As the holiday season approaches, the pressure to get everything in order can be overwhelming. Between coordinating schedules, traveling, preparing, and managing the chaos that comes with it, it’s no wonder why many of us feel stressed out. And then there are the kids. However, this doesn’t mean that quality time with little ones has to take a backseat.
In fact, incorporating some fun and engaging Thanksgiving art activities for toddlers can be a great way to create lasting memories while keeping things simple and stress-free. This way, older siblings can even pitch in by helping to supervise or cheer on the younger ones as adults tackle tasks from grocery shopping to meal prep.
Turkey Juice Box Craft
In our household, festive flair is always on display. One fun way we like to get into the holiday spirit is by creating special treats with a touch of whimsy – namely, juice box crafts. When it comes to special dinners for kids, we often take things up a notch by dressing up the humble juice boxes themselves. This clever hack not only adds a pop of color to the table but also helps mask any overly bright labels, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the festivities.
Paper Plate Turkey
In the realm of toddler crafting, paper plates are a staple, and what better way to utilize them during the Thanksgiving season than by creating a turkey. This craft offers a unique opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity independently, making it an appealing option for parents seeking engaging activities. Unlike traditional hand-crafted turkeys, this method provides a simplified and more manageable experience for children, allowing them to express themselves freely.
Turkey Colouring Pages
To spark creativity quickly, consider printing a collection of turkey or Thanksgiving-themed coloring sheets. This approach is likely to captivate kids’ attention right away, as the abundance of characters and coloring options will keep them engaged for an extended period.
Candy Corn Turkey Cookies
A standout fine motor activity for young learners is crafting candy corn turkey cookies. To get started, gather the following ingredients: candy corn, pretzels, Oreos, and candy eyes with pupils. This project offers a unique combination of creativity, problem-solving, and patience as children work through each step to bring their turkey cookie creations to life, and let’s be honest – the best part is definitely indulging in the fruits of your labor once you’re finished.
The process of making these tasty treats not only develops important motor skills but also encourages critical thinking and self-confidence.
Fall Toddler Craft
Embrace the tactile nature of fall with an abstract toddler craft that leverages the versatility of sponge brushes. To get started, present your little ones with a medley of autumn hues and a collection of soft, spongy tools. Let their creativity shine as they bring the colors to life, experimenting with texture and pattern as they go.
Construction Paper Turkey
Looking to add some seasonal charm to your holiday gifts. Consider creating a unique and personalized construction paper turkey with the kids. This project is a great way to get creative and make it a fun and interactive experience for the whole family. To make this adorable gift, start by tracing the hands of each child onto construction paper to create the turkey’s body. Then, have them decorate their hand-tracings with markers, stickers, or any other craft supplies they like.
Take it to the next level by having the kids cut out their hand-tracings themselves. This will not only add a personal touch but also help develop their fine motor skills and sense of accomplishment.
Thanksgiving Dot Marker Activity
To add some independence to your art time and keep things engaging, consider incorporating dot marker activities into your lesson plan. When it comes to creating Turkey Day-inspired artwork, having a variety of pre-printed image templates on hand can be especially helpful for young artists.
Thanksgiving Number Sense
Transform learning into a fun-filled experience this Thanksgiving by incorporating a themed number sense activity with your kiddos. Whether it’s a readily available resource or something you craft together, the excitement of the upcoming holiday season can spark enthusiasm for numbers and beyond. The turkey and pumpkin-themed activity will surely capture their imagination, making learning an enjoyable adventure.
Recycled Placemats
One effective approach to engaging children in holiday planning is to involve them in the decoration process. A fun and creative way to do this is by repurposing old, discarded materials into unique decorations. For example, kids can transform their favorite coloring pages from throughout the year or reuse other items that would otherwise be thrown away into one-of-a-kind placemats.
Pilgrim Craft
Create a timeless and engaging Thanksgiving craft with your toddlers by making Pilgrim hats that they can wear themselves. With their love for wearable art projects, it’s the perfect activity to get them excited for the holiday. Consider adding this project to your celebration plans this year.
Feather Turkey Craft
Transform your typical turkey into a stunning work of art with this engaging textured craft project. By adding vibrant feathers, you can elevate the classic design and create something truly unique. This activity is an excellent way to engage young children in creative expression during the holiday season, making it one of the most enjoyable Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers.
Yarn Wrapped Pumpkin Garland
Incorporating fine motor activities into your child’s daily routine is crucial for their overall physical development, regardless of the season. Why not make it a fun and festive experience by creating a yarn-wrapped pumpkin garland together? This simple yet engaging activity allows toddlers to practice their fine motor skills while adding a personal touch to your home decor.
With minimal supervision, older children can even help wrap the gourds before stringing them into a beautiful garland with the guidance of an adult or another skilled crafter.
