Discover fun and easy family turkey project ideas for Thanksgiving! Try simple crafts, “Thankful Turkey” activities, and more to bring everyone together for the holiday.
Looking for fun ways to get your family into the Thanksgiving spirit? A family turkey project can be a fantastic way to bond, spark creativity, and share what you’re thankful for—all while making festive decorations!
From crafting colorful paper turkeys with feathers full of family blessings to decorating a “Disguise a Turkey” where each family member adds a unique touch, these activities bring everyone together.
Whether you’re looking for easy crafts, fun games, or meaningful keepsakes, these turkey projects are sure to make this Thanksgiving memorable and fun for all ages. Let’s dive into some simple, budget-friendly ideas to celebrate together!
Family Turkey Project Ideas PDF
What does disguise a turkey mean?
Disguise a turkey” is a fun Thanksgiving activity where you decorate a paper turkey to make it look like something else, so it can “hide” from being eaten. You can give it costumes, hats, or even make it look like an animal or character. It’s a simple and fun way to be creative for Thanksgiving!
Why Turkey Projects Are Great for Families?
Turkey projects are a fun and easy way for families to spend time together. Here’s why they’re great for Thanksgiving:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brings Families Together | Everyone can join in, no matter their age. |
| Encourages Creativity | Decorating and making turkeys lets everyone be creative. |
| Teaches Thankfulness | Projects like “Thankful Turkeys” help everyone think about what they’re grateful for. |
| Makes Memories | Working on turkey projects creates fun memories for the whole family. |
| Easy to Do | Most turkey projects use simple supplies and are easy to set up. |
Turkey projects make Thanksgiving more fun and meaningful for everyone!
Materials Needed for Family Turkey Project Ideas
Here are some basic materials you’ll need for family turkey projects:
| Supply | Description |
|---|---|
| Construction Paper | For making colorful feathers, turkey bodies, and decorations. |
| Googly Eyes | To add a fun look to your turkey crafts. |
| Glue and Tape | For sticking parts together and making sure everything holds. |
| Markers and Crayons | To draw and color feathers, faces, and designs. |
| Scissors | For cutting out shapes like feathers and beaks (adult help suggested!). |
| Paper Plates | Perfect for making turkey faces and bodies. |
| Craft Feathers | Adds texture and fun to your turkeys. |
| Buttons, Pom-Poms, and Decorations | For extra decoration and personality. |
These simple supplies will help you create fun, memorable turkey projects for Thanksgiving!
Family turkey project ideas for school
Here are some of the best family turkey project ideas for school:
Thanksgiving Art and Craft Projects
Turkey Handprint Art
Materials: Paper, markers, paints.
Steps:
- Trace your hand on paper.
- Color it as a turkey.
Fun Twist: Add feathers using colored paper.
Pumpkin Stamps
Materials: Orange paint, potatoes, knife.
Steps:
- Cut a potato into a stamp shape.
- Dip in paint and stamp onto paper.
Fun Twist: Try stamping different shapes.
Paper Plate Turkeys
Materials: Paper plate, feathers, glue, markers.
Steps:
- Color the paper plate.
- Glue feathers to the back to make a turkey.
Fun Twist: Add a beak and eyes with markers.
Fall Leaf Wreath
Materials: Fake leaves, wreath base, glue.
Steps:
- Glue leaves around the wreath.
- Let dry and hang.
Fun Twist: Add small pumpkins to the wreath.
Candle Holders
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, glue, paint.
Steps:
- Paint the toilet rolls.
- Glue them in a circle.
Fun Twist: Decorate with stickers.
Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Materials: Plain tablecloth, fabric markers.
Steps:
- Draw pictures and designs on the cloth.
- Let dry before using.
Fun Twist: Write guest names on it.
Autumn Leaves Lantern
Materials: Jar, leaves, glue, small candle.
Steps:
- Glue leaves around a jar.
- Place a candle inside.
Fun Twist: Use colored leaves for a glow.
Pumpkin Flower Pot
Materials: Small pumpkin, small plant.
Steps:
- Hollow out the pumpkin.
- Place a small plant inside.
Fun Twist: Paint the pumpkin first.
Thanksgiving Placemat
Materials: Construction paper, crayons.
Steps:
- Draw fall pictures on paper.
- Add color with crayons.
Fun Twist: Laminate for use at dinner.
