
Thanksgiving can be special day for young children and families. Special traditions, family gatherings, and big meals are staples of the holiday. Children love the food, festivities, and time at home with loved ones. Many families also have traditions of volunteering and giving back to the community. This year, consider practicing gratitude as a more regular routine — you can ask “Who are you grateful for?” every night before bed or at the dinner table. Encouraging thankfulness builds empathy and encourages kids to think about all the people who help them every day.
Thanksgiving: Practicing Gratitude and Honoring the Real Story
This Thanksgiving, help your child build critical thinking skills and give them a true understanding of all there is to be thankful for.

Helping Kids Express Gratitude

Make a Thankful Turkey
30 min activityMake a thankful turkey and talk about gratitude with this cute Thanksgiving craft!

Picture Books to Help You Slow Down and Say Thanks
This Thanksgiving, pick up a good book to read aloud with your children and start your own conversation about what makes you feel grateful.

Make a Gratitude Jar
This Thanksgiving, take some time to reflect on what you and your child are thankful for. Gather around to open your jar and read all of the reasons you have to be thankful!

Books to Inspire Gratitude
Thanksgiving can be a difficult concept for young kids to understand. Check out these books to help show your kids why being thankful is so important.

Thanksgiving Thankful Notes
This Thanksgiving, try these personal thankful notes as a way to teach your child about being truly thankful.

Finding Gratitude During Difficult Times
Acknowledge and cultivate feelings of gratitude in your family this holiday season.

Thankful Tree
45 min activityCelebrate what you're thankful for by creating a festive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Raising Grateful Kids: Why Giving Thanks Is Good for the Soul
Gratitude is good for you — and for your kids. Here are helpful tips for raising grateful kids.

Make a Grateful Garland With Your Family
30 min activityExplore all there is to be thankful for with a festive and fun gratitude garland!
Family Traditions

Simple Family-friendly Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving offers the perfect opportunity to take a moment and be grateful. Learn how these families made special traditions of their own.

Learn About Relatives as a Super Sleuth
This holiday season, encourage your child to mingle and learn her family history by having her become a super sleuth.

7 Fun Photo Ideas to Try With Your Family
It can be difficult capturing the perfect family photo with everyone smiling at once. Try these fun tricks to capture the spirit of your family instead!

My Special People Activity Sheet
Make an award to give to someone special to you!

Sharing Stories Activity
Learn more about your family and friends with this collaborative storytelling activity.

Create Your Own “My Family Traditions” Book
30 min activityExplore family and culture by making a story book about your family traditions.
Thanksgiving Crafts

Leaf Napkin Ring
30 min activityTurn some index cards and a paper towel roll into Leaf Art Napkin Rings this Thanksgiving in just a few simple steps!

Harvest Shakers
Make it then shake it! Create two to make a musical duo and have twice the fun.

Turkey Finger Puppets
Create fun turkey finger puppets to entertain your Thanksgiving guests!

Fall Leaf Suncatcher
Capture the beauty of fall by adding some handmade decor to your house.

Thanksgiving Estimation Jars
Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pumpkin pie, it's about math!

Make a Fall Leaf Color Wheel Wreath
30 min activitySort fall leaves by color and then create a beautiful decoration for your home.
Thanksgiving Recipes

Make Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
40 min activityAdd a new family tradition to your Thanksgiving meal by making these delicious cheesy bacon brussels sprouts.

Leftover Turkey Cyber-Soup
Learn how to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a brand new meal with Chef Marcus Samuelsson's Cyberchase recipe.

Spiced Oatmeal Muffins
30 min activityIt seems like everyone in Qyah loves spiced oatmeal muffins! This hearty and healthy snack will power your child’s daily adventures.
