Thanksgiving Kids Table Ideas

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching – and if you haven’t already been thinking about it and putting a game plan together, it’s about time to start. Last week on the blog I shared with you my hostess guide to survive hosting Thanksgiving. (If you haven’t read that yet, go read it HERE.) One of my top tips for hosting Thanksgiving was to create some sort of easy kids table in order to keep the kids busy.

Having a small kids table set up with Thanksgiving themed activities is a great way to make the holiday extra special for your little ones (and maybe teaching them what the holiday is all about!) Meanwhile, a kids table keeps the kids busy and allow the adults to be able to dive into quality conversation while keeping the kids out of the kitchen while you’re prepping dinner! Today on the blog, I can’t wait to share with you some Thanksgiving kids table ideas to help you make Thanksgiving extra special for your family this year.

READ ALSO: Your Hostess Guide to Survive Hosting Thanksgiving

Kids Table Ideas for Thanksgiving

I already know I’m going to be one of those super extra moms when it comes to making things special for my babies (and this blog post was super bittersweet to write with losing Layne this year!) But when it comes to making things special for your little ones this holiday season, please hear me when I say that it’s not about being a perfect Pinterest mom. If that’s not your thing, that’s okay!

Remember: It’s really about the heart – creating those precious moments that you’ll all savor for a lifetime.

When it comes to creating a kids table for Thanksgiving (or really any holiday), it really doesn’t have to be super elaborate or over-the-top. You can create a kids table very easily with things you already have around your home. Meanwhile, if you don’t have kids and need to go out and buy things to put together for a kids table, you could ideally put one together really inexpensively. Here are some ideas for putting together a Thanksgiving kids table the little ones will love!

Thanksgiving Kids Table Decorations

When it comes to decorating a kids table, I am all about functional decor. Small hands wander with curiosity, so it isn’t a good idea to dress up a kids table with anything you’d be upset with them messing with. (Inevitably, your back will be turned and things will happen!)

Speaking of messes, that is also why I always start off my kids tables with a kraft paper runner / table cloth. Not only does it protect your table against messes that will leave you in tears later, but it also makes it super easy to clean up. Just ball it up and throw it away! If you don’t have brown kraft paper, you can also grab a super inexpensive plastic tablecloth at Dollar Tree for $1. For this kids table (pictured below), I used leftover wrapping paper that I had. I dressed it up by writing “The ‘cool’ table” (because every kid wants to sit at the designated cool table.)

Meanwhile, love the idea of making a functional centerpiece with a tray / basket, mason jars, and markers and colored pencils. It makes everything easy to reach and easy to share with little ones working on their Thanksgiving themed activities and crafts. I also included napkins and plastic utensils for when mom and dad bring their dinner plates – allowing the kids table to be used the entire day. (Keeping the kid mess contained to one area!)

Lastly, who doesn’t love those swirly straws? These turkey shaped swirly straws are perfect for your Thanksgiving kids table this year. You can use the different colors to help the kids remember which drink is theirs. If you’re looking to cut out plastic, you could also use fun and festive paper straws.

Thanksgiving Kids Table Activities and Crafts

When it comes to finding activities and crafts for a kids table, Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to go find inexpensive activities and seasonal coloring pages for kids to enjoy. At $1 each, I don’t feel like I’m breaking the bank getting a variety of different things (and enough for each kid to enjoy at the same time!) For this year I grabbed some coloring books and activity and sticker books as well as some other cards and board games.

You could also find an age-appropriate craft or activity idea on Pinterest to help teach your children to reflect on what their thankful for this season. Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving kids table activities that I saw on Pinterest:

Well there you have it, friends! I hope this inspires you in putting together a special kids table for your little ones this Thanksgiving. (Even Willie loved it!) Are you planning to do a kids table this year for the holidays? What’s your favorite thing to include with it? Let’s share the inspiration by leaving us a comment below!