Fun Thanksgiving Group Games For The Whole Family or Classroom
Raise your hand if you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving and thought, okay… now what do we do once everyone’s eaten their weight in turkey and the kids are bouncing off the walls? 🙋♀️ Yep, keeping a crowd entertained, whether it’s your family, your classroom, or your in-laws who came hungry and opinionated, can feel like a bigger challenge than roasting the turkey.
That’s where the Thanksgiving Left Right Game swoops in like a perfectly timed pumpkin pie.
It’s silly, easy to play, and fun for literally all ages (yes, even Grandpa who “doesn’t play games”).
This little story-based game is the perfect recipe for laughter, bonding, and keeping everyone happily busy while the gravy stains have a chance to set.
I’ve used this silly story game in my classroom and for parties with the family, and let me tell you, it’s equal parts chaos and giggles, and 100% kid-approved.
Plus, it’s so easy to set up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been playing it every year.
I’ve even got a free printable version ready for you to grab, so there’s literally no prep involved.
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What’s A Thanksgiving Left-Right Story Game?
So, what is a Thanksgiving Left Right Story Game anyway?
Think of it as the ultimate mashup of story time and a gift exchange with a side of giggles.
Some folks call it “Pass the Parcel,” “Pass the Gift,” or even “Pass the Prize”, but no matter the name, the idea is the same.
Everyone starts with a small goodie in their hands (or you can use 1 big prize), and as a silly Thanksgiving-themed story is read aloud, you pass your prize to the left or right every time you hear those words.
By the end of the story, whatever you’re holding is yours to keep!
It’s equal parts chaos and charm, and the best part? It works for classrooms, family gatherings, or even Friendsgiving, basically anywhere you’ve got a mix of kids and grown-ups who need something fun to do between turkey and dessert.
Thanksgiving Pass The Prize Variations
One of my favorite things about the Thanksgiving Left Right Game is how easy it is to make it your own. The classic version has everyone passing around little prizes or treats, but you can totally mix it up.
Try the Pass the Pumpkin variation, where instead of individual prizes, you pass around a mini pumpkin (or even a stuffed one!) while the story is read. Whoever ends up with it at the end gets a special prize.
Another fun twist?
Wrap a gift several times in layers of tissue or wrapping paper.
Each time the story says left or right, the player holding it unwraps one layer.
Pro tip: make sure you count how many LEFTs and RIGHTs are in the story so it lines up with the final reveal.
It adds a little extra suspense and gets everyone cheering each time a new layer comes off!
Thanksgiving Graitude Left-Right Game
In this version, if you end up with the prize after each left/right, you’ll share something you’re grateful for.
Thanksgiving Left-Right Game Prizes
Your Thanksgiving prizes will be age-dependent, of course, but you definitely can’t go wrong with some chocolate or candy.
Here are some little prize ideas if you’ve got lots of kiddos and need to stretch the budget:
- Thanksgiving Mug filled with little treats
- Cute Crochet Thankful Turkey
- Fuzzy Thanksgiving Socks
- How To Catch A Turkey Book (if you’ve got kids playing)
- Gratitude Journal
- Kids Gratitude Journal
Thanksgiving Left- Right Game FREE Printable
The beauty of this game is that you don’t need much, just a few simple things you probably already have left around the house (see what I did there?). Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:
- A Thanksgiving Left Right story – You can grab my free printable version below!
- Small prizes or treats – Think dollar store finds, candy, stickers, mini toys, or little Thanksgiving trinkets
- Optional pumpkin or wrapped gift – For those fun variations we talked about!
- A circle of players – Family, friends, students… basically anyone who can tell their left from their right (or at least try)
- Your best storyteller voice – The sillier the better! Dramatic turkey impressions highly encouraged.
That’s it! With a story, a few prizes, and some eager hands ready to pass, you’re all set for an easy, laughter-filled Thanksgiving activity everyone will love.
You can grab my free Thanksgiving Left Right game below by clicking the download button.
Just download, print and enjoy!
The free version has about 27 Left-Right passes in the game.
If you want a game that goes longer, I do have another original 2-page story with over 50 passes that’s also a lot of fun.
This one is the premium or paid version.
If you’re interested in this one, you can check it out here.
Otherwise, let’s move on to our awesome free Thanksgiving Left-Right Game
More Thanksgiving Printables & Activities
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Fun Thanksgiving Would You Rather Game
Wrapping Up Thanksgiving Pass The Pumpkin Game
When it comes to Thanksgiving fun, the Left Right Game checks all the boxes, it’s simple, screen-free, laughter-filled, and totally family-friendly.
Whether you’re wrangling a classroom full of excited students or hosting a house packed with relatives, this easy game turns downtime into fun time faster than you can say “pass the pumpkin!”
It’s one of those rare activities where everyone, kids, teens, parents, and grandparents, can join in and actually enjoy it together.
So grab your free printable Thanksgiving Left Right Game, gather your crew, and get ready to pass, giggle, and gobble your way through a memory-making moment.
Because at the end of the day, games like this remind us that the best part of Thanksgiving isn’t just the feast, it’s the laughter and gratitude we share right here, together.