Putting together a turkey game for kids this Thanksgiving? We have you covered with an easy—and pretty hilarious—idea!
The best part? Kids get to make their own turkey first and THEN turn it into a game. It’s a Thanksgiving craft and kids’ activity rolled into one.
You’ll make a simple turkey paddle using a plate or cardboard, colorful construction paper, and a jumbo craft stick. Then grab a balloon and let the Thanksgiving fun begin!
This is an easy activity for Thanksgiving parties, classroom celebrations, family gatherings, or just keeping the kids entertained while everyone waits for dinner.
What You’ll Need for This Turkey Game
You only need a handful of basic craft supplies:
- Paper plate or cardboard
- Autumn/fall construction paper
- Jumbo craft stick or fan handle
- Glue
- Balloons
- Scissors
- Black marker, optional
You probably already have several of these supplies hiding somewhere in your craft drawer.
If not, I’ve included a couple of easy options below.
Grab jumbo craft sticks for the turkey handles here!
Grab a pack of colorful balloons for the game here!
How to Make Your Turkey Paddle
Now that you have the supplies out of the way, you’re ready to make your turkey craft!
First, glue the jumbo craft stick or fan handle to the back of the plate. This will become the handle kids use to hold their turkey.
You could also cut a circle or oval out of cardboard instead of using a paper plate.
Second, cover the plate with brown construction paper to create the turkey’s head and body.
Next, cut out white and black circles for the turkey’s eyes.
Add a yellow beak and a red wattle underneath.
Finally, cut colorful turkey feathers from construction paper and glue them to the back of the plate.
We used yellow, orange, red, and green feathers, but let the kids get creative! There really isn’t a wrong way to make these little turkeys.
At this point, you could stop and use this as a cute Thanksgiving turkey craft for kids.
But where’s the fun in stopping there?
We’re turning these turkeys into a game!
Turn Your Turkey Craft Into a Thanksgiving Game
The only extra thing you need is…
A balloon! 🎈
And this is where our simple Thanksgiving craft turns into a hilarious turkey balloon swat game.
Think balloon tennis—but instead of rackets, everyone has homemade turkeys.
I mean, obviously. 😂
My kiddos had fun playing this DIY turkey game for quite a while! It made them laugh when the balloon would hit the feathers and was still returned to the other player. Also, the turkeys held up well for every round.
How to Play the Turkey Balloon Game
Have two players stand across from each other with their turkey paddles.
One player starts by gently swatting the balloon toward the other player using the turkey.
The second player tries to swat it back before it hits the floor.
Keep going back and forth until somebody misses!
Simple Scoring
When a player misses the balloon and it touches the ground, the other player earns one point.
The first player to reach 10 points wins!
For younger kids, forget about keeping score altogether. Just see how long they can keep the balloon in the air.
You can also have several kids stand in a circle and work together to keep the balloon from touching the floor.
My kiddos had fun playing this DIY turkey game for quite a while!
One of their favorite parts was when the balloon would hit the turkey’s feathers and somehow STILL make it back to the other player. 😂
Even better, our homemade turkeys held up surprisingly well through round after round.
More Ways to Play
Once the kids understand the basic game, try switching things up.
Have them play while sitting down, use only one hand, move farther apart after every successful hit, or see how many times they can hit the balloon without letting it touch the floor.
You could even divide kids into teams for a Thanksgiving classroom game or party challenge.
For another ridiculously easy activity, try these Thanksgiving Would You Rather questions. They’re great when you need something that doesn’t require much setup.
And if you’ve got a group that’s ready to MOVE, First We Gobble, Then We Wobble is another silly Thanksgiving game to add to your list.
When to Play This Turkey Game
This easy turkey game works especially well for:
- Thanksgiving classroom parties
- Family Thanksgiving gatherings
- Kids’ Thanksgiving tables
- Homeschool activities
- Fall festivals
- Church Thanksgiving parties
- Family game nights
- Thanksgiving playdates
Because kids make the turkey themselves first, you’re getting both a Thanksgiving craft and game without having to plan two completely different activities.
That’s a win in my book!
More Thanksgiving Games for Kids
Want to keep the kids entertained?
Check out more of our Thanksgiving party games for easy activities the whole family can enjoy.
You can also try Roll a Turkey for another turkey-themed activity.
Or keep everyone laughing with our Thanksgiving Would You Rather Game.
Save This Turkey Game for Thanksgiving
Whether you use it as a Thanksgiving craft, a classroom activity, or a silly family competition, this DIY turkey game for kids is an easy way to add a little extra fun to your celebration.
Make the turkeys.
Blow up the balloon.
Then see who can keep that thing off the floor the longest. 😂🦃
Save this turkey game on Pinterest so you’ll have it ready for Thanksgiving!