Fall Mason Jars
Materials: Mason jars, paint, twine.
Steps:
- Paint jars with fall colors.
- Wrap twine around the neck.
Fun Twist: Fill with dried leaves.
Thanksgiving Science Projects
Floating Apple Experiment
Materials: Apple, water.
Steps:
- Place apple in water and see if it floats.
Fun Twist: Try with different fruits.
Pumpkin Volcano
Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, pumpkin.
Steps:
- Carve out a pumpkin.
- Add baking soda and vinegar for an eruption.
Fun Twist: Add food coloring to the eruption.
DIY Slime
Materials: Glue, baking soda, contact solution.
Steps:
- Mix glue, baking soda, and contact solution.
- Stir until slime forms.
Fun Twist: Add glitter for sparkle.
Apple Density Test
Materials: Apple, water, salt.
Steps:
- Add salt to water.
- Place apple in the solution to see if it floats.
Fun Twist: Test with different fruits.
Pumpkin Sink or Float
Materials: Small pumpkin, water.
Steps:
- Drop pumpkins into water and observe.
Fun Twist: Try with other types of pumpkins.
Static Electricity Dance
Materials: Balloon, tissue paper.
Steps:
- Rub the balloon on your head.
- Hold it near tissue paper to make it move.
Fun Twist: Try different materials.
Crystal Growing Pumpkin
Materials: Epsom salt, water, pumpkin.
Steps:
- Dissolve salt in water.
- Soak a small pumpkin in the solution to grow crystals.
Fun Twist: Add food coloring.
Pumpkin Seed Sprouting
Materials: Pumpkin seeds, paper towels, water.
Steps:
- Wet a paper towel and wrap seeds.
- Watch seeds sprout over time.
Fun Twist: Compare sprouting times.
Cranberry Bounce Test
Materials: Cranberries, hard surface.
Steps:
- Drop cranberries from different heights.
- Observe how they bounce.
Fun Twist: Try different fruits.
Magnetic Turkey
Materials: Magnet, paper, scissors.
Steps:
- Cut a turkey shape and attach a magnet.
- See how it moves near other magnets.
Fun Twist: Create a turkey family.
Thanksgiving Community Service Ideas
Food Drive
Materials: Donation box.
Steps:
- Collect non-perishable food items.
- Donate them to a food bank.
Fun Twist: Add a note with the donation.
Thanksgiving Cards for Seniors
Materials: Paper, markers, stickers.
Steps:
- Create Thanksgiving cards.
- Deliver them to senior citizens.
Fun Twist: Write a note of thanks inside.
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Materials: None.
Steps:
- Help serve meals to those in need.
Fun Twist: Share a meal with someone you help.
Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving
Materials: None.
Steps:
- Find a family in need.
- Provide them with a full Thanksgiving meal.
Fun Twist: Include a handwritten card.
Donate Clothing
Materials: Gently used clothes.
Steps:
- Gather clothes you no longer need.
- Donate them to shelters.
Fun Twist: Organize a clothing exchange.
Create Care Packages
Materials: Food, toiletries.
Steps:
- Pack care packages.
- Deliver them to people in need.
Fun Twist: Add a small Thanksgiving treat.
Thanksgiving Food for Animals
Materials: Pet food.
Steps:
- Donate pet food to shelters.
Fun Twist: Add a homemade toy.
Visit a Hospital
Materials: Small gifts.
Steps:
- Visit a hospital with gifts for patients.
- Share Thanksgiving cheer with them.
Fun Twist: Sing a song for patients.
Organize a Thanksgiving Parade
Materials: Decorations, costumes.
Steps:
- Plan a local parade.
- Invite people to join.
Fun Twist: Add a float with thankfulness messages.
Host a Charity Bake Sale
Materials: Baked goods.
Steps:
- Bake treats and sell them.
- Donate the money to charity.
Fun Twist: Offer a free treat to donors.
Thanksgiving Party Ideas
Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
Materials: Movies, snacks.
Steps:
- Pick Thanksgiving-themed movies.
- Enjoy snacks while watching.
Fun Twist: Add themed snacks during breaks.
Thanksgiving Karaoke
Materials: Karaoke machine.
Steps:
- Set up a karaoke station.
- Sing Thanksgiving songs.
Fun Twist: Have a turkey song contest.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Materials: Pumpkins, paint, decorations.
