Need a Thanksgiving game that gets the kids moving before everyone settles in for pie? This Chase the Turkey game turns a backyard chase into a silly turkey-catching challenge with paper turkeys, tape, and a T-shirt.
One player wears the turkeys while everyone else tries to collect them. The surprise? One turkey has a winning message hidden on the back!
It’s simple to set up, easy to play again, and gives your family a reason to yell “GET THAT TURKEY!” without anyone questioning your holiday hosting skills.
What Is Chase the Turkey?
Chase the Turkey is a Thanksgiving party game with a twist on tag. Instead of tagging another player, kids gently remove paper turkeys taped to a willing player’s shirt.
For the original version, write “YOU WON!” on the back of one turkey before attaching it. Once all the turkeys have been collected, players check the backs to find the winner.
The turkey runner could be a parent, teen, or older child who wants the role. Rotate players between rounds so nobody gets stuck being Thanksgiving’s most wanted poultry.
Supplies for the Chase the Turkey Game
You’ll need:
- Free turkey printable
- Printer and paper
- Scissors for an adult to cut out the turkeys
- Removable tape that works on the chosen shirt
- A comfortable T-shirt
- A marker
- An open playing area
- Optional small prize
Already have these supplies? You may be able to put the game together without buying anything.
REMOVABLE TAPE: “The turkeys need to stay on the shirt but come off with a gentle pull. Grab removable tape here, then test one paper turkey on your shirt before setting up the whole flock.”
BASIC T-SHIRT: “An extra shirt makes setup easier between rounds. Pick up a basic T-shirt for your turkey runner and have it ready before guests arrive.”
How to Make Chase the Turkey
1. Print and Cut Out the Turkeys
Download the free turkey printable and print enough copies for your group. Have an adult cut out the paper turkeys.
For your first round, try about two turkeys per catcher, then adjust based on how quickly the group collects them. That’s a starting suggestion, so use what suits your players and space.
2. Add the Secret Winning Message
Write “YOU WON!” on the back of one turkey. Leave the others blank, then mix them up before attaching them.
Keep the message hidden until the end of the round. Knowing who won too early takes some of the fun out of the big reveal!
3. Tape the Turkeys to the Shirt
Attach the paper turkeys to the back of the T-shirt with their pictures facing outward.
Leave an edge of each turkey free so players can grasp the paper without pulling the shirt. Avoid taping turkeys near the neck or anywhere that encourages players to reach toward the runner’s face.
Test one turkey first. It should come off with a light pull while leaving the shirt in place.
4. Choose Your Playing Area
Use a clear, level space with room for players to move. Point out the boundaries before starting and remove toys or other obstacles.
Choose a pace that works for the group. Walking is a good option for younger children or mixed ages. If you’re indoors, use a spacious, cleared area and keep the game walking-only.
How to Play Chase the Turkey
- Choose the turkey runner. Ask for a willing player to wear the prepared shirt.
- Explain the rules. Players collect paper turkeys, never grab clothing, and avoid pushing or tackling.
- Start the round. Call out, “Ready, set, GOBBLE!”
- Collect the turkeys. Catchers gently take one paper turkey at a time.
- Keep the round going. Players hold their turkeys with the backs hidden until the round ends.
- Reveal the winner. When all the turkeys are collected, everyone checks for the “YOU WON!” message.
- Reset and switch roles. Gather the turkeys, replace any torn ones, and prepare another round.
For a larger group, send out a few catchers at a time to keep everyone from crowding the runner. Give each small group a fresh setup and its own winning turkey.
Helpful host tip: Explain that the goal is to collect paper turkeys—not capture the person wearing them. We’re playing a Thanksgiving game, not auditioning for a wrestling championship.
6 Fun Chase the Turkey Game Variations
1. Gobble-and-Waddle Round
Everyone walks with their best turkey waddle. The runner can add a dramatic gobble whenever someone collects a turkey.
There is no graceful way to do this. That’s part of the appeal.
