Holiday Magic for Little Ones: Easy Thanksgiving Tips for Keeping Kids Entertained
Because the holidays should feel joyful — not chaotic!
Thanksgiving is such a special time — family, food, laughter, and cozy moments all wrapped into one big, beautiful day. But if you’ve ever hosted (or visited someone else’s home) while trying to keep little ones happy and occupied, you know it can sometimes feel like a juggling act with pie crusts.
Between the cooking, cleaning, and guests coming in and out, it’s easy for the excitement (and noise!) to take over.
At Giggle & Glow Party Co., we believe that the holidays should be magical for everyone — including you. That’s why we’ve gathered our favorite easy, low-prep ways to keep kids entertained during Thanksgiving and throughout the busy holiday season.
Create a “Kids’ Table That Shines”
Turn the kids’ table into its own celebration zone!
Instead of fighting the fidgets, make it fun with easy, mess-free activities.
Setup ideas:
Cover the table with kraft paper or butcher paper and scatter crayons — instant coloring tablecloth! One of my best friends did this when we came to visit and it was such a huge hit with the kiddos and an easy way to keep them entertained.
Add printable placemats like our Free Giggle & Glow Thanksgiving Coloring Placemat — a festive, colorable design with spots for kids to draw, play games, and write what they’re thankful for.
Use paper cups, plastic utensils, and themed napkins to make cleanup a breeze.
Download the Free Thanksgiving Coloring Placemat Here!
Keep Little Hands Busy with Simple Crafts
Crafts are the secret weapon of any busy holiday. They give kids something creative to do and keep them happily occupied while adults prep or chat.
Easy craft ideas:
Paper Plate Turkeys: Glue feathers, construction paper, and googly eyes — simple and adorable!
Thankful Tree: Cut out paper leaves ahead of time and have kids write (or draw) what they’re thankful for. Hang them on branches or string them into a garland.
DIY Place Cards: Let kids make name tags for the table using stickers, markers, or leaves.
These Thanksgiving sticker sets are a huge hit in our house!
Pro Tip: Set up a mini “craft corner” in a quiet part of the house — less mess in the kitchen and a fun place for kids to create.
Get Moving Before the Meal
Long dinners can be tough for kids who have lots of energy (and let’s be honest — for adults, too!). Getting some movement in before sitting down to eat helps kids feel calmer, more focused, and ready to enjoy the meal. Getting movement in before Thanksgiving dinner has always been such a big help for my kiddos.
Ideas for outdoor fun:
Bring a football, soccer ball, or frisbee to toss around before dinner.
Play a quick family game of tag or capture the flag.
Take a “Turkey Walk” around the neighborhood with cousins or grandparents.
Set up a backyard “Kids vs. Grown-Ups” toss challenge using beanbags or small balls. Cornhole anyone?
Giggle & Glow Tip: Pack a lightweight ball or two in your trunk before heading to Thanksgiving dinner. Even 15 minutes outside makes a world of difference — and it gives you a few peaceful minutes once everyone comes back in!
Plan a Thanksgiving Movie Break
Once the meal is over (or while it’s cooking!), give everyone a little downtime with a movie.
Family favorites:
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Free Birds
The Grinch (classic or animated) — perfect for that post-turkey transition into Christmas magic!
Bonus: Create a small “movie snack bar” with popcorn, fruit snacks, and mini juice boxes. You can even make it extra cozy with your Giggle & Glow Teepee Rentals — perfect for cousins or siblings to curl up inside for their own movie moment.
Encourage Quiet, Independent Play Moments
Kids often need a little break from the noise, too!
Keep a few low-key options on hand:
A bin of Legos or magnetic tiles
Puzzles
Coloring books or activity sheets
Sticker pads
New! Giggle & Glow Thanksgiving Activity Book for Kids
Our brand-new printable Thanksgiving Activity Book is full of colorable fun — mazes, word searches, matching games, and doodle pages — all themed around gratitude and family.
Perfect for travel days, dinner downtime, or keeping little ones busy while the turkey’s roasting!
Grab the Giggle & Glow Thanksgiving Activity Book Here!
Giggle & Glow Tip: Print a few pages from the activity book and tuck them into your purse or “Holiday Fun Kit” — perfect for keeping kids happy anywhere!
What to Bring When Visiting a Not-So-Kid-Friendly House
We’ve all been there — visiting a relative whose beautiful home feels more like a museum than a playground. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way! Pack a small “Kid Kit” with easy, quiet activities that won’t make a mess or take up too much space.
Your Thanksgiving Kid Kit Essentials:
Coloring Pages + Crayons: Bring our Giggle & Glow Thanksgiving Placemat or pages from the Thanksgiving Activity Book.
Mini Puzzle or Magnetic Game: Compact and perfect for a table or floor space.
Comfort Toy or Small Stuffed Animal: Keeps little ones grounded in new spaces.
Picture Books or Activity Books: Great for downtime before or after dinner.
Tablet with Headphones: Perfect backup plan for long visits — preload a movie or game.
Snack Pack: A small bag of crackers, fruit snacks, or popcorn helps tide them over if dinner runs late.
Reusable Water Bottle: Avoid spills and multiple trips to the kitchen.
Giggle & Glow Tip: Pack it all in a small tote or backpack labeled “Holiday Fun.” Pulling out their special bag makes kids feel prepared — and gives you one less thing to worry about!
Make Them Part of the Celebration
Kids love to help — especially when they feel included in the grown-up fun. Give them simple “jobs” like:
Setting napkins or place cards
Carrying rolls or butter to the table
Stirring mashed potatoes (with supervision!)
Greeting guests at the door
Bonus Idea: Have each child announce something they’re thankful for before dessert — it’s adorable and heartwarming every time.
Prep a Sweet Surprise
After dinner, surprise the kids with a mini “treat station” or Thanksgiving goodie bag.
Fill them with:
Mini cookies or brownie bites
Stickers or crayons
A small coloring page roll
A “Thankful for You” tag
It’s a simple gesture that makes kids feel special — and buys you a few quiet moments for cleanup or coffee.
Keep Perspective (and Pace Yourself)
Remember — the holidays are supposed to be fun, not flawless.
It’s okay if the table isn’t picture-perfect or the turkey isn’t Instagram-ready. What your kids will remember is the laughter, the warmth, and the way your home felt. And when things start to feel a little hectic, take a deep breath. Step away for a moment. Have a cup of cocoa or coffee and remember the magic isn’t in picture perfect details but the connection you have with those you love.
Because the best kind of holiday magic is the kind that leaves everyone smiling — you included.
Grab Your Free Giggle & Glow Printables!
Need quick, calm, and creative activities for Thanksgiving week?
We’ve got you covered with festive, free printables to keep your little ones happy and entertained.
Download the Free Thanksgiving Coloring Placemat Here — perfect for the kids’ table or travel days!
Grab the Giggle & Glow Thanksgiving Activity Book — full of colorable pages, puzzles, and fun themed games!
Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, classroom parties, or travel days!
Need Help Planning Your Holiday Celebrations?
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning a Christmas party, or just trying to keep things joyful (and sane!) this season, we can help.
Book a Giggle & Glow Celebration Consultation and let us help you plan:
A stress-free party timeline
Kid-friendly décor and food ideas
Ways to make your holidays sparkle without the chaos
Book Your Holiday Consultation Here
Because with a little planning — and a touch of glow — the holidays can be pure magic.
