Fun Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids

 Thanksgiving Traditions

Celebrate Thanksgiving and start a new tradition with your child. Start the day before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving and make simple recipes that have been handed down in your family. Teach your child thankfulness by making a gratitude list and display it for others to see. Have your child call relatives on Thanksgiving and wish them a happy holiday. Get your snow clothes on and head for the mountains to get a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas for Kids

Carved Pumpkin Centerpiece

If your child is younger, you’ll need to provide assistance for this project. You’ll need a medium size pumpkin, a leaf printout (large enough for the front of the pumpkin), carving utensils, 6-8 small pine cones and an orange or yellow ribbon.  You can most likely find a printout of a leaf on the Internet. Parents cut out the leaf and have your child trace it on the front of the pumpkin. Parents should carve the pumpkin and also cut and remove the top. Remove the inside of the pumpkin and save your seeds for roasting. Tie the ribbon around the stem. Place the pumpkin in the center of the table and place the pine cones around the pumpkin. Next, roast your seeds and place in a bowl next to your pumpkin for your guests to enjoy.

Tip: For a sweet snack, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over your pumpkin seeds and bake.

Mini Painted Pumpkins

You’ll need 4-6 mini pumpkins, paint (yellow, orange, green, dark orange or brown) and a paintbrush. Cover your table with newspaper to protect it from paint. Place different colors of paint on paper plates or other type of holder. Let your child paint the pumpkins. After drying, you can place them in the center of the table or you can place them in a large bowl and surround them with shelled nuts.

Pine Cone Basket

You’ll need a dozen pine cones, paint (yellow, orange, green, dark orange or brown), a paintbrush and a medium size basket. Cover your table with newspaper to protect it from paint. Have your child paint the pine cones using a paintbrush. For colorful designs, have your child use multiple colors for some of the pine cones. After drying, place in the basket. When ready, use as your centerpiece.

Place Holders Kids Can Make

Mini Pumpkin Place Holders

You’ll need a mini pumpkin for each guest, black or brown paint and a paintbrush. Cover your table to protect it from paint. Let your child paint each guest’s name on the pumpkin. If your child needs assistance spelling their names, write the names on a separate piece of paper for your child to copy. Let dry. When ready, use as place holders for your guests.