Thanksgiving Activities Beyond Football: Fun Ideas for Every Gathering

When you picture Thanksgiving, certain traditions come to mind: turkey, pie, and yes… football playing in the background while everyone lounges on the couch. But what if your family isn’t into football—or you just want to mix things up this year?

The good news is that there are plenty of Thanksgiving activities beyond football that can bring your family and friends together, spark laughter, and create new traditions. From outdoor fun to creative crafts, heartfelt gratitude rituals to hilarious games trending on social media, there’s no shortage of ways to make Thanksgiving memorable.

Let’s dig into the ultimate guide to Thanksgiving activities that will keep everyone entertained (and off their phones for at least a little while).

Why You Need Thanksgiving Activities Beyond Football

Football has been a Thanksgiving staple for decades, but let’s face it—it’s not for everyone. Having alternative activities:

• Keeps guests engaged while dinner is cooking.

• Brings generations together—from grandparents to toddlers.

• Creates new traditions you’ll look forward to year after year.

• Adds laughter and energy to what can sometimes feel like a sleepy, food-heavy holiday.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or an intimate Friendsgiving, the right activities can elevate the whole day.

Classic Non-Football Thanksgiving Traditions

Before we get to the funny, offbeat games, let’s start with some timeless Thanksgiving activities that always work:

1. Gratitude Jar

Set out slips of paper and pens. Throughout the day, have everyone write down something they’re thankful for and drop it in a jar. After dinner, take turns reading them aloud.

2. Thanksgiving Parade Watch Party

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is iconic—and it’s a festive alternative for those who’d rather watch floats and balloons than football.

3. Recipe Swap

Ask everyone to bring a favorite family recipe on a card, then swap them. It’s a lovely way to share traditions and keep culinary legacies alive.

4. After-Dinner Walk

Bundle up and take a family stroll after the big meal. It’s a good way to reset before dessert—and sneak in some movement.

Outdoor Thanksgiving Activities

If the weather allows, getting outside is one of the best ways to keep everyone moving and having fun.

5. Turkey Trot (Your Own Version)

You don’t have to sign up for a 5K—create a mini family race around the block or in the backyard. Hand out silly “prizes” (like leftover pie or a pilgrim hat).

6. Backyard Obstacle Course

Set up cones, ropes, and challenges. Have the kids race through while adults cheer (or join in).

7. Pumpkin Bowling

Line up empty soda bottles as pins, and use a small pumpkin as the ball. It’s goofy and surprisingly addictive.

8. Leaf Pile Contest

Who can rake the biggest leaf pile in five minutes? Bonus: the kids will jump in it afterward.

Indoor Thanksgiving Activities

When it’s too chilly to head outdoors, these indoor ideas keep the cozy vibe going.

9. Thanksgiving Bingo

Make cards filled with Thanksgiving-themed words (turkey, pie, cranberry, family, parade). Give small prizes like a mini candy bar.

10. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Hide notes with gratitude prompts around the house (“Find something that makes you laugh,” “Find something that smells like Thanksgiving”).

11. Pie Taste-Off

If your family brings multiple pies, turn dessert into a fun judging contest—score on crust, filling, and presentation.

Funny Thanksgiving Games That Go Viral

Now for the good stuff: laugh-out-loud games that take a little creativity, a few supplies, and a willingness to look silly. These are the activities people actually share on TikTok and Instagram—meaning your Thanksgiving could go viral too.

12. The Shoebox Feather Shake

The one you mentioned! Here’s how it works:

• Cut a hole in the end of a shoebox and attach it to a belt.

• Fill the box with craft feathers.

• Strap it to your waist (box behind you).

• Players shake, jump, and dance until all the feathers are out.

It’s ridiculous, it’s messy, and everyone will cry laughing.

13. Turkey Waddle Race

• Place a balloon (or small ball) between your knees.

• Waddle to the finish line without dropping it.

• For extra chaos, do it as a relay race.

