Thanksgiving Games for Teens and Adults
Most Thanksgiving game lists are written for little kids, which leaves teens and adults sitting on their phones once the meal is over. Games for an older crowd work best when they are quick to explain, can be played in teams, and let people talk while they play. Trivia rounds, a gratitude or family-memory guessing game, and bingo played during the parade or football game all fit that pattern. Print everything before the day, keep pens and a timer in one spot, and plan one game for the lull between dinner and dessert, when energy usually drops. A short round of two or three games is usually plenty.
Practical tips
- Split into teams that mix ages and households so people mingle.
- Choose games that take under five minutes to explain.
- Run a trivia round between dinner and dessert.
- Play bingo during the parade or a football game so it runs in the background.
- Keep small prizes simple, such as first pick of pie or skipping dish duty.
- Print all game sheets the day before and keep them with pens in one box.
Frequently asked questions
What games do teens enjoy at Thanksgiving?
Fast, team-based games like trivia, guessing games and bingo tend to work well because they are social and do not feel childish.
How long should Thanksgiving games last?
Two or three short games of about 10 to 20 minutes each is usually enough for most gatherings.
Do we need any supplies?
Printed game sheets, pens and a timer cover most party games; a phone timer works fine.