If you need a way to occupy your kids during Thanksgiving prep, at the table, or after dessert, these games are the way to go. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year where families and friends gather to feast and foster community and gratitude [1]. However, the plans for a cosy holiday at home can go haywire when you throw in a group of rambunctious kids running around the house looking for adventure. Which is why it's essential to prepare for children's entertainment during the holidays by stocking up on some engageing games to occupy kiddos with.
Whether it's during prep time, while feasting, or in the post-turkey stupor, the following games for kids will ensure a fun and stress-free holiday for children and adults alike.
You Bet-Cha!
You Bet-Cha! [2] ($30, originally $35) is the perfect trivia game for teens. Players compete to answer questions before the clock runs out, ensuring a fast-paced and exciting time at the table! Age 14+
Candy Land
The sweetest game around, Candy Land [3] ($13) is a beloved classic for good reason. The best board game for beginners, it is perfect for little ones who haven't yet begun reading — the colourful picture cards are all they need to get engrossed in the game. Age 3+
Snail Sprint!
Creep, crawl, and sprint to the finish line with Snail Sprint! [4] ($29). You'll race snails around the board — but won't know who wins until the grand finale! Age 5+
Banana Panda Peek-a-Boo Riddles
The Banana Panda Peek-a-Boo Riddles [5] ($10) are perfect for keeping preschoolers occupied with rhyming riddles and jokes! Plus the colourful pictures add a whimsical flair. Age 3+
The Game of Wolf
The Game of Wolf [6] ($25) can accommodate four to 12 players, as you strategize and play as a pack (or a lone wolf) to answer trivia questions! It's a good way to practice strategy with young minds. Age 14+
Ticket to Ride
If you haven't played Ticket to Ride [7] ($42) yet, you're missing out. This highly rated board game provides endless hours of fun and strategizing as you build railways across the country. Age 8+
Hand2mind Magnets!
Perfect for a no-mess good time, the Hand2mind Magnets! Kit [8] ($35) come with nine experiments and hours of STEM-focussed play. Age 8+
Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples [9] ($13, originally $15) is a fun game of crazy combinations that'll keep kids laughing while you lay out lunch. Age 12+
For the younger set, Apples to Apples Junior [10] ($12, originally $15) will provide the perfect distraction. Age 9+
Jenga
The beloved classic Jenga [11] ($7, originally $15) is guaranteed to bring the giggles as the tower gets higher. Age 6+
Our Moments
Our Moments Kids [12] ($19) is a great game to keep the conversation flowing and fun! Conversation-starter cards can be asked around the table, requiring no elaborate set-up. Age 6+
HedBanz
The silliness of HedBanz [13] ($12, originally $16) will have your family chuckling all through dessert as you take turns guessing each other's cards. Age 7+
Uno
Classic card game Uno [14] ($10) is ideal for holiday tables when you have a range of ages to entertain at the same time. Plus newbies can learn how to play in a matter of minutes. Age 7+
Kids Domino Set
This Kids Domino Set [15] ($30) is a colourful and fun addition to help entertain younger guests. With a variation of ways to play, this game is sure to keep kids glued to their seats while you finish the turkey. Age 3+
I Spy Memory Game
The I Spy Memory Game [16] ($10, originally $22) will keep your kids entertained as they search for answers to picture riddles. Age 4+
Guess Who?
Watch the intrigue and curiosity as kids try to figure out who the mystery character is in a classic game of Guess Who? [17] ($10, originally $13). Age 6+