts
Instructions:
- Hang a large sheet of paper on the wall.
- Invite children to draw or paint things they’re thankful for.
- Add their handprints and names to complete the mural.
22. Floating turkey STEM challenge
In this mini science activity, preschoolers explore buoyancy by building a “floating turkey” that won’t sink! It introduces simple STEM thinking through play and experimentation.
Materials needed:
- Aluminum foil
- Small plastic turkey or paper cutout
- Tub of water
Instructions:
- Give each child a piece of foil to shape into a “boat.”
- Place the turkey on top and see if it floats.
- Experiment with different foil shapes and discuss what works best.
23. Pumpkin rolling race
Bring the excitement outdoors or into a large hallway with this energetic group game! Preschoolers race to roll mini pumpkins to the finish line, making it perfect for coordination and teamwork.
Materials needed:
- Small pumpkins or round gourds
- Painter’s tape or cones for marking lanes
Instructions:
- Mark start and finish lines.
- Give each child a pumpkin to roll using hands only.
- Cheer for everyone as they reach the finish because everyone’s a winner!
24. Friendship bracelet with fall colors
Teach kindness and connection with a simple bracelet craft. Preschoolers make bracelets for friends or family using warm autumn tones to symbolize thankfulness.
Materials needed:
Yarn, string, or pipe cleaners
Beads in red, orange, yellow, and brown
Instructions:
- Cut string to wrist size.
- Thread beads or twist pipe cleaners into a bracelet.
- Gift the bracelet to a classmate or family member to show appreciation.
25. Storytime circle – “Sharing our feast”
End your Thanksgiving celebration with a cozy storytime circle. Preschoolers gather to read, share, and act out a Thanksgiving feast story together.
Materials needed:
- Thanksgiving-themed picture book (e.g., Bear Says Thanks)
- Floor cushions or a blanket for circle time
- Optional: paper plates and pretend food for role-play
Instructions:
- Read the story aloud, pausing to discuss key moments.
- Invite kids to act out a simple Thanksgiving feast scene.
- Conclude by asking each child what they’re most thankful for.
FAQs
1. How to teach preschoolers about Thanksgiving?
The best way to teach preschoolers about Thanksgiving is through interactive and age-appropriate experiences. Start with simple picture books that explain gratitude and sharing in a way they understand. Engage them in storytelling, songs, and easy crafts like drawing what they’re thankful for. You can also create classroom discussions about kindness and helping others to make the meaning of Thanksgiving more personal and relatable.
2. What are the easiest Thanksgiving crafts for kids?
Preschoolers enjoy crafts that are colorful, hands-on, and easy to finish. Some great ideas include handprint turkeys made with paint, thankful leaf trees that display messages of gratitude, and paper plate cornucopias filled with paper fruits. Leaf printing and shape turkeys are also fun options that encourage creativity while building fine motor skills. These simple projects let kids explore textures, colors, and the spirit of the season.
3. How do you make Thanksgiving fun for kids?
Make Thanksgiving fun by blending learning and play. Try storytime circles, simple games like Turkey Bowling, or sensory bins with corn and beans. Let children help decorate or set up a pretend feast to share with friends. Keep activities short, colorful, and interactive to keep their attention and excitement.
Final thoughts
Thanksgiving offers countless opportunities for preschoolers to learn about gratitude, kindness, and creativity through play. By blending crafts, games, and storytelling, teachers and parents can turn this festive season into meaningful moments of connection and joy. With these engaging Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers, the holiday becomes a warm and memorable celebration of thankfulness and togetherness.
