Games To Play at Thanksgiving: Unforgettable Family Fun and Laughter
Introduction
Hey there, readers! The Thanksgiving season is approaching, and it’s time to plan for a memorable gathering filled with laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences. What better way to connect with our loved ones than through some fun and engaging games? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a diverse range of “Games to Play at Thanksgiving” that will cater to all ages and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable celebration.
Traditional Games
Charades
Put your acting skills to the test with a classic game of Charades. Divide into teams and take turns acting out words or phrases while your teammates try to guess what they’re conveying. The team with the most correct guesses wins!
Pictionary
Let your artistic side shine through with a game of Pictionary. Using a whiteboard or large piece of paper, take turns drawing the word or phrase on a card and have your teammates guess what it is. The funniest and most creative drawings are sure to elicit laughter and memories that will last a lifetime.
Board Games
Monopoly
Immerse yourself in the world of real estate with a family-friendly game of Monopoly. Buy, sell, and trade properties while navigating the ups and downs of the market. The player who ends up with the most wealth and avoids bankruptcy wins the game.
Scrabble
Expand your vocabulary and test your word-building skills with a game of Scrabble. Arrange letter tiles to form words on a board, earning points for each letter used and the bonus squares they land on. The player with the highest-scoring word at the end of the game takes the crown.
Card Games
Uno
Engage in a fast-paced and unpredictable game of Uno. Match colors and numbers to get rid of your cards before your opponents, and don’t forget to shout “Uno!” when you’re down to your last card. The player who gets rid of all their cards first wins.
Go Fish
A timeless game of Go Fish is perfect for younger players. Ask your opponents if they have specific cards in their hand, and if they do, they must “give them up.” The player with the most pairs at the end of the game wins.
Table Breakdown: Popular Thanksgiving Games
| Game | Players | Time | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charades | 4+ | 30-60 minutes | Easy |
| Pictionary | 4+ | 60-90 minutes | Medium |
| Monopoly | 2-8 | 1-2 hours | Medium |
| Scrabble | 2-4 | 60-90 minutes | Medium |
| Uno | 2-10 | 30-60 minutes | Easy |
| Go Fish | 2-5 | 30-60 minutes | Easy |
Outdoor Games (Weather Permitting)
Touch Football
Enjoy a festive game of touch football in the backyard or nearby park. Divide into teams and run, pass, and catch the ball to score touchdowns. This active game is perfect for getting some exercise and working off that Thanksgiving feast.
Cornhole
Challenge your family and friends to a game of Cornhole. Toss beanbags towards a raised platform with a hole in it, aiming to land them on the board or in the hole for points. The first player or team to reach a predetermined score wins.
Wrapping Up
As you plan your Thanksgiving celebration, consider incorporating these fun and engaging games. They’ll foster laughter, create memories, and strengthen the bonds of family and friendship. If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration, be sure to check out our other articles on Thanksgiving recipes, decorating ideas, and family traditions.
Happy Thanksgiving!
FAQ about Games to Play at Thanksgiving
What are some classic Thanksgiving games?
- Charades: Act out words or phrases while your team guesses.
- Pictionary: Draw words or phrases while your team guesses.
- Cranberry Charades: Same as regular charades, but only using Thanksgiving-related words.
What are some games for small groups?
- 20 Questions: Take turns asking yes or no questions to guess what the other person is thinking of.
- Heads Up!: Write a word on someone’s forehead and give clues until they guess it.
- Taboo: Try to get your team to guess a word without using certain forbidden words.
What are some games for large groups?
- Thanksgiving Trivia: Test your guests’ knowledge about Thanksgiving history, traditions, and food.
- Musical Chairs: Play music and have players walk around chairs. When the music stops, they must find a chair to sit in.
- Pin the Tail on the Turkey: Draw a large turkey on a piece of paper and have players take turns trying to pin the tail on it.
Are there any games for kids?
- Thanksgiving Bingo: Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images and have kids mark off squares as they see them.
- Turkey Toss: Set up a target and have kids try to toss bean bags or soft balls into the target.
- Pumpkin Bowling: Use empty plastic bottles as pins and a pumpkin as a bowling ball.
What are some games that can be played outside?
- Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: Hide Thanksgiving-themed items around the yard and have players search for them.
- Football Toss: Set up two goalposts and have players try to toss a football through them.
- Cornhole: Throw bean bags onto a tilted wooden board with a hole in it.
What are some games that can be played indoors?
- Thanksgiving Word Search: Provide guests with a word search puzzle filled with Thanksgiving-themed words.
- Thanksgiving Pictionary: Divide players into teams and have them take turns drawing Thanksgiving-related words or phrases while their team guesses.
- Thanksgiving Charades: Same as regular charades, but only using Thanksgiving-related words or phrases.
What are some games that can be played with food?
- Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest: Have players race to eat a piece of pumpkin pie the fastest.
- Turkey Trot: Have players race to eat a turkey drumstick the fastest.
- Mashed Potato Sculpting Contest: Provide guests with mashed potatoes and have them create sculptures of Thanksgiving-themed objects.
What are some games for adults?
- Thanksgiving Trivia: Test guests’ knowledge about Thanksgiving history, traditions, and food.
- Turkey Bowling: Use empty beer cans or bottles as pins and a bowling ball.
- Thanksgiving Charades: Same as regular charades, but only using Thanksgiving-related words or phrases.
What are some games that can be played over Zoom?
- Virtual Thanksgiving Trivia: Use a video conferencing platform to host a trivia game about Thanksgiving.
- Virtual Pictionary: Use a virtual whiteboard or screen-sharing tool to play a game of Pictionary.
- Virtual Charades: Use a video conferencing platform to play a game of charades.