Thanksgiving scavenger hunt for kids – free printable!

Want to keep your kids laughing and having fun on Thanksgiving? Download our free printable Thanksgiving scavenger hunt for kids – and make the most of this holiday celebration!

Thanksgiving dinner is a big to-do. There is so much cooking and eating and togetherness, of course.

While it can be fun, it can also be boring for little kids.

After all, all of that cooking and eating and chatting means a lot of waiting around – especially if all they are going to eat is two bites of mac and cheese and a roll.

So, I like to have some games and activities on hand for the kids.

Today I am sharing a super easy and fun Thanksgiving game for kids – a scavenger hunt! I have a free printable and tons of tips for planning a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt!

Why do a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt?

Thanksgiving dinner can be long and boring for kids. Having a structured activity like a scavenger hunt will keep kids engaged and busy.

A scavenger hunt, unlike a coloring page, also encourages kids to get up and get moving. Plus, they are a great ice breaker for cousins or family friends who don’t see each other too often@

To make this as kid-friendly as possible, we’ve created a free printable visual scavenger hunt designed for Thanksgiving dinner.

The scavenger hunt is entirely visual, making it perfect for children who haven’t yet mastered reading but still want to play.

Thanksgiving scavenger hunt checklist

The easiest way to do a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt is with our free printable, but if you want to make your own, here are some ideas of what to add!

Nature

• Vibrant Fall Leaves in Red, Orange, or Yellow
• Pinecones of Various Sizes
• Acorns and Chestnuts
• Colorful Berries or Seed Pods
• Feathers from Birds
• Wildflowers or Dried Seeds
• Twigs or Branches with Unique Shapes

Food

• Pumpkin (Different Shapes, Sizes, or Colors)
• Corn Cob with Kernels Intact
• Colorful Gourds
• Apples or Pears
• Chestnuts or Walnuts
• Fresh Herbs like Rosemary or Sage
• Colorful Bell Peppers or Chili Peppers

Decor

• Hay Bales or Straw Bundles
• Cornstalks or Wheat Stalks
• Decorative Indian Corn
• Seasonal Wreaths or Garlands
• Candles in Fall Scents (Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice)
• Mini Pumpkins for Table Centerpieces
• Cloth Napkins or Table Runners in Autumn Colors

Animals and Wildlife

• Squirrel Gathering Acorns
• Birds (Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals)
• Wild Turkeys (or Turkey Feathers)
• Deer Prints or Tracks
• Rabbits
• Migratory Birds

Tips for a Memorable Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

• Team Up: Form teams with family and friends, promoting teamwork and friendship.
• Plan in Advance: This might be obvious, but be sure you have everything on hand that’s in the hunt. Unless you want to trick the kids!
• Gratitude Reflection: Take a moment after each find to express why you’re thankful for it, emphasizing gratitude in every discovery.
• Add a Photo Element: Consider having older kids take pictures or make a drawing of each item to make the hunt last longer.

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