That familiar feeling of Thanksgiving dread can creep in right alongside the excitement. You’ve got the turkey, the pies, and the family all together… but you’re worried about those awkward silences or forced conversations between cousins who haven’t seen each other all year.
How do you get everyone—from your shy niece to your chatty grandpa—to actually connect and have fun without resorting to cringey party games? You just need a little inspiration to get the laughter rolling.
I’m here to share my favorite low-pressure, high-laughter Thanksgiving icebreaker games that will fill your home with connection and joy. These are the tried-and-true activities that create wonderful memories in my own family every year. Let’s make this Thanksgiving the most fun one yet! 🦃🧡✨
🛒 My Go-To Icebreaker Game Supplies
Printable Card Stock
Fine-Tip Markers
A Classic Jenga Game
Sticky Notes
A Big Bag of M&M’s
✨ Click each item to explore affordable options for your Thanksgiving fun!
My Top 3 Favorite Activity Ideas
- Easiest for Toddlers: The M&M’s Gratitude Game. It’s colorful, tasty, and so simple that even the littlest guests can join in on the fun.
- Most Meaningful: Thanksgiving A-to-Z Gratitude Game. This one requires zero prep and beautifully centers the conversation on what the holiday is all about.
- Most Fun for All Ages: Find Someone Who… (Thanksgiving Edition). This is my go-to for getting a large group of mixed ages to mingle and chat without any pressure.
1. Find Someone Who… (Thanksgiving Edition) 🦃
I absolutely love this game because it gives everyone a simple reason to walk up to someone new and start a conversation. It’s a structured way to get people mingling, and you always learn fun little facts about your family and friends. It’s a guaranteed way to break the ice!
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: All Ages
Image-1: A group of smiling guests of different ages chatting and holding printable game sheets.
2. Gratitude Mad Libs 🦃
This activity is a staple in my family’s Thanksgiving celebration every single year because the results are always hilarious. Hearing a serious-sounding speech about being thankful for “lumpy gravy” and “singing turkeys” gets everyone, from kids to grandparents, roaring with laughter.
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 5 mins (to print) | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: Kids, Teens, Adults
Image-2: A family laughing hysterically as one person reads from a completed Mad Libs printable.
3. Thanksgiving A-to-Z Gratitude Game 🦃
When you want a quick, easy, and meaningful activity, this is the one to choose. It requires no supplies at all and effortlessly shifts the focus back to gratitude. It’s so sweet to hear what everyone comes up with, especially the creative answers from the kids.
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 0 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: All Ages
Image-3: A family sitting in a circle, with a young child enthusiastically sharing their answer.
4. Two Truths and a Turkey Lie 🦃
This is such a fun twist on a classic icebreaker, and it’s perfect for after dinner when everyone is relaxing. You’ll be amazed by the funny and surprising Thanksgiving memories your loved ones share. It’s a fantastic conversation starter for teens and adults.
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 0 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: Teens, Adults
Image-4: A group of adults and teens looking thoughtful as they try to guess the “turkey lie.”
5. The M&M’s Gratitude Game 🦃
This is my secret weapon for including the little kids in our gratitude traditions. They love getting to pick out the candy, and it gives them a simple prompt to share what they’re thankful for. Plus, who doesn’t love a game that ends with a sweet treat?
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 2 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: All Ages
Image-5: A colorful pile of M&M’s in a bowl with a hand reaching in to take some.
💬 Quick Question!
Of the activity ideas we’ve covered so far, which one are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below!
6. Thanksgiving “Who Am I?” Game 🦃
Get ready for some serious giggles with this game! It’s so funny to watch your uncle ask questions to figure out he’s “Cranberry Sauce.” It’s a low-energy game that works perfectly while people are digesting that big Thanksgiving meal.
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: All Ages
Image-6: A guest with a sticky note on their back that says “Macy’s Day Parade,” asking another laughing guest a question.
7. Thanksgiving Pictionary Relay 🦃
If you think your family isn’t artistic, this game is even better! The fun comes from the wild guesses and the hilariously bad drawings. Making it a team relay removes the pressure of being in the spotlight and turns it into a collaborative blast.
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: Kids, Teens, Adults
Image-7: A funny, scribbled drawing of a turkey on a whiteboard with a team cheering in the background.
8. Guess the Spice 🦃
This is a unique and simple sensory game that connects everyone back to the delicious smells of the day. It’s a calm activity that guests can do at their own pace. You might even discover who has the best “nose” in the family!
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cost: $$ |
🎯 Best For: All Ages
Image-8: A neat row of small, unmarked jars filled with spices like cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.
9. Thanksgiving Conversation Jenga 🦃
I love this idea because it combines a classic game with wonderful conversation. The simple questions on the blocks help people share stories and opinions without any pressure. Just be sure to write the prompts on the blocks before your guests arrive!
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Medium (writing on blocks) | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cost: $$ |
🎯 Best For: All Ages
Image-9: A close-up shot of a hand carefully pulling a Jenga block with a question written on it.
10. Turkey Day Trivia 🦃
A little friendly competition is a great way to liven up the party. I find that creating teams makes trivia feel more inclusive and less like a test. You can find tons of fun Thanksgiving trivia questions online to create your list!
Activity Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cost: $ |
🎯 Best For: Teens, Adults
Image-10: Two family teams huddled together, excitedly whispering answers for a trivia question.
### From a Full Table to a Full Heart
The best part of Thanksgiving isn’t just the amazing food; it’s the laughter and connection we share with the people we love. These simple, low-pressure games are the perfect recipe for bringing everyone together, sparking joy, and creating beautiful new memories that will last long after the leftovers are gone. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and fun-filled Thanksgiving!
Which one of these games do you think your family would love the most? Share your top pick in the comments below
