Thanksgiving Day Activities for Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Hello, Readers!
Thanksgiving is a special time for families to come together and celebrate. And while it’s a holiday that’s often associated with adults, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities that you can do with your little ones to make it a memorable day for them too.
In this article, we’ll share our top Thanksgiving Day activities for toddlers. From sensory play to arts and crafts, we’ve got something for every little one to enjoy. So gather your family, put on some music, and get ready to create some Thanksgiving memories that will last a lifetime.
Sensory Play: Engaging Their Senses
1. Thanksgiving Sensory Bin:
Fill a large bin with a variety of autumn-themed items, such as leaves, acorns, mini pumpkins, and corn kernels. Let your toddler explore the bin and use their senses to discover different textures, shapes, and colors.
2. Turkey Feather Sensory Bag:
Cut out a turkey shape from a piece of felt and glue it to a plastic bag. Fill the bag with feathers and seal it closed. Let your toddler squeeze and play with the bag to experience the different textures and hear the feathers crinkle.
Arts and Crafts: Creative Expression
1. Thankful Turkey Handprints:
Dip your toddler’s hand in paint and have them make handprints on a piece of paper. When the paint is dry, add a beak, eyes, and feathers to create a thankful turkey.
2. Pilgrim Hat Headband:
Cut a strip of black construction paper and glue it around your toddler’s head to form a headband. Add a buckle or feather to the front for a festive touch.
Music and Movement: Getting Their Giggles
1. Thanksgiving Sing-Along:
Gather your family around and sing some Thanksgiving-themed songs together. “Over the River and Through the Woods” and “We Gather Together” are always crowd-pleasers.
2. Turkey Dance Party:
Put on some upbeat music and have your toddler dance around like a silly turkey. Encourage them to flap their “wings” and gobble like a turkey.
Thanksgiving Day Activities for Toddlers Table Breakdown
| Activity | Age Range | Materials | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Sensory Bin | 1-3 years old | Bin, autumn-themed items | Sensory exploration, fine motor skills |
| Turkey Feather Sensory Bag | 1-2 years old | Plastic bag, feathers | Tactile exploration, auditory stimulation |
| Thankful Turkey Handprints | 1-3 years old | Paper, paint, glue | Creative expression, fine motor skills |
| Pilgrim Hat Headband | 2-4 years old | Construction paper, glue, buckle or feather | Dramatic play, creativity |
| Thanksgiving Sing-Along | 1-4 years old | Music, lyrics | Language development, social bonding |
| Turkey Dance Party | 1-3 years old | Music | Gross motor skills, rhythm coordination |
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some fun and engaging ideas for Thanksgiving Day activities for toddlers. Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your little ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.
For more Thanksgiving-themed ideas, check out our other articles on:
- Thanksgiving Decorations for Toddlers
- Thanksgiving Recipes for Toddlers
- Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers
FAQ about Thanksgiving Day Activities For Toddlers
1. What are some simple Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers?
- Handprint turkeys: Have toddlers trace and cut out their handprints on construction paper. Then, add feathers, eyes, and a beak to create a turkey.
- Leaf people: Collect leaves and have toddlers glue them to paper to create people. They can add features like eyes, noses, and mouths.
2. What are some fun games to play with toddlers on Thanksgiving?
- Pumpkin bowling: Line up empty plastic bottles and have toddlers knock them down with a small pumpkin.
- Thanksgiving sensory bin: Fill a bin with Thanksgiving-themed items like corn kernels, pumpkin seeds, or dried beans. Let toddlers explore and play.
3. What are some easy Thanksgiving songs for toddlers?
- Five Little Turkeys: Five little turkeys, sitting in a row…
- The Itsy Bitsy Spider: The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout… (change “spout” to “turkey”)
- Over the River and Through the Woods: Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go…
4. What are some Thanksgiving-themed snacks for toddlers?
- Fruit and veggie platters: Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pumpkin puree: Spread pumpkin puree on slices of bread or toast.
- Apple slices with peanut butter: Dip apple slices into peanut butter for a sweet and easy treat.
5. What are some ways to engage toddlers during the Thanksgiving meal?
- Let them help set the table: Toddlers can help set out plates, napkins, and utensils.
- Give them their own age-appropriate plates: This will help them feel included and independent.
- Talk to them about the holiday: Explain the meaning of Thanksgiving and the importance of giving thanks.
6. What are some tips for keeping toddlers safe during Thanksgiving?
- Supervise them closely: Keep toddlers away from hot food, sharp objects, and other potential hazards.
- Use a high chair: Secure toddlers in a high chair during meals to prevent them from falling or reaching for dangerous items.
- Have a designated play area: Create a safe and fun play area where toddlers can play and interact with others.
7. What are some Thanksgiving traditions that toddlers can participate in?
- Going for a walk with family: Take a walk after dinner to enjoy the fresh air and burn off some energy.
- Playing Thanksgiving games: Engage toddlers in age-appropriate games like pumpkin bowling or Turkey Toss.
- Singing Thanksgiving songs: Sing Thanksgiving songs to spread joy and create memories.
8. What are some ways to teach toddlers about gratitude on Thanksgiving?
- Talk about what they’re thankful for: Ask toddlers to share what they’re thankful for, both big and small.
- Make gratitude cards: Have toddlers create cards to express their thanks to family, friends, or anyone special to them.
- Read Thanksgiving stories: Read stories about the importance of gratitude and being thankful for what we have.
9. What are some ways to entertain toddlers on Thanksgiving if there are no other children around?
- Set up a sensory bin: Fill a bin with Thanksgiving-themed items like leaves, acorns, or autumn-colored beans.
- Read books and sing songs: Engage toddlers in interactive book readings and sing-alongs.
- Play dress-up: Provide costumes and let toddlers dress up as their favorite characters or animals.
10. How can I make Thanksgiving special for my toddler even though they may not fully understand the holiday?
- Create a festive atmosphere: Decorate with Thanksgiving-themed decorations and play Thanksgiving music.
- Focus on spending quality time together: Engage toddlers in fun activities and conversations throughout the day.
- Make it a memorable experience: Capture special moments by taking pictures and creating a scrapbook or memory box for the future.