14. Whipped Cream Pie Face Challenge

This one is perfect for TikTok-style videos.

• Place a dollop of whipped cream on a plate.

• With hands behind your back, try to eat it fastest.

• Expect whipped cream mustaches and plenty of laughs.

15. The Corn Kernel Chopstick Race

• Give each player a bowl of dried corn kernels (or candy corn).

• Using chopsticks, they must transfer as many as possible to another bowl in 1 minute.

16. Turkey Hat Ring Toss

• Craft a turkey hat with paper feathers (or buy a funny turkey hat online).

• Other players toss rings (plastic or rope) onto the feathers.

• Bonus: make the “turkey” gobble every time they get a ring.

17. Mashed Potato Pictionary

Yes, really.

• Instead of paper and pen, players “draw” words or objects using mashed potatoes on a plate.

• Teammates have to guess what it is.

Messy? Yes. Hilarious? Absolutely.

18. Pumpkin Roll Relay

• Each player has to roll a pumpkin across the floor with their nose.

• First to the finish line wins.

The bigger the pumpkin, the funnier.

19. The Gravy Boat Balance

• Fill small cups with water (aka “gravy”).

• Players must walk across the room balancing the “gravy boat” on a spoon.

• Spill? Start over!

20. The Cranberry Spoon Race

Classic egg-on-a-spoon race, but with cranberries. Easy, festive, and family-friendly.

21. Stuff the Turkey

• Place a large trash bag or pillowcase labeled “turkey” at one end of the room.

• Players race to “stuff” it with crumpled paper balls, socks, or balloons.

• Fastest turkey-stuffer wins.

Crafty & Creative Thanksgiving Activities

For those who prefer something calmer (and less messy), crafts are always a win:

22. Make a Thankful Tree

Cut branches from outside, place in a vase, and have guests hang paper leaves with gratitude notes.

23. DIY Turkey Headbands

Kids can decorate paper feathers, then wear them during dinner.

24. Pumpkin Decorating

Skip the carving knives—set out paint, markers, and stickers for a safer, creative option.

25. Family Recipe Scrapbook

Work on a holiday cookbook with contributions from everyone.

For the Little Ones

Kids get bored fast, so a few activities just for them can make the day smoother.

26. Turkey Hunt

Hide paper turkeys around the house (like an Easter egg hunt).

27. Coloring Station

Print free Thanksgiving coloring pages. Add crayons, stickers, and stampers.

28. Build a Turkey Snack

Set out fruit, veggies, or crackers, and let kids build their own “turkey plate.”

For the Adults

Of course, adults deserve some fun too—here are Thanksgiving-friendly activities with a grown-up twist.

29. Thanksgiving Trivia

Make it competitive: teams answer questions about the holiday, food, and history.

30. Wine or Cider Tasting

Set up a flight of seasonal drinks. Everyone votes for their favorite.

31. “Truth or Turkey”

Like Truth or Dare, but with Thanksgiving themes. Example: “Tell us your most embarrassing holiday cooking fail.”

Virtual Thanksgiving Activities

For families celebrating apart, you can still have fun beyond football.

32. Virtual Cook-Along

Hop on Zoom and cook the same side dish together.

33. Online Gratitude Slideshow

Have everyone send a photo of what they’re thankful for. Compile into a slideshow and watch together.

34. Thanksgiving Karaoke

Yes—there are Thanksgiving playlists. Queue them up and sing via video call.

Making New Traditions

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about football (unless you want it to be). By adding a mix of silly, heartfelt, active, and creative activities, you can create a holiday that everyone remembers.

Whether your family loves laugh-out-loud viral games like the shoebox feather shake, cozy gratitude rituals, or outdoor fun, the key is connection. These activities spark conversation, bring on the belly laughs, and create stories you’ll be retelling long after the leftovers are gone.

This year, set the remote aside, grab the craft feathers, and get ready for a Thanksgiving full of fun beyond football.