Steps:
- Decorate pumpkins with paint.
- Vote on the best designs.
Fun Twist: Give out small prizes.
Thanksgiving Potluck
Materials: Food, serving dishes.
Steps:
- Invite people to bring their favorite dishes.
- Enjoy a shared meal together.
Fun Twist: Have a dish contest.
Turkey Costume Contest
Materials: Costume supplies.
Steps:
- Encourage guests to come in turkey outfits.
- Vote for the best turkey costume.
Fun Twist: Add a runway for fun.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Materials: Bingo cards, prizes.
Steps:
- Use Thanksgiving-themed Bingo cards.
- Play and give prizes for winners.
Fun Twist: Use Thanksgiving-themed prizes.
Pie-Eating Contest
Materials: Pies, napkins.
Steps:
- Hold a pie-eating contest.
- Enjoy the competition!
Fun Twist: Add whipped cream to the pies.
Turkey Bowling
Materials: Plastic bottles, ball.
Steps:
- Set up a bowling game with turkey-themed pins.
- Roll the ball to knock them down.
Fun Twist: Have prizes for highest score.
Thanksgiving Relay Races
Materials: Relay race supplies.
Steps:
- Set up a Thanksgiving-themed race.
- Include fun obstacles like “pumpkin” carrying.
Fun Twist: Teams wear turkey hats.
Craft a Thankful Tree
Materials: Paper, pen, tree branches.
Steps:
- Cut paper leaves and write what you’re thankful for.
- Hang them on tree branches.
Fun Twist: Have a thankful moment during dinner.
Thanksgiving Cooking Projects
Pumpkin Pie
Materials: Pumpkin, pie crust, sugar, spices.
Steps:
- Mix pie filling and pour into the crust.
- Bake until set.
Fun Twist: Add whipped cream.
Cinnamon Apples
Materials: Apples, cinnamon, sugar.
Steps:
- Slice apples and coat with cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake until soft.
Fun Twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Turkey Cupcakes
Materials: Cupcakes, frosting, candy eyes.
Steps:
- Frost cupcakes like a turkey.
- Add candy eyes and feathers.
Fun Twist: Make mini turkey cupcakes.
Mashed Potatoes
Materials: Potatoes, butter, cream.
Steps:
- Mash potatoes with butter and cream.
- Season to taste.
Fun Twist: Top with cheese.
Cranberry Sauce
Materials: Cranberries, sugar, water.
Steps:
- Boil cranberries with sugar and water.
- Let it thicken.
Fun Twist: Add orange zest.
Stuffing
Materials: Bread, stock, herbs.
Steps:
- Toast bread and mix with stock and herbs.
- Bake until crispy.
Fun Twist: Add sausage.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Materials: Sweet potatoes, marshmallows, brown sugar.
Steps:
- Mash sweet potatoes with sugar.
- Top with marshmallows and bake.
Fun Twist: Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Pumpkin Soup
Materials: Pumpkin, cream, spices.
Steps:
- Blend cooked pumpkin with cream.
- Add spices and heat.
Fun Twist: Garnish with roasted seeds.
Apple Crisp
Materials: Apples, oats, butter.
Steps:
- Mix apples with oats and butter.
- Bake until bubbly.
Fun Twist: Add ice cream.
Thanksgiving Punch
Materials: Apple cider, soda, cinnamon sticks.
Steps:
- Mix cider with soda.
- Add cinnamon sticks.
Fun Twist: Serve in a festive bowl.
Thanksgiving Games
Pin the Feather on the Turkey
Materials: Turkey picture, feathers, blindfold.
Steps:
- Blindfold participants.
- Let them pin a feather on the turkey.
Fun Twist: Blindfold while spinning.
Turkey Toss
Materials: Small bean bags, turkey targets.
Steps:
- Set up turkey targets.
- Toss bean bags into the targets.
Fun Twist: Add a timer for more excitement.
Thanksgiving Charades
Materials: Charades cards.
Steps:
- Act out Thanksgiving-related words.
- Guess the word.
Fun Twist: Use Thanksgiving food as words.
Turkey Relay Race
Materials: Relay race equipment.
Steps:
- Set up a relay race.
- Pass a turkey-shaped baton.
Fun Twist: Do the race with funny obstacles.
Pumpkin Roll Race
Materials: Small pumpkins.
