Thanksgiving is a special occasion that brings families and friends together to celebrate and give thanks for their blessings. While the adults may enjoy catching up and enjoying a delicious meal, the kids might need some extra entertainment to keep them engaged and happy. That’s where the idea of Thanksgiving placemat activities comes in! These fun and creative placemat ideas provide the perfect way to keep the little ones busy and entertained during the meal. In this article, we’ve gathered 22 ideas for Thanksgiving placemat activities that are sure to delight kids of all ages.
1. Gratitude Tree
This activity encourages kids to reflect on what they are thankful for. Create a tree trunk out of brown construction paper and cut out leaf shapes from colorful paper. Ask each child to write down something that they’re grateful for on a leaf and then attach it to the tree using tape or glue. The result is a beautiful display of gratitude that can be displayed on the wall or table.
Learn More: CraftISH Corner
2. Cornucopia Cutouts
Cornucopia is a symbol of abundance, making it the perfect choice for Thanksgiving. Cut out various fruits and vegetables from colored paper and have the kids arrange them in a cornucopia shape. This activity can be used to teach children about healthy eating and the importance of being grateful for the food we have.
Learn More: A Little Pinch of Perfect
3. Handprint Turkeys
Trace each child’s hand on a piece of paper and have them color or paint the fingers to create the feathers of a turkey. Add a beak, eyes, and a wattle to the thumb and palm of the hand to complete the turkey’s face. This classic Thanksgiving craft is a fun way for kids to use their creativity and make personalized decorations.
Learn More: Its Me Teeti
4. Thankful Placemats
Print out placemats with the phrase “I am thankful for…” and have the kids fill in the blanks with their own answers. This activity can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be with the option to add coloring pages, puzzles, or other Thanksgiving-themed activities.
Learn More: Simply Kinder
5. Leaf Stamped Placemats
Use real leaves to create a stunning fall-themed placemat. Gather fallen leaves in various shapes and sizes, apply paint to the underside of each leaf, and press it onto a blank placemat to create a leaf print.
Learn More: Mom Tastic
6. Thanksgiving Bingo
Create a bingo game with Thanksgiving-themed images or words. This activity can be a fun way to engage the whole family in a game while also teaching children about the different symbols and traditions associated with Thanksgiving.
Learn More: Seeing Dandy
7. Personalized Name Placemats
Personalized name placemats add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table setting. These placemats can be customized with the names of your guests; making each person feel special and appreciated! You can create these placemats by using craft paper or cardstock and decorating them with markers, stickers, or even photos.
Learn More: Pretty Providence
8. Printable Word Searches
Print out Thanksgiving-themed word searches for your kids to complete while waiting for dinner to be served. This activity can help improve vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking skills while also keeping the kids entertained.
Learn More: Happiness Is Homemade
9. Scavenger Hunt Placemat
Create a scavenger hunt with Thanksgiving-themed items or symbols hidden throughout a placemat. This is a fun way to engage the kids in a game while also teaching them about the different aspects of Thanksgiving.
Learn More: Made With Happy
10. Leaf Rubbing Placemat
Collect leaves from outside and place them under a piece of paper. Your kiddos can then use crayons to rub over the piece of paper to imprint the leaf design. This activity can be used to teach children about the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.
Learn More: Hallmark Channel
11. Pilgrim Hat Placemat
The craft involves creating a paper pilgrim hat and gluing it onto a larger piece of paper to serve as a placemat. Children can then personalize their placemats by writing their names or drawing pictures around the hat. This activity not only keeps kids entertained but also adds a personalized touch to the Thanksgiving table setting.
Learn More: Family Fun Magazine
12. Thanksgiving Tic-Tac-Toe Placemat
Children can play this classic game on a placemat decorated with Thanksgiving-themed designs. They can use turkey and pumpkin markers to play the game.
Learn More: The Literacy Loft Shop
13. Handprint and Footprint Art
Children can create unique artwork by making prints of their hands and feet. The prints can be turned into turkeys, trees, and other Thanksgiving-themed designs and then attached to a placemat.
Learn More: Kids Activities Blog
14. Paper Plate Turkey Craft
Children can use paper plates to create a colorful and festive turkey that can be used as a placemat for smaller plates. What a sweet and unique table decoration! It’s a simple and easy craft that children of all ages can enjoy.
Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
15. Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Mad Libs are a fun and interactive way for children to learn about parts of speech. Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs can be printed or drawn by hand and attached to a placemat. Keep your kiddos entertained before they share a scrumptious meal!
Learn More: Modern Home Makers
16. Fingerprint Art Placemat
Children can use their fingerprints to create colorful artwork on a placemat. They can make turkeys, leaves, and other Thanksgiving-themed designs using paint or ink.
Learn More: All Kids Network
17. Thanksgiving Coloring Page Placemats
Coloring pages can keep children entertained while waiting for dinner. The coloring pages can be printed or drawn by hand, and the designs can be customized to the child’s age and interests.
Learn More: Handmade in the Heartland
18. Harvest Wreath Placemat
Create a stunning placemat using a wreath form and natural materials such as acorns, pinecones, and dried leaves. Glue the materials onto the wreath form, and add a ribbon to the back so it can be hung up after the meal.
Learn More: Whizz
19. Pumpkin Playdough Mats
Children can create pumpkin-themed artwork using play dough and a printed or drawn mat. The mats can be customized to the child’s age and ability and be used as a placemat after play.
Learn More: Printables Fairy
20. Art Placemat
This activity involves creating a personalized placemat using the child’s own artwork. Children can draw or paint on a sheet of paper which can then be laminated to create a durable placemat. This activity encourages creativity and allows children to express themselves through art.
Learn More: Awesome With Sprinkles
21. Thanksgiving Memory Game
Children can play a memory game on a placemat decorated with Thanksgiving-themed designs. What a fun and interactive way for children to pass the time while waiting for dinner!
Learn More: Speak-and-Play English
22. DIY Leaf Placemats
Children can create their own placemats using leaves and contact paper. They can arrange the leaves in a pattern between two pieces of contact; creating a unique and festive placemat. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and incorporate natural elements into the table setting.
Learn More: The Style Safari
Ignite Your Passions With 35 Unforgettable Bucket List Activities