6 Fun Things To Do With Your Family Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is such a special time—everyone’s finally together, the pace slows down, and the house feels extra warm and lively. After the big meal (and maybe a little too much pie!), it’s nice to have simple, no-fuss activities on hand that bring everyone together.

Here are some things to do with your family Thanksgiving weekend that we like to do.

1. Play Cards and Board Games

This is the perfect time to dust off those classic games. Or buy new…many are inexpensive.

• Rummikub (I sent this to my cousin and it arrived the next day–in fact, you can have many of these games tomorrow with Amazon Prime),
• Scrabble (we love this and sprung for the deluxe version),
• UNO,
• Magnetic Folding Chess,
• Classic Edition Clue,
• Yahtzee,
• Monopoly (it can get a little too competitive between our son and son-in-law),
• or even a good old-fashioned deck of cards (we like to play Gin or Gin Rummy).

It’s a great way to get everyone laughing, engaging, and off their screens for a bit.

2. Take A Walk With a Portable Speaker

Bundle up (depending on where you live) and head outside for a refreshing walk. Bring along a portable speaker (this was our son’s idea that started when he would come home from college) and play a “feel-good oldies” playlist—songs everyone knows and loves. Let each family member choose a song to add. It’s amazing how music can spark stories and memories along the way.

3. Host a Leftover Turkey Sandwich Contest

Turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into a fun competition! Set out all the fixings:

• stuffing,
• cranberry sauce,
• lettuce,
• sliced tomatoes,
• pickles,
• cheeses,
• crispy bacon,
• condiments like mayo, mustard, olive salad (like for muffulettas)
• different breads like Hawaiian rolls and sliced sourdough

Challenge everyone to build their best leftover turkey sandwich. Create categories like:

• Most Creative
• Most Delicious
• Best Use of Cranberry Sauce
  Everyone wins because… sandwiches.

My sister, Teresa and son, Tommy have been past winners.

4. Go Bowling (Make Reservations!)

Bowling is a nostalgic, all-ages outing that always brings out the laughter. It’s also a good way to move a little after Thursday’s big meal. Bowling alleys are especially busy Thanksgiving weekend, so be sure to book your lane in advance.

We have a fun new bowling alley in Jacksonville that everyone likes.

5. Play Pickleball, Basketball or other Sport

Who cares about your skill level…just have fun.

6. Watch Favorite Movies (For Kids and Adults)

Create a cozy movie night (or afternoon!) at home. Bring out the comfy throws, light a candle or two, and pop some popcorn.

Great Picks for Kids (with assistance from my granddaughter):

• Home Alone
• Frozen
• Beauty And The Beast
• The Lion King
• The Little Mermaid

Fun Picks for Adults:

• You’ve Got Mail
• The Holiday
• Knives Out
• Planes, Trains And Automobiles
• Father of the Bride

Combine one from each list and make it a family-friendly double feature.

Enjoy the Time Together

Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. Sometimes the simplest activities—walking, playing games, watching a movie—are the ones that create the memories we talk about for years. Wishing you and your family a joyful, fun, and relaxing holiday weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU, dear friend. I appreciate you everyday.