Steps:
- Race pumpkins down a track.
- The first one to finish wins.
Fun Twist: Use spoons to guide the pumpkins.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Materials: Bingo cards, prizes.
Steps:
- Play a Thanksgiving-themed Bingo game.
- Give out small prizes.
Fun Twist: Offer a grand prize.
Guess the Thanksgiving Food
Materials: Blindfold, food items.
Steps:
- Blindfold participants.
- Let them guess Thanksgiving foods by taste.
Fun Twist: Make it a timed challenge.
Thanksgiving Pictionary
Materials: Pictionary board.
Steps:
- Draw Thanksgiving-related items for others to guess.
Fun Twist: Set a time limit for each round.
Turkey Bowling
Materials: Plastic bottles, ball.
Steps:
- Set up turkey pins.
- Roll the ball to knock them down.
Fun Twist: Add a prize for the highest score.
Pumpkin Hunt
Materials: Small pumpkins, clues.
Steps:
- Hide small pumpkins around the yard.
- Give clues to find them.
Fun Twist: Add riddles as clues.
Thanksgiving Nature Walk Activities
Leaf Rubbing
Materials: Paper, leaves, crayons.
Steps:
- Place a leaf under the paper.
- Rub the crayon over it.
Fun Twist: Try using different leaves for variety.
Nature Bingo
Materials: Bingo cards.
Steps:
- Walk through nature and mark off what you see.
- Fill the card first to win.
Fun Twist: Make your own bingo card.
Acorn Collection
Materials: Basket.
Steps:
- Walk around and collect acorns.
- Create a project with them later.
Fun Twist: Try sorting them by size or color.
Wildlife Spotting
Materials: Binoculars.
Steps:
- Take a walk and look for animals.
- Mark down what you see.
Fun Twist: Draw pictures of the animals.
Nature Art
Materials: Leaves, twigs, paper.
Steps:
- Collect natural items and create art.
Fun Twist: Make a nature collage.
Fall Color Walk
Materials: None.
Steps:
- Go for a walk and observe the fall colors.
Fun Twist: Take photos of colorful leaves.
Pinecone Bird Feeder
Materials: Pinecones, peanut butter, bird seed.
Steps:
- Spread peanut butter on pinecones.
- Roll in bird seed.
Fun Twist: Hang them outside and watch the birds.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Materials: List of items to find.
Steps:
- Go for a walk and find nature items.
- Mark off each item you find.
Fun Twist: Race to see who finds all items first.
Rock Painting
Materials: Small rocks, paint.
Steps:
- Paint pictures on the rocks.
- Leave them outside for others to find.
Fun Twist: Hide the painted rocks as a game.
Leaf Boat Race
Materials: Leaves, sticks.
Steps:
- Make boats from leaves.
- Race them in a stream or pond.
Fun Twist: Add a race timer.
Thanksgiving Cooking Projects
Pumpkin Pie
Materials: Pumpkin, pie crust, sugar, spices.
Steps:
- Mix pie filling and pour into the crust.
- Bake until set.
Fun Twist: Add whipped cream.
Cinnamon Apples
Materials: Apples, cinnamon, sugar.
Steps:
- Slice apples and coat with cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake until soft.
Fun Twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Turkey Cupcakes
Materials: Cupcakes, frosting, candy eyes.
Steps:
- Frost cupcakes like a turkey.
- Add candy eyes and feathers.
Fun Twist: Make mini turkey cupcakes.
Mashed Potatoes
Materials: Potatoes, butter, cream.
Steps:
- Mash potatoes with butter and cream.
- Season to taste.
Fun Twist: Top with cheese.
Cranberry Sauce
Materials: Cranberries, sugar, water.
Steps:
- Boil cranberries with sugar and water.
- Let it thicken.
Fun Twist: Add orange zest.
Stuffing
Materials: Bread, stock, herbs.
Steps:
- Toast bread and mix with stock and herbs.
- Bake until crispy.
Fun Twist: Add sausage.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Materials: Sweet potatoes, marshmallows, brown sugar.
Steps:
- Mash sweet potatoes with sugar.
- Top with marshmallows and bake.
Fun Twist: Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Pumpkin Soup
Materials: Pumpkin, cream, spices.
Steps:
- Blend cooked pumpkin with cream.
- Add spices and heat.
Fun Twist: Garnish with roasted seeds.
