8 Simple Ways to Keep Toddlers Happy This Thanksgiving
I have started so many family traditions with my own family, but without fail when families get together with their kids and your kids, the energy and noise levels always just seem to skyrocket! Kids usually end up stuck inside with so much energy and excitement to burn off that it becomes stressful just trying to keep grandma’s glasses from breaking.
It is an undeniable fact that toddlers seem to have endless energy. You want them to use their creative energy instead of holding it in, because then you will end up with cranky little ones and low on patience yourself. Screen free toddler Thanksgiving activities are the absolute best way to go!
There are so many simple ideas out there, and most of them are completely free. You will actually find yourself enjoying your day and your kids will have memories to talk about for ages. Will it be peaceful and quiet? Most likely not with excited children racing around, but when all is said and done, you might even join in the fun yourself!
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High-Energy Movement Games
1. Shake Your Tailfeathers
We have all seen the hilarious videos where grandparents try this and everyone is dying of laughter! So why not get the whole family involved and let the toddlers jump, twist, wiggle and shake? All you need is an empty small box (tissue box) stuffed with, in this case, feathers.
How to Play: Tie the box around their waist with a belt or string and let loose. The goal is to be the first one to empty out your box of feathers.
2. Turkey Trot & Obstacle Course
Using painters’ tape indoors down a hallway or outside in the yard, map out a mini track. Have your toddlers navigate through active challenges like crawling through tunnels, jumping over pillows, and waddling like turkeys to the finish line.
There is so much you can do with this! It is definitely an activity I recommend adding to your rainy-day list, especially since painters’ tape is cheap, easy to find, and also easy to remove from the floor! It helps build your toddler’s motor skills, and it is something that even the adults may join in on!
3. Painter’s Tape Turkey Tracks
This is very similar to a turkey trot, except smaller and quicker! Take your painter’s tape and make a zig zag line, or even any shape, and play the “floor is lava.” They can only stay on the tape. You can also add variations like hopping on one foot or taking big turkey strides.
4. Balloon Keepy Uppy
Everyone has played this as a child and adult. It is one of those first things you always do as soon as a balloon is spotted. There are so many ways you can play it and enjoy yourselves. You can have one balloon or multiple and the idea is to not let the balloon touch the ground.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget you’ll need a balloon pump to save you your breath!
Safety Note: Uninflated or popped balloons are a choking hazard for toddlers.
5. Thanksgiving Themed Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are super easy to set up and honestly you can use them both indoors and outdoors. Adding a seasonal twist with a Thanksgiving theme makes it even more enjoyable and engaging for your toddler. Search for items like pine cones, red leaves, mini pumpkins or even hidden turkey pictures!
[Click here for Thanksgiving themed scavenger hunt ideas]
Sensory & Fine Motor Skills Booster
6. Cranberry & Ice Water Rescue
To minimize a water mess, lay a towel/bath mat on the floor first and then your container filled with ice, water and raw cranberries.
Give your child slotted spoons, tongs and cups to scoop and transfer the cranberries to a separate bin.
Safety Note: Raw cranberries can be a choking hazard, so always keep an eye on your toddlers in case they are wanting to snack on them.
7. Cardboard Box “Feather Pluck”
Turn a box upside down, or even a colander, and poke holes in the box to stick feathers in the holes. Set a timer and have them pluck as many feathers as they can and stick them in a container before the timer goes off. This is another fantastic fine motor exercise for practicing pinching and grasping skills.
Calming Activity
8. Coloring Pages/Placemats at the Table
After a full day of high energy activities like these, you can bring down the energy before dinner with a calming table color activity. Using a coloring page or coloring placemat that is Thanksgiving themed, give them a few crayons or washable markers and let them color away while dinner is being served.
