Introduction:
Hey there, readers! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like most parents, you’re probably looking for some fun and festive activities to keep your little ones occupied. Well, look no further! We’ve got you covered with a whole slew of ideas that are perfect for toddlers.
From sensory play to arts and crafts, there’s something for every little turkey. So whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just want to keep your little pilgrim entertained, these activities are sure to do the trick.
Sensory Play Activities:
Turkey Sensory Bin:
Fill a large bin or tub with a variety of sensory materials, such as dried beans, rice, corn kernels, feathers, or even small toy turkeys. Let your toddler explore the different textures and colors as they dig and play.
Pumpkin Spice Playdough:
Get creative with this fun and festive playdough recipe! Combine flour, salt, water, and pumpkin pie spice to create a soft and aromatic dough that your toddler will love squishing and manipulating.
Arts and Crafts Activities:
Toddler-Friendly Thanksgiving Crafts:
Engage your toddler’s imagination with these easy and adorable crafts. Create turkey handprint art, decorate construction paper pumpkins, or make corn on the cob out of yellow and orange pipe cleaners.
Turkey Feather Sensory Bag:
Combine a variety of feathers, sequins, and glitter in a clear ziplock bag. Seal it up and let your toddler explore the different textures and colors as they move the bag around.
Music and Movement Activities:
Thanksgiving Rhythm Sticks:
Create your own rhythm sticks by decorating sticks or wooden spoons with paint, markers, or glitter. Let your toddler tap and shake the sticks to the beat of Thanksgiving music.
Turkey Dance Party:
Put on some Thanksgiving music and encourage your toddler to dance and move around like turkeys. They can flap their “wings,” gobble like turkeys, and even do a little “turkey trot.”
Educational Activities:
Thanksgiving Matching Game:
Create a set of cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed images, such as turkeys, pilgrims, pumpkins, and corn. Let your toddler match the cards together to develop their memory and matching skills.
The Great Corn Maze:
Draw a simple corn maze on a piece of paper or cardboard. Encourage your toddler to use their finger or a small toy to navigate through the maze. This activity helps with problem-solving and spatial awareness.
Activities for Older Toddlers:
Turkey Bowling:
Set up empty plastic bottles or small cardboard boxes as pins and use a small ball as a bowling ball. Let your toddler aim for the pins and try to knock them down.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt:
Hide Thanksgiving-themed objects around the house and give your toddler clues to find them. This activity encourages problem-solving, listening skills, and fine motor skills.
Table: Toddler Activities Thanksgiving
| Activity | Materials | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Sensory Bin | Dried beans, rice, corn kernels, feathers, toy turkeys | Sensory exploration, tactile stimulation |
| Pumpkin Spice Playdough | Flour, salt, water, pumpkin pie spice | Creativity, fine motor skills, sensory play |
| Turkey Handprint Art | Paper, paint or markers | Self-expression, creativity, hand-eye coordination |
| Turkey Feather Sensory Bag | Feathers, sequins, glitter, clear ziplock bag | Sensory exploration, visual stimulation |
| Thanksgiving Rhythm Sticks | Sticks or wooden spoons, paint, markers, glitter | Musical exploration, rhythm, coordination |
| Turkey Dance Party | Thanksgiving music | Gross motor skills, rhythm, imagination |
| Thanksgiving Matching Game | Cards with Thanksgiving-themed images | Memory, matching skills, vocabulary |
| The Great Corn Maze | Paper or cardboard, pen or marker | Problem-solving, spatial awareness |
| Turkey Bowling | Empty plastic bottles or cardboard boxes, small ball | Gross motor skills, coordination, problem-solving |
| Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt | Thanksgiving-themed objects, clues | Problem-solving, listening skills, fine motor skills |
Conclusion:
Well, there you have it, readers! A whole slew of fun and festive activities to keep your little pilgrim occupied this Thanksgiving. So whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just want to keep your little one entertained, these activities are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out our other articles for even more Thanksgiving-themed fun, including recipes, decorations, and more!
FAQ about Toddler Activities Thanksgiving
What are some simple Thanksgiving activities for toddlers?
Answer: Make handprint turkeys, decorate pumpkins, create festive sensory bins, or go for a nature walk to collect leaves and acorns.
How can I keep my toddler entertained at the Thanksgiving table?
Answer: Provide finger foods, offer crayons and paper for drawing, or set up a mini craft station with toddler-friendly activities.
What type of Thanksgiving food is appropriate for toddlers?
Answer: Avoid foods with added sugars or large pieces that pose a choking hazard. Stick to soft fruits, vegetables, and small pieces of turkey.
How can I make a Thanksgiving sensory bin for my toddler?
Answer: Fill a bin with autumn-themed items such as leaves, acorns, pumpkin seeds, and scented cinnamon sticks.
What are some easy Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers?
Answer: Handprint turkeys, leaf rubbings, construction paper pumpkins, or simple potato stamp prints.
How can I make pumpkin decorating fun for toddlers?
Answer: Use washable markers, paint, or stickers. Let them create their own unique pumpkin designs.
What are some Thanksgiving games for toddlers?
Answer: Pin the feather on the turkey, turkey bowling (use empty water bottles as pins), or a pumpkin beanbag toss.
How can I involve my toddler in Thanksgiving preparations?
Answer: Let them help measure ingredients, stir the batter, or set the table.
What are some Thanksgiving songs for toddlers?
Answer: “Over the River and Through the Wood,” “Little Turkey,” or “We Gather Together.”
How can I create a festive Thanksgiving atmosphere for my toddler?
Answer: Decorate with autumn colors, play Thanksgiving-themed music, and set up cozy spaces with blankets and pillows.