Apple Crisp
Materials: Apples, oats, butter.
Steps:
- Mix apples with oats and butter.
- Bake until bubbly.
Fun Twist: Add ice cream.
Thanksgiving Punch
Materials: Apple cider, soda, cinnamon sticks.
Steps:
- Mix cider with soda.
- Add cinnamon sticks.
Fun Twist: Serve in a festive bowl.
Simple Turkey Project Ideas for School
Here are simple turkey project ideas for school:
Thankful Turkey
Materials: Paper, markers, glue.
Steps:
- Write what you are thankful for on paper feathers.
- Glue the feathers to a turkey shape.
Turkey Collage
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, paper.
Steps:
- Cut out pictures from magazines.
- Glue them onto a turkey shape.
Disguise a Turkey
Materials: Paper turkey, markers, craft supplies.
Steps:
- Decorate the turkey to look like something fun.
- Use markers and craft supplies to add details.
Turkey Handprint Art
Materials: Paper, markers, glue.
Steps:
- Trace your hand on paper to make turkey feathers.
- Glue the handprints to a turkey body.
Turkey Puppet
Materials: Paper bag or sock, markers, glue, googly eyes.
Steps:
- Decorate a paper bag or sock to look like a turkey.
- Add googly eyes, feathers, and a beak.
Turkey Facts Poster
Materials: Paper, markers.
Steps:
- Write fun facts about turkeys on a poster.
- Draw or color a turkey on the poster.
These projects are simple and fun!
Easy Family Turkey Project Ideas
Here are some easy family turkey project ideas:
Thankful Turkey
Materials: Paper, markers, glue.
Steps:
- Write what each family member is thankful for on paper feathers.
- Glue the feathers to a turkey shape.
Turkey Handprint Art
Materials: Paper, markers, glue.
Steps:
- Trace each family member’s hand on paper to make turkey feathers.
- Glue the handprints around a turkey body.
Disguise a Turkey
Materials: Paper turkey, markers, craft supplies.
Steps:
- Each family member decorates a turkey to look like something fun (e.g., a superhero, animal).
- Add details with markers and craft supplies.
Turkey Collage
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, paper.
Steps:
- Cut out pictures from magazines.
- Glue the pictures onto a turkey shape.
Turkey Puppet
Materials: Paper bag or sock, markers, glue, googly eyes.
Steps:
- Decorate a paper bag or sock to make a turkey puppet.
- Add googly eyes and feathers.
These ideas are simple and fun for the whole family!
Family Turkey Project Ideas for Preschoolers
Here are easy turkey project ideas for preschoolers:
Handprint Turkey
Materials: Paper, paint.
Steps:
- Paint your child’s hand and press it on paper.
- Glue a turkey body and attach the handprints.
Paper Plate Turkey
Materials: Paper plate, markers, paper, glue.
Steps:
- Color the paper plate for the turkey’s face.
- Cut paper feathers and glue them on.
Cotton Ball Turkey
Materials: Cotton balls, paper, glue.
Steps:
- Glue cotton balls on paper to make the turkey body.
- Draw or cut out a turkey head and glue it on.
Turkey Collage
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue.
Steps:
- Cut pictures from magazines.
- Glue them on a turkey shape.
Turkey Hat
Materials: Paper, scissors, glue.
Steps:
- Make a paper hat by gluing a strip of paper.
- Cut out feathers and glue them on top.
These projects are simple and fun for preschoolers!
How do you disguise a turkey as Elsa?
To disguise a turkey as Elsa:
- Make a Blue Dress – Cut blue paper and glue it around the turkey’s body.
- Add a Cape – Cut shiny paper or fabric and attach it to the back for the cape.
- Draw Snowflakes – Use a white crayon or glitter to add snowflakes on the dress.
- Create Hair – Use cotton balls or yellow paper for Elsa’s hair and glue it on the turkey.
- Add a Crown – Make a crown with paper or stickers and put it on the turkey’s head.
Your turkey is now Elsa!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Family Turkey Project Ideas are a great way to have fun together during the holidays. You can make simple crafts like paper turkeys, handprint art, or decorations for your home.
These activities also let you share Thanksgiving stories, teach kids about the holiday, and celebrate your family traditions. They help create special memories and bring everyone closer. So, gather your family, get creative, and enjoy spending time together!