Keep kids entertained before, during, and after your Thanksgiving feast with coloring pages, keepsake crafts, and fun games.
Do your kids like to collect leaves? Photocopy a few favorites (or use these pre-photocopied fall leaves), then cut them out and layer them with colorful tissue paper for a fun project that invites kids to experiment with color and explore composition. Use a piece of white chalk to trace leaf veins for more eye-catching contrast.
Photo: Barley and Birch
One surefire way to make the kids table the envy of the gathering: turn it into a big ol' coloring party. Perfect for before, during, or after dinner, a colorable paper tablecloth with cute Thanksgiving critters turns the table into a giant art canvas. Protect masterpieces from spills and splatters with woven placemats (get the kit here).
Photo: Lindi Haws
This Thanksgiving craft comes together in just 30 minutes and is easy for kids of all ages. Paint a tin can brown, then add facial features using felt and construction paper. Use glue to attach 10-15 ribbons in fall colors around the base of the can, plus a loop for hanging on the top of the can. Let dry, then it's hanging time!
Photo: Happiness is Homemade
Two materials -- a white ceramic pumpkin and copper washi tape -- ensure this simple project becomes a keeper craft. Plop a pumpkin down for a quick and cool place setting, or tuck it into a bookshelf for a hint of holiday decor.
Photo: Missy and Kristen
Square pieces of tissue paper, foam cutouts, googly eyes, and bits of ribbon turn a glass jar into an adorable turkey. Before sitting down for turkey dinner, let each family member jot thankful missives on colorful craft sticks, place them in the turkey jar, and then take turns sharing.
Let little ones reign over the kingdom this Thanksgiving with attire suited for royalty. Make a simple fall crown out of cardstock, or coat a purchased crown with a paint. Attach foam or faux fabric leaves with craft glue or a stapler.
Photo: Made Everyday
Dish up a slice of crafted pie before the real deal (relax, no appetites will be spoiled!). This cute serving is made out of a paper plate and squares of colored paper, with cotton balls for whipped topping. Prefer cherry or apple pie to pumpkin? Simply change out the orange paper for red or green! See more paper plate craft ideas here.
Photo: A Night Owl Blog
The beauty of this cute project is that no two turkeys will look alike. Paper cones covered with brown craft paint become adorably animated with the addition of a few colorful (and silly!) accessories. Display them in a grouping on a table or mantel when the kids finish crafting.
Photo: Becky James
Remember making sand art as a kid? It's just as fun (maybe more!) when the creations are worthy of a tabletop display. Layers of sand in harvest hues form the foundation of these displays. Use a funnel or sheet of paper to filter three colors of sand into a clear beverage glass before topping with pinecones, mini pumpkins, and leaves.
Photo: Design Improvised
The holiday season is the time to reflect on the blessings in life, and a thankful garland or tree is a visual reminder that friends and family can enjoy making together. Print this template for the design shown here, or make your own leaf cutouts to string up on a branch or dowel.
Photo: Classic Play
Evoke memories of picking apples at the orchard with tiny crafted apples that are almost cute enough to eat. You'll need red yarn, a small piece of cardboard to form the apple's shape, and a couple of pipe cleaners for the stem and leaf. In addition to its short list of supplies, it's also mess-free!
Photo: Make and Takes