Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get outside, burn off a little energy, and enjoy some family-friendly fun. While the turkey is roasting and pies are baking, outdoor games are a great way for kids and adults to connect, laugh, and make memories. From classic races to creative pumpkin challenges, these 19 outdoor Thanksgiving games are perfect for families of all ages.

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19 Outdoor Thanksgiving Games

Get everyone moving and laughing this Thanksgiving with these 19 fun outdoor games!

1. Turkey Trot Race

Host a short family fun run or walk around your yard or neighborhood before dinner. This festive activity gets everyone moving and working up an appetite for the feast. You can add turkey-themed bibs or fun decorations to make it even more playful for kids. You could even hand out little medals.

2. Pumpkin Relay

Set up a relay race where participants carry small pumpkins without dropping them. For an extra challenge, balance the pumpkin on a spoon or walk backwards to the finish line. This game encourages teamwork and gets kids laughing as they try to keep their pumpkins intact.

3. Cornhole or Bean Bag Toss

Bring out a Thanksgiving-themed cornhole set or decorate boards with fall designs. Players take turns tossing beanbags to score points, making it fun for all ages. It’s an easy backyard game that adds friendly competition to your holiday gathering.

4. Turkey Bowling

Use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball and empty water bottles decorated like turkeys as pins. Kids can take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down as many “turkeys” as possible. This simple DIY game is a hit for both toddlers and older children.

5. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Hide fall-themed items like acorns, mini pumpkins, or colorful leaves around the yard. Give kids a list or clues to find them all before dinner. This game encourages exploration, teamwork, and makes for a fun outdoor activity for all ages.

6. Pin the Feather on the Turkey

A Thanksgiving twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game. Blindfolded players try to stick a feather in the correct spot on a large turkey poster. It’s silly, festive, and perfect for keeping little ones entertained during a holiday party.

7. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Draw a large grid on the ground or table and use mini pumpkins or gourds as game pieces. Kids take turns placing their “pumpkin” in a square, aiming to get three in a row. This creative take on a classic game adds a fun fall theme to your gathering.

8. Sack Races

Classic potato sack races get a Thanksgiving twist when you race to a “harvest finish line.” Kids (and adults!) hop to victory in bags while cheering each other on. It’s a high-energy outdoor game that’s easy to set up and always leads to laughter.

9. Turkey Feather Toss

Set up a turkey-shaped target and have kids toss fake feathers or small beanbags into it. Award points for landing closest to the center or in designated areas. This game is simple, fun, and perfect for all skill levels.

10. Pumpkin Hunt

Hide small pumpkins or gourds around the yard for a fall-themed treasure hunt. Give kids baskets to collect as many as they can before the clock runs out. It’s a festive twist on an Easter egg hunt that works for all ages.

11. Obstacle Course

Create a backyard obstacle course with pumpkins, hay bales, cones, and other harvest props. Kids crawl, jump, and weave their way to the finish line, challenging balance and agility. You can time each player or make it a relay for extra excitement.

12. Thanksgiving Freeze Dance

Play festive music outside and have everyone dance until the music stops, then freeze in place. Add a harvest twist by suggesting turkey moves or fall poses for players to strike. It’s a fun way to get moving and laugh together as a family.

13. Leaf Pile Jump

A big pile of leaves is all you need for endless fun! Kids love jumping in and tossing leaves, while adults can join in for nostalgic entertainment. It’s simple, free, and creates memorable fall moments.

14. Gourd Roll Race

Give each participant a small pumpkin or gourd and a finish line to roll it to using their hands or sticks. The fastest gourd to cross the line wins! It’s a simple yet competitive game that encourages coordination and excitement.

15. Football Toss

A classic Thanksgiving activity that can be adjusted for all ages. Set up a safe throwing area for short-distance tosses, or have a mini target to aim at. Kids and adults alike can enjoy practicing their aim while building friendly competition.

16. Turkey Tag

A Thanksgiving-themed version of tag where one “turkey” tries to tag the other players. Once tagged, they become a turkey too, until everyone is caught. This active game is perfect for burning energy before dinner.

17. Minute to Win It Games

Set up short, fast-paced challenges using pumpkins, leaves, or candy corn. Kids compete to complete the task in under a minute, making it exciting and competitive. These quick games are perfect for party stations or keeping younger children engaged. Here are some great Thanksgiving minute to win it games. 

18. Turkey Leg Wrap

In this silly Thanksgiving game, players race to wrap someone up like a giant turkey leg! Using brown tissue paper, fabric, or streamers, one person spins around their partner until they’re completely “wrapped.” Add a touch of white paper at the bottom for the bone to complete the look! It’s a hilarious and creative group activity that’s perfect for family gatherings or kids’ parties.

19. Feather Race

Give each player a feather to balance on a spoon or blow across a table to the finish line. The first to get their feather to the end without dropping it wins. It’s a fun and simple fine-motor skill game suitable for all ages.

Play outside this Thanksgiving

Outdoor games are a great way to add laughter, movement, and connection to your Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether you try one game or all fifteen, these activities create lasting memories and keep everyone entertained while the meal is being prepared. With a little creativity, pumpkins, leaves, and a bit of competition, your family can make this Thanksgiving extra special and fun for all ages.