2. One-Turkey-Each Round
Give every catcher a turn to collect one turkey, then step aside. Prepare one turkey per catcher and check the hidden message after everyone has participated.
This version gives younger kids a chance without having to compete with faster siblings.
3. Team Turkey Challenge
Divide catchers into two teams. Send one player from each team into the playing area at a time. After collecting a turkey, that player returns and the next teammate takes a turn.
Once the turkeys are gone, the team holding the winning turkey wins. Keep turns short and give both teams the same number of chances.
4. Turkey Points Challenge
For a different scoring version, replace the winning message with point values on the backs of the turkeys.
Each catcher collects the same number of turkeys, then adds up their points. The highest total wins. Announce this rule before starting so nobody is searching for a winning message that isn’t there!
5. Thanksgiving Gratitude Turkeys
Write a simple prompt on the backs, such as:
- Name someone you’re thankful for.
- Share something that made you smile.
- What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?
- Name one kind thing someone did for you.
After the chase, invite players to answer a prompt. Anyone can pass. It’s a gentle way to settle down after the action.
6. No-Chase Turkey Pick
Have the turkey-shirt volunteer stand or sit while players take turns choosing one paper turkey. Place the turkeys where everyone can comfortably reach them.
Keep the hidden winning message for a surprise reveal. Players can also choose a turkey from a tray if reaching the shirt doesn’t work for them.
Easy Prize Ideas for the Winning Turkey
The winner can choose the next turkey runner, lead the next “Ready, set, GOBBLE!” countdown, or claim the title of Turkey Champion.
If you want a small physical prize, try:
- Fall stickers
- A mini coloring book
- A Thanksgiving pencil
- A small notebook
- An age-appropriate party favor
PRIZES: “Want a little prize without turning this into another holiday shopping project? Browse small Thanksgiving party favors and choose something that fits your players’ ages.”
Prizes are optional. A dramatic announcement of “ALL HAIL THE TURKEY CHAMPION!” can do plenty of heavy lifting.
Tips for Playing with Different Ages
Preschoolers: Use the walking version, small groups, and one-turkey-each turns. A stationary turkey pick also keeps the surprise without the chase.
Elementary-age kids: Start with the original rules, then try gobble-and-waddle or the team challenge.
Teens and adults: Invite them to volunteer as the runner or join a separate round. A grown adult trying to escape while wearing paper turkeys is already a Thanksgiving memory.
Mixed-age families: Group players by pace or use turn-taking so younger children have a fair chance.
Chase the Turkey Game FAQs
Is Chase the Turkey the same as turkey tag?
It’s a variation on a chase game. In this version, players collect removable paper turkeys from a shirt rather than tagging the person.
Can you play Chase the Turkey indoors?
Yes, if you have a spacious, cleared area. Use walking-only rules, small groups, or the no-chase version. A crowded room near the dinner table is better suited to a seated activity.
How many players do you need?
One willing turkey-shirt volunteer and at least one catcher can play. For larger groups, use small rounds so players have space to move.
What if the turkeys fall off before anyone catches them?
Try adjusting the tape or choosing a different shirt. Test the setup before the game. Agree beforehand whether fallen turkeys will be reattached or placed aside so players don’t scramble around the runner’s feet.
Can you reuse the paper turkeys?
Yes, if they’re still in good condition. Remove old tape carefully and replace torn turkeys. Mix them up again before each round to keep the winning message a surprise.
Do you need a prize?
No. The hidden winning turkey supplies the surprise, and the winner can choose the next game or enjoy the Turkey Champion title.
More Thanksgiving Activities to Keep the Fun Going
After the turkey chase, bring everyone back together for Thanksgiving Emoji Pictionary.
For another hands-on fall activity, try these easy pumpkin crafts for kids, or browse our party games for more ideas.
Save this Chase the Turkey game for Thanksgiving! Print your turkeys, pick a willing runner, and let the gobbling begin. Just make sure the person wearing the shirt knows they volunteered. Surprise poultry duty is a tough way to greet your guests.
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