A Brilliantly Easy Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Kids (Free Printable!)
Luci McQuitty HindmarshHow to Easily Set Up a Fun Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Kids
If you’re looking for a fun, screen-free way to keep kids happy this November, a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt is absolute gold. It’s brilliant in the run-up to the big day, perfect for cosy weekends, after-school afternoons, or anytime you want to get the kids out in the crisp autumn air.
And on Thanksgiving Day itself? It keeps little ones joyfully busy while you finish up in the kitchen.
To make it super easy, I’ve created a free printable Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt you can grab at the end of this post.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Your printed Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt sheets (grab it below)
- Pencils or pens for everyone
- Clipboards or hardcover book to lean on (optional but makes things easier)
- A bag or basket if you want kids to collect items rather than just spot them
- A fun fall space to explore, your home, garden, local park, or neighbourhood
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
1. Choose Where the Hunt Will Happen
This can be indoors, outdoors, or a bit of both.
- Indoors works brilliantly for chilly days, especially if you’ve decorated for fall.
- Outdoors is perfect for burning off that pre-holiday energy... think crunchy leaves, pumpkins on porches, and cosy fall vibes.
- Small space? Kids love a challenge, and scarcity makes the hunt even more exciting.
2. Decide Whether to Hide Items
The printable includes plenty of things kids naturally spot during fall and Thanksgiving, so you don’t have to hide anything. But if you want to dial up the fun, try:
- Tucking a mini pumpkin behind a cushion
- Hiding a pinecone on a bookshelf
- Popping a cornucopia or turkey sticker on a window
- Placing a leaf inside a coat pocket for a surprise discovery
3. Set the Rules
Kids love clear instructions, it makes the game feel official. Decide ahead of time:
- Is it a race or a relaxed “complete it at your own pace” hunt?
- Are they playing solo or in teams?
- Do they need to spot items or collect them?
4. Hand Out the Hunt Sheets
Once everyone has their sheet, give them a moment to look it over.
Your printable includes a second page where kids can draw each item as they find it, which is brilliant for creative kids and helps younger ones take part even if they’re not confident writers. It also makes a lovely keepsake.
Fun Ways to Make the Hunt Extra Special
- Let kids decorate the edges of their sheets with doodles, stickers, or autumn washi tape. Or simply use the drawing version of the kit.
- Add a tiny prize or treat for completing the hunt.
- Make it a family moment by pairing older siblings with younger ones.
- Turn it into a photo challenge for tweens and teens, snapping each item as they find it.
Tips for Mixed Ages
- Little ones: Shorten the list or let them team up with an adult or older child.
- Big kids: Add a time limit or bonus tasks like finding a red leaf or drawing the funniest turkey face.
- Teens: Ask them lead the hunt or judge the drawings.
Why a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Is Such a Winner
- It gets kids moving and exploring.
- It gives adults a bit of breathing room during the holiday rush.
- It adds a burst of fun to a family-focused day.
- It’s effortless to set up, especially if you use our free printable kit!
Grab Your Free Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Printable
Ready to get hunting? Download your free Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt below. It includes the main hunt sheet and the fun “draw each item” page.
Before you go, you might also like...
- Thanksgiving Family Game Night: Bringing Everyone Together
- Thanksgiving Family Fun: Games and Activities to Keep Everyone Entertained
- 5 Super Fun Easy To Prep Thanksgiving Party Games For Kids (Free Printable)
- Feast On Nostalgia: Every Friends Thanksgiving Episode To Watch (Plus Free Quiz PDF)
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