7 Ways to Entertain a Toddler on Thanksgiving

Offer Festive Activities

Prepping Thanksgiving dinner is always a process, and there's a good chance your toddler is going to want to help. Set up a place to play near the action, and be prepared with a basket of festive activities that will keep them busy with new trinkets and toys.

No need to go overboard—Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages that can be downloaded and printed from your home computer, as well as turkey stickers and other art supplies, should do the trick. 

Let Them Help With a Project

Keeping your toddler out of the kitchen and your hair might actually be impossible, so plan for this by having a simple cooking project ready for your child to participate in. Find ways to cook with your toddler that are safe and fun. Just make sure you also plan for the inevitable mess and clean up. 

Get Them Outside

If there are other adults in the house to help you manage your toddler, enlist them to take your toddler out for a few hours. Getting your toddler outside and playing will help them burn off some energy, which will also help ensure a good nap and a pleasant demeanor for family and friends who come to celebrate the holiday with you.

Watch a Themed Movie

If screen time is a special treat for your toddler, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to allow it—and it will help you get some work done while your toddler is busy watching. There are plenty of kid-friendly Thanksgiving movies and shows, many featuring your toddler's favorite characters. 

Make an Easy Thanksgiving Craft

Thanksgiving-themed crafts abound on the Internet. Choose an age-appropriate craft that allows you to be as hands-off as possible, and set up materials in advance. You can listen to your child's chatter, offer suggestions, and ask questions while you work.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Many people tune in to one of the country's longest-running holiday traditions—the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. Unless you live in New York City and can attend the parade in person, you can watch it on TV. The three-hour-long event wows little ones with songs, balloons, floats, and performances—even if it may not hold their attention the entire time. 

Let Them Make Their Own Feast

Toddlers love to copy whatever their parents are doing, so set up an area where they can make a pretend Thanksgiving feast of their own. If you have a play kitchen with pretend food, this is a great time to encourage them to use it. You can also get out extra bowls, pans, and (safe) utensils, and let your toddler mimic what you're cooking up in the kitchen.