thanksgiving activities for 3 year olds

3 min read 24-01-2025

Thanksgiving with toddlers? It can be a wonderfully heartwarming experience, but also a potential whirlwind of tiny hands, short attention spans, and the inevitable "I'm hungry!" moments. The key is to plan age-appropriate activities that capture the spirit of the holiday while keeping your little ones engaged and entertained. This guide provides fun and educational Thanksgiving activities perfect for 3-year-olds, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable Thanksgiving for everyone.

Sensory Thanksgiving Fun: Engaging All the Senses

Three-year-olds learn best through sensory experiences. These activities harness this learning style, making Thanksgiving both fun and educational:

1. Turkey Feather Sensory Bin:

What you'll need: A large bin, dried beans or rice (for a base), various colored feathers (craft store finds are ideal), small plastic turkeys, and scoops or cups.
How to play: Fill the bin with the beans/rice, add the feathers, and let your little one explore! They can bury and uncover the plastic turkeys, scoop the feathers, and generally enjoy the textural sensations. This activity fosters fine motor skills and imaginative play.

2. Corn Sensory Bag:

What you'll need: A Ziploc bag (sealable!), dried corn kernels, and food-safe paint (optional).
How to play: Fill the bag about ¾ full with corn kernels. For added fun, you can add a few drops of food-safe paint before sealing the bag. The corn’s texture and the subtle colors provide a calming and engaging sensory experience. Always supervise closely.

3. Pumpkin Sensory Play:

What you'll need: A small pumpkin (cooked and pureed), various textured items like spoons, cups, cookie cutters, etc.
How to play: Place the pumpkin puree in a shallow container and let your toddler explore! They can use the tools to scoop, spread, and mold the pumpkin, making it a fun tactile experience.

Creative Thanksgiving Crafts: Expressing Artistic Talents

Crafts are a fantastic way to engage 3-year-olds and help them express their creativity. These simple crafts are perfect for little hands:

1. Handprint Turkeys:

What you'll need: Construction paper, paint (brown, orange, red), googly eyes, and glue.
How to play: Have your toddler make handprints on the paper for the turkey's body. Add the head, wattle, and feet with additional paint or construction paper. Finally, glue on the googly eyes for a finishing touch.

2. Leaf Collages:

What you'll need: Collected autumn leaves (ensure they are clean and dry!), glue, and a large piece of construction paper.
How to play: Help your toddler arrange the leaves on the paper to create a beautiful autumn collage. This is a great way to introduce them to the colors and textures of fall.

3. Paper Plate Pilgrims:

What you'll need: Paper plates, crayons or markers, construction paper (black and brown), glue, and cotton balls.
How to play: Draw a pilgrim's hat and face on the paper plate. Cut out small black hats and buckles from construction paper and glue them onto the plate. Use cotton balls as the pilgrim’s hair.

Thanksgiving-Themed Books and Songs: Learning and Fun

Engaging your child with Thanksgiving-themed books and songs reinforces the holiday's spirit and enhances language development.

1. Read Thanksgiving Storybooks: Choose age-appropriate books about the history of Thanksgiving and the importance of gratitude. Plenty of delightful picture books are available at your local library.

2. Sing Thanksgiving Songs: Simple songs about turkeys, pilgrims, and autumn leaves are easy for 3-year-olds to learn and sing along to. You can find many on YouTube or create your own.

Making it a Family Affair: Including Your Little One in the Thanksgiving Feast Prep

Get your little one involved in age-appropriate Thanksgiving preparation! Let them help with simple tasks like washing vegetables (under supervision!), stirring ingredients, or setting the table. This fosters a sense of participation and belonging, making the Thanksgiving experience even more special.

Remember to keep the activities short, engaging, and fun! Prioritize safety and enjoyment, and allow your 3-year-old to lead the way. Happy Thanksgiving!