Fall Suncatchers
For a fun and engaging arts and crafts project, consider having children create their own suncatchers. This activity encourages creativity and critical thinking as kids design and construct their unique fall-themed suncatchers. Allow them to choose from various shapes and add some colorful or sparkly elements to make the transparent part of the suncatcher pop.
Clay Pot Turkeys
One creative way to get your kids involved in home decor is to create a fun clay pot turkey display. Start by collecting old pots that are no longer being used, or grab some at the end of the outdoor season. The beauty of this project lies in its versatility, as you can craft an entire family of turkeys depending on the sizes and shapes of the pots available.
Pumpkin Pinch Pot
This pumpkin pinch pot craft stands out to me as an excellent activity for several reasons. Not only does it provide a wonderful sensory experience for kids, but it also results in an adorable decorative piece that’s been lovingly created by your child. If you don’t already have some air dry clay on hand, I recommend picking up a tub of it so you can get started.
Turkey Treat Bags
Whether hosting a classroom party or a personal celebration with kids involved, this treat-filled goodie bag is an excellent addition to either scenario. The beauty lies in its versatility, allowing you to prepare it beforehand or during the event itself. To make it even more enjoyable, consider adding a few fun and interactive items within, such as candies, stickers, or small toys that can provide endless entertainment for the young attendees.
Pilgrim Creamer Bottle
Keep those empty creamer containers and turn them into adorable pilgrim crafts at a moment’s notice. This impromptu activity is perfect for keeping young minds engaged when unexpected tasks arise, ensuring you can tackle what needs to be done while keeping the little ones happy and occupied.
Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies
Make baking a fun family activity this Thanksgiving by involving your little ones in decorating these adorable turkey brownies. Let them get creative with adding candy corn, eyes, and frosting to bring the brownie’s facial features to life. It’s a simple yet delightful treat that’s sure to put everyone in a festive mood.
Colour by Number
For caregivers seeking a low-stress and effort-free solution, having a stash of ‘color by number’ activities at the ready is an excellent approach. This way, children can freely choose what they’d like to work on with their preferred coloring tools, allowing you to focus on other tasks without interruption.
String Art Paper Plate Pumpkin Craft
Give your traditional paper plate craft a creative twist by incorporating string into the activity. This simple addition can help children develop their fine motor skills while expressing themselves through unique designs.
Paper Roll Turkey
In the realm of toddler crafts, toilet paper or paper towel rolls have revolutionized the creative process – and with the Thanksgiving season approaching, transforming these humble materials into a festive turkey is an inspired move. While saving them for any project is always a good idea, using them to craft a turkey is a uniquely exciting option.
Turkey Colour Page
Live up your party decor with a creative twist. Encourage kids to bring out their artistic sides by coloring a classic turkey image. This fun activity not only adds a pop of color to the kids’ area but also lets them feel proud of their contributions to the celebration. Take it a step further by incorporating other iconic Thanksgiving symbols, such as cornucopias or pumpkins, to create a whimsical and festive atmosphere that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Turkey Hat Craft
Why not bring some playful charm to the month by crafting adorable turkey hats for children. These wearable art projects are sure to delight young minds, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Simply measure each child’s head to determine the correct width for the headband, then let their creativity shine by offering a range of color options for personalizing their feathers. The end result is a fun and festive accessory that’s perfect for any occasion.
Turkey Handprint Craft
When it comes to crafting with toddlers, handprint art is a timeless and versatile option that can be adapted to fit any holiday or occasion. For Thanksgiving specifically, the traditional turkey handprint craft is a staple, but this revamped version takes it to the next level. To give it a pop of color, consider having kids create their handprints on white paper, then let them get creative with markers and crayons to bring their turkey’s feathers to life.
Turkey Popsicle Stick Puppet
When it comes to keeping young minds entertained, puppet shows can be a reliable option. The simplicity of these puppets, which are typically attached to popsicle sticks, makes them accessible to younger kids. To ensure a smooth experience, prepare all the necessary materials in advance if you’re working with a large group or opt for a more structured approach when working with just a few children, breaking down the process into manageable steps.
Turkey Paper Bag Puppets
When it comes to creating a turkey puppet, an often overlooked yet excellent alternative is the turkey paper bag puppet. This creative endeavor utilizes everyday household items, such as paper bags, which can be repurposed for a fun and engaging toddler craft activity. To add some visual interest and tactile elements, consider using a pack of scissors with uniquely patterned cuts.
Each cut has its own distinct design, providing a range of options to create an array of textured feathers for your turkey puppet.
Pine Cone Turkey
As the seasons transition and holidays approach, take advantage of the pleasant weekends to venture outside with your little ones. Collecting pinecones can be a fun and engaging activity that yields creative rewards. With just a few simple steps, you can transform these natural treasures into charming turkey decorations or personalized name holders for a festive gathering. The best part: everyone’s a winner when these adorable projects come together.
For more fall crafts perfect for toddlers, explore our collection of seasonal activities.
