Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable for Families)
Print a free Thanksgiving scavenger hunt with 30 finds around the table, the house and the yard. It keeps children busy while dinner finishes and gives guests of every age something to chat about.
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The hunt list
All 30 items are ready above. Swap in a dish or a tradition that is special to your own table.
- A cloth napkin folded in a fancy shape
- A gravy boat
- Something orange on the table (2 pts)
- A serving spoon
- A place card with a name on it
- A pie, whole or in slices (2 pts)
- A candle on the table
- A bowl of cranberries or cranberry sauce
- Someone who is wearing a favorite sweater
- A guest who traveled the farthest (3 pts)
- A photo of someone from your family when they were young (2 pts)
- The oldest person at the party (2 pts)
- The youngest person at the party (2 pts)
- A pumpkin or a gourd
- A fall leaf from the yard
- A pine cone or an acorn
- A pair of shoes by the door that are not yours
- A dish that someone made from a family recipe (3 pts)
- A rolling pin or a mixing bowl
- Something that smells like cinnamon
- A window with steam on it
- A game or a deck of cards for after dinner
- A football on the TV or in the yard
- A thankful note written by you (3 pts)
- A thankful note written by someone else (3 pts)
- A person who is carving or slicing (2 pts)
- A tablecloth with a pattern
- A bird outside the window
- A cozy blanket
- Something you are thankful for that fits in your pocket (3 pts)
How to play on the holiday
The hour before the meal is often the hardest part of the day for children. A hunt turns that wait into a game, and it nudges shy relatives and cousins to talk to each other.
- Print one sheet per child, plus a few extras for guests who want to join in.
- Show the sheets about an hour before dinner and explain which rooms and the yard are open.
- Let players tick items as they spot them, and ask them to chat with people for the ones about guests and family.
- Call time when the food is ready and read a few finds aloud at the table.
- Give a small prize for the most thoughtful sheet, not only the fullest one.
Ways to change the game
- Gratitude round. Each player writes one thing they are thankful for on a slip of paper, and the finds about notes become a table activity.
- Teams of mixed ages. Pair a child with a grandparent or an aunt, so the grown-up can answer the family questions.
- Quiet version. Keep it to the table, and ask players to find the items without leaving their chairs while the food is served.
Tips for a calm gathering
Ask the cook before you start. Some kitchens are too busy for small visitors, so make that room off limits.
Use the shuffle option so cousins do not all race to the same item first.
Keep a few pencils in a mug by the door so nobody has to hunt for one.
This hunt is the second game in our guide to Thanksgiving games for the whole family, which plans the whole day from arrivals to pie.
A word on hot dishes and doors
Keep children away from the stove, hot platters and anyone carrying a heavy pan. Candles belong out of reach, and an adult should watch the yard if the weather is cold or wet.
Printing for a busy house
Two-column layout fits all 30 items on one page, and plain paper is fine. If you like, print on cream or light orange paper so the sheets look at home beside the table decorations. Make a few extra copies for visitors who arrive late.
FAQ
How long does a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt take?
About thirty to forty minutes for most children. Stop whenever dinner is ready, since an unfinished sheet is still a fun talking point.
Can adults and older relatives play too?
Yes. Many of the finds are about people and stories, so grown-ups are part of the game and often enjoy it as much as the kids.
What if we celebrate in an apartment with no yard?
Skip the outdoor items or ask a child to look from a window. You can also swap them for things on your own table.