Watercolour Turkey
When it comes to capturing the essence of turkeys, watercolor painting proves to be an ideal medium. The delicate, translucent quality of watercolors perfectly complements the intricate plumage of these magnificent birds. Each turkey’s feathers seem to blend together in a harmonious dance, making watercolor a natural fit for their unique characteristics.
This artistic approach can be adapted in countless ways – from techniques and tools to composition and construction – allowing each piece to reflect the individuality of its subject.
Matching Colours Paper Plate Turkey
Combine the festive spirit of holidays with the creative joy of academic art-based activities by trying out this engaging paper plate turkey craft. To add an extra layer of fun, make sure each feather on the turkey has a unique color to match, allowing kids to get creative and develop their matching skills. For this activity, you can use ripped-up construction paper, colorful confetti, or any other material that matches your desired hue.
This delightful indoor activity is perfect for toddlers on a rainy day, providing hours of entertainment while developing important fine motor skills.
Turkey Craft Napkin Rings
Elevate your dinner party or casual holiday gathering with whimsical kid-friendly touches. Utilize festive materials you have on hand, or purchase a pack of scrapbook paper to get started. To streamline the process, consider setting up an assembly line or tackling each step individually. Begin by preparing everything, followed by cutting out the desired elements, applying glue, attaching them to rings, and allowing time for the adhesive to dry.
Name Turkey Craft
This innovative art project, named after the festive turkey craft, presents an engaging way for students to develop their literacy skills by assigning letters to corresponding feathers based on a person’s name, the activity encourages letter and name recognition while fostering creativity. The final product, a charming little turkey, requires attention to detail as students double-check their work before gluing, making it a fun and educational experience.
Gratitude Tree
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity. However, taking a moment to reflect on what truly brings us joy is crucial – not just for our kids, but for ourselves as well. By modeling gratitude from the start, we can instill this valuable trait in our little ones. The ‘tree’ of appreciation can take many forms, adapted to suit your unique circumstances and those around you.
Harvest Sensory Bin
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and fast-paced nature of festivities. However, don’t forget to prioritize your toddler’s sensory needs amidst the chaos. A little R&R can go a long way in helping them release pent-up energy and regulate their emotions. To make sensory play even more engaging, incorporate festive fall and Thanksgiving-themed props to bring an extra layer of fun to the experience.
And if you’re looking for more ideas to keep your little one engaged, be sure to check out these additional fun and easy sensory activities designed specifically for toddlers.
Turkey Alphabet Sensory Bin
To add a playful twist to this activity, consider creating an alphabet-based sensory bin with a turkey theme. This can be achieved by incorporating letter recognition materials alongside adorable turkey figures, making for a fun and engaging experience that also promotes constructive learning.
Pinecone Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Before using nature items for crafts or collections, take a moment to engage your senses with them. This can be a wonderful way to encourage children to slow down and appreciate the textures, smells, and sounds of the natural world. In fact, this sensory experience can even serve as a calming activity during parties, requiring minimal cleanup while also adding a touch of festive flair to your decor.
Chalk Pastel Turkey
Embracing creativity, we’re going to flip the script on the traditional turkey craft by experimenting with different mediums. One innovative approach is using chalk pastels to bring your turkey to life. This unique method offers a fun and kid-friendly way to get creative indoors. To start, gather a vibrant pack of chalks that will add a pop of color to your masterpiece.
Crazy Turkey Printable
Crafting a simple yet creative turkey on construction paper is a delightful activity that can be enjoyed regularly. What sets this project apart is its versatility, allowing artists of all skill levels to bring their unique vision to life. From loose and carefree scribbles to intricate patterns and detailed designs, the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your turkey.
Picasso Turkey
The whimsical turkey craft is a crowd-pleaser among kids, thanks to its vibrant hues and quirky features. The level of engagement can vary depending on the child’s preferences – they might enjoy constructing the bird alongside an adult, or take pride in adding their own unique lines to bring it to life.
Footprint Turkey Art
While handprint turkeys are a beloved seasonal craft, why not mix things up with a unique footprint turkey instead? Before getting creative, make sure you’ve cleared a clean and functional space for the project, complete with a wash station for little feet to get messy. And don’t forget about those hands – this turkey’s body construction is just as important as its signature footprint.
Tie Dye Coffee Filter Turkey
A versatile household item that’s also an excellent medium for creative expression in toddlers is the humble coffee filter. Its ability to absorb and showcase vibrant colors makes it an ideal tool for producing striking tie-dye effects. This project’s simplicity and ease make it suitable for a single child or a group of children, making it an excellent choice for both home and classroom settings.
3-D Turkey Printable
For young children, 3D art projects are often a thrilling way to express their creativity. One such project that can be easily achieved by toddlers and others alike is a 3D turkey craft. To make this project even more accessible, you can either find printables online or get creative and develop your own unique interpretation of this fun and festive design.